Crafting Cookies

When I walk into high end bakeries, I am often amazed at the beauty of the foods.  I didn't always notice such things, but I married someone who pays a lot of attention to the "look of food".  I, on the other hand, am a person who tends to cook for flavor rather than looks.

Part of it is because I am often disappointed by the "look" of foods in bakeries because they don't match the taste I'm hoping for.  Usually, they're drier.  So, my solution when I really want to try and bake something is just to find a recipe and make it at home...  which brings me to a fun cookbook I received in the mail recently.  It's titled Cookie Craft by Valerie Peterson and Janice Fryer.

This book tackles and completely explains how to make those beautifully decorated sugar cookies you've seen in fancy bakeries.

What I love in this book:
--The recipes are clear
--All the vocabulary of cookie crafting is clearly explained
--Tons and tons of ideas for both shapes and potential detailing
--It makes sense.  Above all else, this is important when tackling a new and complicated craft!

Why I love this book more than a Youtube video...
--You can flip back and forth to the info and directions you need
--It would take hours to watch enough Youtube videos that would give you all the info in this book
--I need ingredients written down--not on a screen--so I dont' forget what I've added!

Cookie Crafting is definitely a craft.  I don't usually think of cooking and baking as a craft, but these cookies are not for the faint of heart.  I would compare this craft to scrapbooking--it's time intensive, but you'll have a beautiful end product when you're done!

If you've ever wanted a book on cookie crafting or have wanted to know how to make those fancy, decorated sugar cookies, I'd definitely check this book out!!

Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from Storey Publishing.