Part-Time Baker: Simple bakes without the stress

by Florence Stanton

No time, but love to bake?  With her quick and easy recipes, rising Instagram star Florence Stanton (@Tasting.Thyme) proves that you can find time to bake and enjoy delicious treats no matter what life throws at you. Forget major wait times for rising, proving, chilling, setting or anything else complex. Each recipe is clearly labelled with ‘Hands-on time’ and ‘Total time’ – to make it crystal clear how much effort you’ll need to put in. Many of the bakes can be prepped in just 10 minutes and there are plenty of cheats and tips to help you get impressive results. You won’t need lots of obscure baking equipment and all the recipes can be scaled up for sharing or down for enjoying solo.  Discover delicious, speedy baking recipes for every occasion—morning, noon and late-night snack,
Part-time Baker is all about reducing the hours you spend in the kitchen , giving you more time to enjoy the tasty results. Whether you're new to baking or managing a busy schedule, you'll find realistic recipes that look and taste fantastic .

Genres: Cookbooks, Nonfiction

176 pages, Hardcover

Published March 5, 2024

Reviews

[MarryAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I am passionate about cooking (and eating) I read many cookbook and I can say, that this is a good one.
Each recipe gives the hands-on time, as well as the total time, so no miscalculations because of resting. You know how many serves you'll have, the ingredients are usually not hard to find and the recipes have a little description or story as well, which I find really cute (but only when it's a little one, I'm not a fan of reading whole pages about the history of that recipe before I can actually find the recipe). Not every recipe has a photo, but the ones that do, are really pretty.
The main measuring system is the metric one, but the quantities are also converted to imperial for each ingredient (but I still think that it's better to buy a scale and measure in grams)
The chapters are organized by the time of the day when you'd eat that recipe, from the start of the day, to the late night snacks.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this ARC through NetGalley. Let’s just say I wasn’t very prepared when I started to gather my items needed. Make sure to have a scale that has batteries (my biggest mistake as I’ve not baked with grams so time to convert).

The recipes were great to look through and the one I chose to test was smores cookie cups. After the debacle with the scale it went to plan. Time frame was just about right when everything goes to plan. The cookie cups came out great and the hubby enjoyed them for his bday treat.

[Ishieta Chopra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this little book - It is my wish to bake and I always find it difficult as most baking requires a lot of time, technical cooking skills and a lot of items!
so this book really appealed to me as she has given some very yummy sounding recipes with the time mentioned - most were 20-30 mins, and a list of ingredients which are available in my region and the number of things required to make any 1 dish is not a long list.
Also, the way she has explained the recipe was simple, and as a beginner, it makes me feel confident to try them.
It is my endevour to learn some baking this year, and i am glad I found this book right at the start of my year :)
also, the photos are really nice - If my baking looks even half as pretty, it is a win for me :)

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is everything it promises to be and more. I love the way the author talks about her joy in baking. In today’s busy world, we all need something to do for fun. A way to de-stress. The recipes in this book are simple and a great variety. The book is laid out in a clean manner and I bookmarked so many of the recipes to try! This is a no frills, and not intimidating book for anyone who wants to bake some tasty treats.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bad idea to look into this book when you're stuck at home without ingredients to try the recipes out !! Those pictures look so yummy you'll want to dive into baking at once !

Thanks to Netgalley and Quarto Publishing Group for access to this arc in exchange for my honest review.

[Violet · Rating 3 out of 5]

'Part-Time Baker' offers a variety of simple, no-stress baking recipes. You’ll find things like Chocolate and Hazelnut Loaf, Savory Baked Cheesy French Toast, lentil-inspired “Sausage Rolls”, Vegan No-Bake Chocolate and Pistachio Bars, Mini Pina Colada Loaf Cakes, Peach Melba Eton Mess, Molten Salted Caramel Brownie Skillet, and Funfetti Frosted Cookies.

Broken down into five main sections (start your day, elevate your lunchtime, afternoon tea, after-dinner desserts, and late-night treats), the book features both sweet and savory recipes coupled with clear, concise instructions and helpful tips. Many of the recipes are quick and easy to prepare and offer both cup and weight measurements. Most of the recipes have photographs and thankfully, don’t require lots of crazy ingredients and/or baking equipment.

This book would be ideal for a new baker or someone who likes tasty treats but doesn’t want to spend a lot of time making them. Seasoned bakers may be turned off by some of the hacks (for example, Cheat’s Almond Croissants where the recipe starts with store-bought croissants and adds a home-made almond paste.)

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baking and cooking isnt my strength skills. And I appreciate how this book appealing me to trying again with mouthwatering realistic recipes for every occasion.

The author describes her recipes with simple explanation and beginner friendly. The recipes are organized by chapter of occasions. Not every recipe have pictures but mostly have it. This book so promising and absolutely will become greatest collection and perfect gift for other Baker wannabes..

Thank you to Netgalley and Carnival White Lion Publisher from Quarto Publishing Group for providing copy of this ebook. I have voluntarily read and reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Expecting Publication : 5 March 2024

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baking is a great hobby and a way to show how much you care (even if you bake only for yourself). But after a long day of work, family, meetings, phone calls, walking the dog, doing the laundry, and getting groceries, it’s hard to summon up the energy to bake. Instagrammer and baker Florence Stanton feels your pain, because she feels the same. That’s why she came up with Part-Time Baker, filled with delicious bakes for those with limited time, limited energy, limited experience, but who still want to create bakes that feel decadent just for the fact that they are homemade.

Stanton is casual with her recipes. She wants bakers to take her ideas and run with them, adding in flavors or ingredients that speak to them. She offers up suggestions for changing recipes from sweet to savory, and she encourages bakers to play with her recipes until they taste just the way the baker dreamed of. She sticks to ingredients you can pick up at any grocery store and only a few pieces of equipment. That is what makes these recipes perfect for those who don’t have a lot of time to bake or who are just starting out.

She starts with breakfast bakes and moves on throughout the day with more delicious ideas. In Start Your Day, she suggests Chocolate & Hazelnut Pull-apart Loaf, Banana & Walnut Streusel Muffins, Triple Chocolate Chunk Muffins, Savory Baked Cheesy French Toast, Speedy Sesame Bagels, or Banana & Peanut Butter Baked Oatmeal. In Elevate Lunchtime, there are ideas like Mini Rainbow Tomatoes & Balsamic Galettes, Red Onion & Mustard Sausage Rolls, Olive & Rosemary Focaccia Buns, Butternut Squash & Cheddar Scones, Pepperoni Pizza Twists, and Leek & Potato Turnovers.

Then it’s on to Afternoon Tea, with recipes for Rose Shortbread Cookies, Cherry & Almond Loaf Cake, Spiced Ginger Traybake, Lemon & Blueberry Bakewell Tart, Marble Coffee Cake, Orange Drizzle Scones, or Cinnamon Sugar Popovers with Warm Honey. Next up are After-Dinner Desserts, featuring a Husband Tart (the chocolate and raspberry tart that is her husband’s favorite; later in the book she shares the Boyfriend Cookie recipe that won him over), Strawberry & Cream Puffs, Peach Melba “Eton Mess,” Chocolate & Caramel Self-saucing Pudding, Black Forest Crumble, Sticky Figgy Toffee Pudding, or Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars.

The day ends as it should, with Late-Night Treats, like Molten Caramel Brownie Skillet, Peanut Butter & Jelly Blondies, Key Lime Pie Shortbread Cookies, Funfetti Frosted Cookies, Vegan Cinnamon-spiced Crinkle Cookies, S’Mores Cookie Cups, and Biscoff Traybake Cake.

These recipes were written in England, but Stanton is careful to include American equivalents. She suggests using store-bought puff pastry instead of using her ruff-puff recipe if that’s easier. This is all about making baking easier and more accessible, so there is no judgement. And the photos are beautiful, showing off the bakes at their loveliest. In fact, when I saw the picture of the chocolate fudge cupcakes, I wanted to lick the screen.

I really like Part-Time Baker. I like the idea of low-stress baking for self-care, for those who are busy are just starting out with baking. I think it’s a great idea for a cookbook, and the recipes sound delicious. This cookbook is a great gateway for new bakers, especially ones who are motivated to bake from the Great British Baking Show, as some of these recipes feature the flavors of those bakes without the complicated recipes. But I think it’s also perfect for someone like me, who has some experience baking and who enjoys it but is just so busy with life that I have trouble setting aside time.

Egalleys for Part-Time Baker were provided by Quarto Group through Edelweiss, with many thanks, but I liked the book so much I bought it myself.

[James Hoddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're on the lookout for a baking book that promises to satisfy both your taste buds and your busy schedule, look no further than Part-Time Baker. This delightful collection of recipes is a treasure trove for home bakers seeking simplicity without sacrificing flavour.

One of the book's standout features is its emphasis on recipes designed for the entire family. This book offers something for everyone. Each recipe is crafted with family enjoyment in mind.

But what truly sets this book apart is the sheer deliciousness of its offerings. Each recipe has been meticulously tested to ensure mouthwatering results every time. From the first bite to the last crumb, you'll find yourself savouring every moment of these delectable treats.

What's more, the prep time for these recipes is refreshingly quick. With straightforward instructions and minimal ingredients, you'll be whipping up batches of goodies in no time at all. Gone are the days of spending hours in the kitchen— you can indulge your sweet or savoury tooth without sacrificing precious time with your loved ones.

In summary, Part-Time Baker: Simple bakes without the stress is a must-have addition to any home baker's cookbook collection. With its focus on family-friendly recipes, irresistible flavours, and speedy prep times, it's sure to become a beloved staple in kitchens everywhere. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out (like me!), this book is guaranteed to inspire delicious creations that will delight your entire family.

[Karen Hancock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love to bake, but don’t have much time to spend in the kitchen? If so, you’ll definitely want to pick up an excellent baking book, Part-Time Baker: Simple bakes without the stress, by food blogger, Florence Stanton (tasting-thyme.com.

There are dozens of mouthwatering recipes that bakers actually will want to make at home. The variety is amazing, and there are many unique bakes that are unexpected and are “must makes” for anyone who loves fresh and delicious baked goods for any occasion.

The recipes are written in the traditional manner, with the ingredients listed, followed by step-by-step instructions. There are also excellent and interesting comments at the beginning of each recipe, along with helpful tips. Anyone – with beginning to advanced baking abilities – can create picture perfect baked goods in shorter periods of time.

Many of the recipes come with beautiful, professional photographs which makes it difficult to decide what to make next. Every time readers peruse this cookbook, the queue of dishes to prepare will grow longer.

All told, bakers everywhere will want to add this fabulous cookbook to their cookbook collection. There is nothing to dislike about this book and it has become a new favorite. It makes a good gift for a bride or beginning baker, and some of the recipes will become classics.

Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.

[Brynna Hooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This cookbook was great for me because I have been wanting to get back into baking for a while now but since I'm so busy I hardly have the time. It has helpful information about the ingredients and equipment needed for the recipes in the intro. I liked that the timeframe was included for each recipe, meaning rather than just saying the entire process would be 1 hour, it was broken down into 'hands on, rest, prove/chill, and bake' along with the total. The notes were for help with the recipe and the 'Why not try...' was for eating suggestions or alternatives to the recipes! Tips were expert help for the wayward baker.
The recipes were easy to read and understand. I loved the layout & it had real photos of the finished result--which I LOVE! Two recipes I really enjoyed were the 'Husband Tart' and anything with 'Biscoff' in it!

Thank you to NetGalley, Quarto Publishing Group – White Lion, and Carnival for the ARC! ♥

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of Part-Time Baker.

I was pleasantly surprised at how well conceived and fun Part-Time Baker is.

As a lifelong lover of sweets and fun carbs, I would 100% make nearly everything in this cookbook, especially the mini pina colada loaf cakes.

I enjoyed the author's easygoing nature and tone of the book; she makes baking fun and enjoyable for all cooks, not just the good ones.

There are some creative twists on old classics, with easy to read and follow instructions, and mouth watering photos.

I just wished all the recipes had photos.

Naturally, some of the recipes I was interested in had no photos!

I'm no chef or baker, but Part-Time Baker encourages baking can be for everyone and have fun doing so, no matter your baking skill level

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an amateur baker (at best) I found this book beyond helpful! The instructions are clear, the technique is sound, and so much of the science behind baking is explained concisely. I would recommend this book to any beginner who is starting out on their baking journey. The recipes features are all attainable and some even offer realistic shortcuts as to not be so overwhelming. The author describes these recipes as things she could reliable make at the end of a long day and not have it be a time consuming chore, and having tested a couple recipes out myself I agree! I especially love the range of options from common staples to mouth watering showstoppers, it's the perfect way to expand your palate and your skill as you grow comfortable with the art of baking.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised by the recipes in this book. You get more than just basic recipes and the same flavor profiles. I would have never thought French toast could be savory. Florence takes you through new possibilities of what can be done in a small amount of time. Guiding you through what has been learned through her expertise and sharing it with the reader/baker. You can sense the joy in sharing these recipes through the explanations. There is also great care in multiple options being provided for weights and measurements. The book is great for beginners and advanced bakers alike, giving options for both to learn something new.

[RKreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-Arc of this cookbook in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I found this book to be well rounded and comprehensive. As a person who can't eat chocolate, when it comes to deserts, a cookbook is only as good as its verity and versatility and this one definitely passed the test. I believe that there is a recipe in there for any type of taste but more importantly, not just one. The instruction is very clear and doesn't over complicated the recipe. As someone who doesn't bake a lot , this book is great because all of the recipes are pretty quick and easy.

[Jori Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun little cook book! As somebody who loves to bake and partially does it for a living, there are some amazing recipes I just can’t wait to try. While reading it I was very tempted to jump out of bed and go try a couple out. There are fun flavor combinations, beautiful pictures, and easy to follow instructions. My only gripe would be that I prefer to have a couple progress photos included with recipes so it’s easier to follow along and make sure I’m doing things right instead of waiting until the end and hoping it turns out.

[Claire Thorpe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love to bake and love it even more when its easy baking! There are some amazing recipes in here that I have already ear marked to bake... these include Mini Egg Hot Cross Bins, Lemon & Passionfruit cake and Husband Tart and I have many more that I want to do. There is a lovely savoury selection too. I have already tried the Ultimate Chocolate Brownie and the kids will confirm they are amazing! I am now following Florence on instagram where she has loads of amazing recipes! fab book - thanks to Netgalley

[Courtney H · Rating 4 out of 5]

This cookbook contains beautifully photographed recipes for both savory and sweet bakes, including bread, pastries, cookies, and cake. Some recipes are the standard staples you'd expect in a baking book, but the recipes that are new spins on old favorites are the ones that shine. One fine example is the Red Pesto & Mozzarella Bread Scrolls, a savory version of cinnamon rolls or Swiss rolls. Another fun spin on a classic is the Savoury Baked Cheesy French Toast.

Recommended for all home bakers.

I received an electronic galley copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.

[Louise Foerster · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a very occasional, stupidly ambitious baker, I deeply appreciate PART-TIME BAKER by Florence Stanton. Throughout this excellent and well-written guide, her words and the thorough explanations made me feel like I had a very kind and supportive guide beside me as I attempted recipes and challenges I'd once presumed were best left to professionals. My kitchen is now equipped, stocked, and ready to go on my part-time baker adventures. I received a copy of this book and these opinions are my own, unbiased thoughts.

[Lexi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part-Time Baker is a well written cookbook, filled with easy to follow recipes and photographs to give the reader an idea of what they are getting themselves into (in a perfect world where every baking project turns out on the first go.) Florence Stanton does a great job of keeping these projects down to earth and simple for the everyday baker, and I have multiple items to add to my arsenal now. Would definitely recommend this for anyone looking to make baking more accessible.

[Anna · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are many recipes in this book that I am excited to try, but feel like the title of the book may be a bit misleading. I have been baking now for a few years, sticking mainly to easy cookies and loaf cakes. The book title suggested to me that the recipes in the book would be fast, easy, and simple. While everything looks delicious, many of the recipes involve a bit of time and experience that do not come across to me as simple.

[Lisa H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy, less stress...

I can truly appreciate this cookbook. Why? The recipes are broken down my time, then presented with photos in both metric and cups. Any cookbook that helps me bake quicker is much appreciated. I really like that the times are presented clearly, so I know what kind of baking commitment I'm looking at time-wise.
Fun and easy recipes that I would actually make and eat.
Recommend.

[thewoollygeek (tea, cake, crochet & books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book, as soon as I read it there are over a dozen recipes I want to make now, so many more I plan to make in n future too, I will be purchasing a copy for my kitchen as this is such as useful cookbook, so many great ideas, useful tips and information, well laid out, easy instructions and very appealing to the eye. Highly and thoroughly recommended

[Joni Owens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow this author needs to rethink the part-time part of this title! These recipes are so amazing she should definitely turn this full time because not only are these recipes delicious they are really easy to make. The author writes easily to follow instructions with easy to find ingredients. Though I’ve never seen instant custard here but that’s the only ingredient I saw.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could Florence stop by???every single baked good made my stomach growl and mouth drool. I loved that there was a late night baking chapter! The pictures are incredible, the recipes have just the right amount of ingredients and directions. I can't wait to order this book!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Katrin Maea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a huge fan of Great British Bake Off but not a huge fan of overly complicated time consuming bakes. This book is perfect for me. It keeps the recipes real simple and easy to follow, not needing loads of fancy ingredients. I did try a few bakes for a social event and they were delicious (including my first attempt at baking bread). I'll definitely be using these recipes again in future.

[Elena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The recipes were easy to follow and the time estimates were very accurate. It helped me get out of a baking slump and is a great way to still get in the kitchen even with a very busy schedule. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for this book when it hits shuttles and adding it to my permanent collection

[Reading Adventures · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great cookbook for me. I always want to be creative but it all seems overwhelming. This book made it so easy that even I can handle it. My favorite was the Ultimate Chocolate Brownies and the Mini Pina Colada Loaf Cakes. We really enjoyed trying these recipes. They are detailed and well explained, very clear to understand the page and how to follow and includes mouthwatering photos. You will enjoy this book and will want to bake everything you see. Enjoy.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think most people are part time bakers and this cookbook provides easy to follow recipes for stress free baking. Plenty of pictures. Can’t wait to make the blackberry meringue pie. ARC provided by Netgalley, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Melissa Borsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who says baking has to be hard and time consuming? Not with this handy baking bible. Lots of fun, easy and delicious recipes to choose from! I thank Netgalley and Quarto Publishing Group for the opportunity to read and review this cookbook.