Duff Bakes: Think and Bake Like a Pro at Home

I expected more information about building and decorating cakes, as Duff is known for. Regardless, I do appreciate the new recipes and detailed instructions.

I have not tried the recipes in this cookbook yet, but will review again when I do. I took two days to read the entire cookbook, to get acquainted with it, see the kinds of recipes they chose to put in the cookbook, read how they developed the instructions, and finally to see how doable and at what level of experience these recipes were directed. This cookbook is directed at pretty much all levels. There are recipes for the novice, and the very experienced baker as well, but you do not have to be very experienced, as the directions are so well written that it would be hard not to get great results--except for the Piped Henna Cake. That one is so very detailed and intricate that I am not sure I even want to make it. But....it is there, for those who do. How nice is that? I may get to it someday, but meanwhile, there are so many other things to make. Let's start with the Popcorn Ball recipe that would make children so happy, as well as adults. Duff says, "They are a variation on Rice Krispie treats." So they seem to be. I can see lining your kids up at a table and giving each one measuring cups of their own particular ingredients of peanut butter, milk chocolate chips, and marshmallows, along with a big bowl to put them in. The older child could cook the sugar mixture. The middle child could measure out the 1 gallon + 1 quart of popcorn (not to worry they tell you it is 20 cups!). Then when done making the baseball shape popcorn balls, you put them into cupcake pans to shape and set them up. A warning not to refrigerate and why you shouldn't refrigerate the popcorn balls, is also included. That was a recipe that was really well thought out and written. The beautiful color picture is gorgeous too. Then, there are options, which they have throughout the book. If you want your popcorn balls with savory flavors, you can do that too. Another recipe, Vegan Chocolate-Avacado Cake is so pretty and so very moist looking. For health reasons I used to be Vegan, and I must say, I am going to make this cake. I used to make a vegan mousse with dates and avocado that was to die for, so this recipe has to be terrific. There are vegan, gluten-free as well as full-on, full-fat recipes for those who want the real deal. There are chocolate, white, vanilla, angel food, coconut meringue, carrot, hummingbird, red velvet, cheesecake and the various frostings and "goo" as they call them. There are Swiss Buttercreams, Cream Cheese Frosting, American Buttercream, Ganache, Royal Icing, fillings, pudding, pastry cream, fondant, pastillage or gum paste with directions for rolling roses that seem pretty dog-gone easy. Duff's Hot Pickled Pepper-Corn Muffins looks terrific with the addition of Pepperoncini. I can't wait to make that. Pumpkin Bread, Cinnamon Coffeecake, Challah, Matzah, Lavash and even Sourdough Bread. There are more I haven't mentioned all lovingly written to help you succeed. Take Duff's Good-A** Fudge...In the directions he says, "Stir and cook just until the mixture is combined, then stop stirring. Don't mess with it!" I love those kinds of directions because you totally know what to do. The fudge looks fabulous too. I have been collecting cookbooks for decades. Why would I want this in addition to all the ones I have? The recipes are thorough, not cryptic and vague, with warnings--unlike all others. If you like that too, this cookbook should be in your arsenal IMHO.

good book, really good explanations in it, love duff and his show, can't wait to bake some of his recipes

Pie crust and to learn other desserts

I got this for Christmas and it’s my favorite gift! I love watching Duff on Food TV, especially the baking championships. He’s helpful in his critiques and just plain fun. He’s exactly like that in this cookbook. His sense of humor comes out in the recipes, explanations and coaching that comes with every recipe. He doesn’t just give you a book of recipes, he explains why certain ingredients are used, what the ingredients do, why there is a certain order for making the recipe, tips for techniques used, equipment used and much more. He makes you feel like you can bake anything!!!! Whether you’re a beginner or a long time baker you’ll love this book, especially if you’re a fan of Duff Goldman.