Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Recommended for Cooks, Bakers, and Sugar Lovers

Sticky, Chewy, Messy, Gooey by Jill O'Connor

Need some goodies for the holidays? These desserts are for the serious sweet tooth only - and Jill isn't joking. These recipes are indeed chewy, scrumptious, finger-licking, sticky sugary messes. It's ridiculous in some respects. The very first recipe is "Heart of Darkness Brownies" and oh yes, they are dark and delicious and dangerous. Dedicated to all things gooey and soft and mouth-watering, you'd better be ready to stock your kitchen with carmels, chocolates, ice cream, milk, eggs, sprinkles, toasted nuts, candy bars, marshmellows (both whole and fluff), sugar (white and brown and dark brown), corn syrups, cinnamon, vanilla, and all manner of exciting morsels that would make Willy Wonka himself proud. What's more, this book is put together in almost a scrapbook-like fashion and, simply put, it looks fantastic. The pictures practically dance off the page with happy, chipper colors and quaint accents.

I adore this book. And I've been marking little stars after each dessert I try, five being the best. And oh my, are those five-star recipes to die for. Many of these will take time, patience, and careful planning, but if you manage to get them right, it's well worth it. If you like cookies, bars, cakes, puddings, and little surprises, then flip through this and indulge.


Notes from the playlist: "Amazing" by Josh Kelley

No comments:

Caraval by Stephanie Garber

Whoops! I completely forgot to mention this. Last month I reviewed Stephanie Garber's amazing book Caraval for the web blog I curre...