The Weekend Baker: Irresistible Recipes, Simple Techniques, And Stress Free Strategies For Busy People

by Abigail Johnson Dodge

A baking guide organized according to the time needed for each recipe features a range of recipes that can be prepared in stages or in a minimum of time and is complemented by tips, techniques, and quick-preparation suggestions.

Genres: Cookbooks, Food, Cooking, Nonfiction

352 pages, Hardcover

First published February 8, 2004

Reviews

[Donna Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a nice variety of recipes! I loved the great recipes and I can't wait to try them!

[typewriterdeluxe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book for anyone who is just starting to get into baking! The recipes I made were fantastic and I genuinely enjoyed making them, but to me the value of the book is actually the author's organizational system. Abigail Johnson Dodge's three-part book (express recipes for 'dessert emergencies', baking in stages, and productions for your day off or when you have more time) and her suggested stopping/starting points are clever ways of grouping ideas and creating perspective. And creating a sense of time! Each recipe is very clear about how long everything will take, which I greatly appreciated. Sometimes I start a recipe and realize partway through that I've signed up for a larger ordeal than I'd bargained for.

There were 1 or 2 things I wished were in the book (like how to make the puff pastry used in a recipe rather than using store-bought), but keep in mind that A) this is a book was designed to encourage beginners and B) she is taking time constraints into account. So I think that this book does a great job for its purpose, and I was pleased with the variety in the book.

If you find the recipes easy and enjoyable, you could always learn more about similar/more complicated recipes in a massive text like the Pie and Pastry Bible. And if you feel like you've 'outgrown' the recipes and are ready to take on texts that seemed intimidating before, you can always pass this book on to another budding baker. :]

[Darby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This cookbook is great cookbook for those that haven't ever baked before because it gives a list of pantry essentials for baking, equipment list, good flavorings and extras to have on hand, tips and techniques to bake. The lists tells you exactly why you want to have those things or need to do those things to be a baker. The instructions for each recipe are so good for first time bakers. Very easy to understand and follow. But also this book is great for those that just are short on time and can only bake on weekends. It gives good tips on freezing and prepping to bake to make it easier. I hope to make a few more recipes before I return this cookbook to the library but have already put it on my wish list as it just has so many recipes I would like to try that sound so good.

I made these 3 recipes: (Links to photos and recipes)
Pie Pockets, Orange Butter Cake and Prescription Strength Brownies

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A variety of recipes from easy (something to whip up on a weekend) to splurge (with both time and ingredients).

The +3 stars were the variety of recipes which are different from all my other cookbooks. A big variety and all seem to be very achievable.

The -2 stars were for: The CONSTANT reassurance for the non-baker gets very irritating, coming from this reader who has been baking her whole life. She could have started the book with a chapter called, "Yes, you've ruined pie crusts, burn bunts and boiled mousse too long. I'll fix it if you keep reading." However, she writes in every section on difficult recipes, "I know it's daunting..." etc. It's not daunting for me. That's why I got the book. Likewise, I really like seeing the photo of the suggested outcome, placed next to the recipe. The publishers put them all together in the chapters which makes his hard to flip back and forth.

Overall, a good solid book to be tried at more length in the kitchen with a variety of recipes for all occasions.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book, hands-down, for learning to bake. Her choc chip cookies, brownies, choc pudding & rice pudding are the best in their categories, and easy. There are many recipes that have become classics to me and I bake very frequently, but she also has many creative recipes that are great when you want to shake things up. Because of this book, bread and baking with yeast in general is no longer a mystery to me, or something to be intimidated by.

[doreen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am an insane cookbook-buyer, and one of my favourite kinds of books to buy are books on baking. I love to bake, and The Weekend Baker has cultivated that love into a full-fledged passion. The recipes in this book are attainable to a novice home baker like myself, you don't need fancy equipment or ingredients, and the recipes turn out great.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Johnson Dodge demystifies the art of baking, by creating recipes that you can either make on the fly or break down into manageable stages. Great for a busy mom! Everything I've made in the book has turned out beautifully. Try the Ginger Crackles, Jalapeno Corn Bread Wedges, and Emergency Blender Cupcakes.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I guess it's time for a cookbook "shelf" here. Any way, I've liked the recipes I've tried, but actually find the concept of breaking a recipe down over several days to be annoying. If I want to bake, it's because I want to eat. Today, not next weekend.

[Jamie Felton · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I've made so far:
1. Gingersnap Cookies. These are maybe the easiest cookies I have ever made and definitely the best gingersnaps I've ever had the pleasure of stuffing into my mouth.

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

this has the most amazing chocolate cupcake and frosting recipe that you use a blender for.....

[Cary · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Carrot Cake recipe is my favorite. :-)

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

These recipes are so quick and easy, any fool can make delicious desserts!

[Lillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great recipe selection and very helpful with the tips. Only complaint is that the Peanut Butter Cookies are crap.

[Jennifer Rutherford · Rating 5 out of 5]

All time favorite cook book.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

very easy recipes!

[Melissa Shmish · Rating 1 out of 5]

Lackluster really.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I own several of Abby Dodge's baking books and this is probably my favorite. It has everything that I could want to bake for my family or company, from the super simple to the more complex, the recipes are clear and easy to follow, and the results are always perfect. Plus, I love that she gives tips, flavor variations, and steps that can be done ahead of time. The Weekend Baker is a great gift for any home baker no matter their level of experience.