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Twist: Creative Ideas to Reinvent Your Baking
Martha Collison amazed the judges and viewers alike as the youngest ever contestant in the 2014 series of The Great British Bake Off.
Martha shone with her Showstopper skills and extraordinary 'Technical Challenge' knowledge. Here in her first book, she offers a brilliant new approach to baking – a way to master baking, while adding 'twists' to recipes to make contemporary bakes that everyone will love.
With clever illustrations and know-how throughout, alongside beautiful photography, Martha demonstrates how to take basic recipes and alter them into something new. Whether it’s a cake, a biscuit or even a pastry recipe, she shows how to alter the method, the balance of ingredients or the mixture of flavours to ensure exciting, magical bakes every time. Transform her Never-Fail Vanilla Cupcakes into Lemon Cheesecake Cupcakes, for example, or Caramel Macchiatos. Try Pink Grapefruit Drizzle Cake, instead of the usual Lemon, and then mix it up with Gin & Tonic flavours. Or take Macarons to a whole new level and try Peach Bellini Macarons or even a Macaron Shell Ice-Cream.
Fresh, innovative and genuinely exciting, Twist looks set to make adventurous bakers of us all.
Martha shone with her Showstopper skills and extraordinary 'Technical Challenge' knowledge. Here in her first book, she offers a brilliant new approach to baking – a way to master baking, while adding 'twists' to recipes to make contemporary bakes that everyone will love.
With clever illustrations and know-how throughout, alongside beautiful photography, Martha demonstrates how to take basic recipes and alter them into something new. Whether it’s a cake, a biscuit or even a pastry recipe, she shows how to alter the method, the balance of ingredients or the mixture of flavours to ensure exciting, magical bakes every time. Transform her Never-Fail Vanilla Cupcakes into Lemon Cheesecake Cupcakes, for example, or Caramel Macchiatos. Try Pink Grapefruit Drizzle Cake, instead of the usual Lemon, and then mix it up with Gin & Tonic flavours. Or take Macarons to a whole new level and try Peach Bellini Macarons or even a Macaron Shell Ice-Cream.
Fresh, innovative and genuinely exciting, Twist looks set to make adventurous bakers of us all.
387 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 14, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 7, 2019
Martha was one of my favorite cooks on Great British Bake Off. I normally don't buy British or French cookbooks because translating the measurements can be a pain sometimes, but when I saw Martha's ebook on sale, I figured it was well worth going for. I have yet to try any of her recipes, but I must say, her cookbook was actually good fun to read.
Her voice is personable; this truly is a friendly cookbook, like someone is taking you by the hand, never dumbing things down. The subtitle sums up the book's theme pretty well: she sets up basic recipes in each section, like for cupcakes or macarons, and then includes several more recipes that that twist the original in fun ways. I look forward to trying them out!
Her voice is personable; this truly is a friendly cookbook, like someone is taking you by the hand, never dumbing things down. The subtitle sums up the book's theme pretty well: she sets up basic recipes in each section, like for cupcakes or macarons, and then includes several more recipes that that twist the original in fun ways. I look forward to trying them out!
October 5, 2020
Martha Collinson was one of my favourite contestants on Great British Bake Off, so when I found her cookbook on BookXcess, I made an excuse to place an order. I was planning to try as many recipes as possible before writing this review, but one thing led to another and the book is currently in Singapore while I’m in Malaysia. So this is something like a part one, with a part two expected sometime in 2021.
What is Twist about?
Subtitled “Creative Ideas to Reinvent Your Baking”, Twist is a cookbook that teaches you not only basic baking recipes, but how to ‘twist’ them to create something fun and creative. The categories covered are:
- Little Cakes (Cupcakes, Madelines, Friands, and Muffins)
- Cakes (Vanilla and Chocolate cake)
- Biscuits (Macarons and Cookies)
- Bars and Brownies
- Sweet Dough (Doughnuts and things involving enriched dough)
- Pastry (Choux pastry, tarts, and eclairs)
- Desserts (Meringues, puddings, marshmallows, and more!)
As you can tell, it’s got a pretty wide range of sweet bakes inside. Even with the help of a friend, I’ve only managed to try to make the lemon curd (covered in the introduction), the vanilla and chocolate cakes, the brownies, and the cookies.
There is a lot to like about this book. Apart from the range of recipes, I also appreciated how the book lay flat (something I didn’t realise was useful until I had this open while running back and forth between the buttercream and the jam), the introduction, which had a list of ingredients and equipment that would be handy for all the recipes, and most importantly, how the book starts with basic recipes of each item before introducing the more complicated versions. I used the basic version of the brownie and cookie recipe and added my own twist and it worked out pretty well!
And of course, I always appreciate it when cookbooks use measurements that I use, so there was no need to convert things online.
I do feel a bit more confident to experiment with the recipes in this book, compared to recipes in other books, which you know, is the purpose of Twist. If you’re looking to build up your skill as a baker, I think this would be really helpful.
For the full review, including pictures of the things I tried to bake, it's available at Eustea Reads
What is Twist about?
Subtitled “Creative Ideas to Reinvent Your Baking”, Twist is a cookbook that teaches you not only basic baking recipes, but how to ‘twist’ them to create something fun and creative. The categories covered are:
- Little Cakes (Cupcakes, Madelines, Friands, and Muffins)
- Cakes (Vanilla and Chocolate cake)
- Biscuits (Macarons and Cookies)
- Bars and Brownies
- Sweet Dough (Doughnuts and things involving enriched dough)
- Pastry (Choux pastry, tarts, and eclairs)
- Desserts (Meringues, puddings, marshmallows, and more!)
As you can tell, it’s got a pretty wide range of sweet bakes inside. Even with the help of a friend, I’ve only managed to try to make the lemon curd (covered in the introduction), the vanilla and chocolate cakes, the brownies, and the cookies.
There is a lot to like about this book. Apart from the range of recipes, I also appreciated how the book lay flat (something I didn’t realise was useful until I had this open while running back and forth between the buttercream and the jam), the introduction, which had a list of ingredients and equipment that would be handy for all the recipes, and most importantly, how the book starts with basic recipes of each item before introducing the more complicated versions. I used the basic version of the brownie and cookie recipe and added my own twist and it worked out pretty well!
And of course, I always appreciate it when cookbooks use measurements that I use, so there was no need to convert things online.
I do feel a bit more confident to experiment with the recipes in this book, compared to recipes in other books, which you know, is the purpose of Twist. If you’re looking to build up your skill as a baker, I think this would be really helpful.
For the full review, including pictures of the things I tried to bake, it's available at Eustea Reads
November 8, 2018
This book gives the best and simplist method for tempering chocolate that I've ever found. It was worth it just for that, but there are some excellent recipes. I keep going back to try something else.
April 2, 2017
I follow Martha on Instagram and consider myself a big fan, I definitely wasn't disappointed with her debut cookbook. There are some great ideas in here, particularly the caramel macchiato cupcakes, salted caramel pretzel brownies and the black currant and honeycomb ombré cake.
The format of the book is great and vey visually appealing with lovely illustrations, beautiful photography, and flow charts giving you ideas for flavour combinations. That said, it's obvious that this is geared at baking beginners, so some more experienced bakers may find it a tad simplistic.
I would've hoped for more show-stopper style cakes and I always feel a baking book that doesn't feature any savoury recipes is missing a trick, for example I remember Martha did some great bread recipes on GBBO that I would've loved to see in the book. But I would definitely recommend this and can't wait to try some of these recipes out!
The format of the book is great and vey visually appealing with lovely illustrations, beautiful photography, and flow charts giving you ideas for flavour combinations. That said, it's obvious that this is geared at baking beginners, so some more experienced bakers may find it a tad simplistic.
I would've hoped for more show-stopper style cakes and I always feel a baking book that doesn't feature any savoury recipes is missing a trick, for example I remember Martha did some great bread recipes on GBBO that I would've loved to see in the book. But I would definitely recommend this and can't wait to try some of these recipes out!
December 26, 2017
I loved this book. It's my new favorite thing. So far I only tried the Eclairs, but I'm really excited about the rest of the recipes! I love how the author explains the science behind the baking. I feel like I learnt a lot while reading all these amazing recipes!
July 17, 2019
Every recipe I've tried is an absolute success.
January 22, 2017
I'm fascinated by Twist, I do like a pretty recipe book, and Martha's pictures of lemon curd cupcakes and lemon cheesecake doughnuts have totally won me. I've tried a few of the recipes and they've worked well, so it's a win for me.
October 19, 2018
Mmmmm..... this cookbook was full of absolutely delectable-looking baked goods! I requested it from my library when I saw the author: Martha Collison! I watched her on The Great British Baking Show* and loved her spunk and fortitude. Her cookbook does not disappoint! It has her same charm and approachability throughout.
One feature I loved: she started each section with a base recipe, and gave tons of suggestions for how to slightly alter it to make it your own. For example, she'd give a recipe and instructions for how to make a chocolate cake... then also give different ideas for filling between layers, or frosting, or different spices to add in. You can mix and match to make it your own!
Unfortunately, I can't give any review of any recipes, because all of the recipes give ingredients measurements in ounces. And I do not own a cooking scale. (And to be honest, I don't desire to own and use a cooking scale. #AmateurCook) But I can say that they all looked DELICIOUS.
I can heartily recommend the author's tone and explicit (but not condescending) instructions... but can't speak to whether or not the recipes are successful. ;)
*The Great British Baking Show is delightful, and I recommend it too. So much kinder than American cutthroat shows! I love it. On the show, Martha was really good. She was only 17 or something when she went on the show, and did the competitions on the weekends in between weekdays spent at school. I was impressed. And she went far in the competition!
One feature I loved: she started each section with a base recipe, and gave tons of suggestions for how to slightly alter it to make it your own. For example, she'd give a recipe and instructions for how to make a chocolate cake... then also give different ideas for filling between layers, or frosting, or different spices to add in. You can mix and match to make it your own!
Unfortunately, I can't give any review of any recipes, because all of the recipes give ingredients measurements in ounces. And I do not own a cooking scale. (And to be honest, I don't desire to own and use a cooking scale. #AmateurCook) But I can say that they all looked DELICIOUS.
I can heartily recommend the author's tone and explicit (but not condescending) instructions... but can't speak to whether or not the recipes are successful. ;)
*The Great British Baking Show is delightful, and I recommend it too. So much kinder than American cutthroat shows! I love it. On the show, Martha was really good. She was only 17 or something when she went on the show, and did the competitions on the weekends in between weekdays spent at school. I was impressed. And she went far in the competition!
January 4, 2018
This is an adorable beginner baking book with approachable recipies and charming infographics. Some readability was compromised by the cute fonts, but you can riddle it out pretty quickly. I will say that her "American Cousins" comment seemed a little aloof in regards to our "large, dry" cupcakes, but I also can't really argue it. I never really enjoy cupcakes that are bought at the store.
I love the basic nature of many of the recipies and how many of the more complex ones build off of them directly. I also really enjoy how she gets into some of the "why or why not" to stir/beat things more or less. When I think of adding air to the batter I can understand why I should fold instead. She doesn't take it too far, however.
The only other issue I had was that (of course) the book uses British measurements. I do wish there was an American version so I didn't have to "translate" each recipie in order to try it.
I love the basic nature of many of the recipies and how many of the more complex ones build off of them directly. I also really enjoy how she gets into some of the "why or why not" to stir/beat things more or less. When I think of adding air to the batter I can understand why I should fold instead. She doesn't take it too far, however.
The only other issue I had was that (of course) the book uses British measurements. I do wish there was an American version so I didn't have to "translate" each recipie in order to try it.
November 11, 2017
A very good baking book, with lots of pictures and the steps broken down well. In a lot of cases, she gives you the basic recipe, then various twists on it - like adding caramel and pretzels to brownies. If you had your own basic recipe (or a mix) you still could use her ‘twists’. While she has some creative tropical and Bollywood ideas, while all of these recipes are sound, I didn’t find them that wildly different from other books.
Good if you’re new to baking and looking for ideas. Also if you’re a fan of The Great British Baking Show.
Good if you’re new to baking and looking for ideas. Also if you’re a fan of The Great British Baking Show.
December 5, 2019
I remember really enjoying watching Martha bake on the Great British Baking Show, so it was a pleasant to see she had a cookbook out.
Her recipes look good and have some uniqueness to them, which is fun because a lot of the time it's just the same ol' bakes over and over again. Looking forward to trying some of them!
Her recipes look good and have some uniqueness to them, which is fun because a lot of the time it's just the same ol' bakes over and over again. Looking forward to trying some of them!
August 13, 2018
Great book
Although I would have liked more illustration (not every recipe is shown) this book contains lots of recipes that I know I will try. I like the way she gives very straightforward instructions.
Although I would have liked more illustration (not every recipe is shown) this book contains lots of recipes that I know I will try. I like the way she gives very straightforward instructions.
December 10, 2018
Martha is one of my favorite contestants on the GBBO and I was not aware that this is already her second book. This has lots of recipes and lovely photos that make the book feel young and fresh. I like that the recipes are easily customized and look forward to trying a few!
March 5, 2018
High 3 range. As soon as I find somewhere that sells caster sugar, there are definitely things I want to try. (Spoiler: No recipe for Rubbish Custard Tart.)
Christmas present from Mike Knoll.
Christmas present from Mike Knoll.
April 27, 2018
An especially good book for a beginning baker. Lots of basic recipes that build a foundation along with ideas to transform them into more unique treats.
February 5, 2019
Martha was always my favorite contestant, and she has a cookbook! What sucked me in was the candied-rhubarb spirals....I love rhubarb!
April 28, 2020
One of my go to baking books for chocolate cupcakes, flapjacks, brownies, chocolate cake, vanilla cake - pretty much most of the basics!
June 23, 2024
Absolutely gorgeous with SO many yummy looking recipes!
June 9, 2017
I read every single recipe in the book today! I have about a dozen recipes I immediately want to try. I will rate and write a better review once I try a few :)
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews