Cake Boss: Stories and Recipes from Mia Famiglia

by Buddy Valastro

Carlo's Bakery in Hoboken, the setting of TLC's hit reality show Cake Boss, is now celebrating its 100th anniversary. If you can't get join the festivities at the sweet treat center, you can enjoy the atmosphere and goodies in this combination family history-memoir and baking cookbook. A heartwarming read, and don't forget the 25 "cake boss" recipes!

Genres: Cookbooks, Nonfiction, Biography, Memoir, Cooking, Food, Pop Culture

272 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 21, 2010

Reviews

[Nour (FREE PALESTINE) Books]

heck yeah I'm gonna read this
they call me Buddy, and I'm the BaWsSsSs

[Freda Mans-Labianca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a faithful Cake Boss viewer, and entered just about every contest I saw for this book. When I won, I hit the roof! Really, I was blown away and totally stoked!!
If you read my blog , you know I love all things Italian, so I knew the recipes would be suited to my tastes.
And I was totally right! They are!
I decided to make the hubby's favorite cookie, Tarelles. His mom makes them every year at Christmas, so it was nice to have them now.
I tell you, makes about 40 cookies, and they`re almost gone already. I just cleaned the kitchen an hour ago... you figure it out.
They were just as good as mama makes!
And the smile on my hubby`s face, I knew I did good. Being a mungie, if you out there don`t know... it means I`m not Italian, please don`t be offended, I`m not.... that made me feel good to bring him a piece of home.
Okay now let me talk a minute about the touching stories behind the book. It was nice to know even more than what they show revealed. And I saw a look into a happy family that made it in a hard world by sticking together. I think that`s a message we all could stand to hear sometimes.
Definitely a new favorite for some many reasons! Now go get yours, don`t fuhgeddaboudit!

[hm]

this is the crew - mIa FaMiLiA

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

So look, here's the deal. Is this guy the most interesting guy in the world, one who's history and family I'm dying to read about? Not really. And is he the best cake decorator out there? Not from what I've seen (even one of the cakes featured in the book, the Groovy Girl cake, has many visible flaws). But his story is interesting because it's an American story, an immigrant family done good, and a kid who took over the family business at age 17 when his father died and turned it into a hugely successful operation, all inspiring stuff. I think most people would find echoes of their family in this crazy bunch. The book doesn't have the humor and intensity of the TV show. It is at times painfully earnest (and pretty dry, unlike the new version of the vanilla cake that he tells us about coming up with). But it feels honest, very much what I expected from this guy who, although quite a character, also seems to be a devoted and loving family man. And young! The book really hammered home what he managed to accomplish at such a young age. The most interesting part was reading about how he took over running the business at age 17 after his father died.

So, did I learn anything, is this family so extraordinary or exciting that we all must read their history, am I raving to all of my friends to rush out and get this book? Not really. But if you're a fan of Buddy's or the show, you might enjoy learning more about his family and celebrating the success that this family has made of their lives and careers. Plus the second half of the book is recipes, the most interestingly of which for me are many of the pastry recipes from the bakery. I suspect that as good as his cakes may taste, his real genius is with the pastries. Heck, he believes that his hands were blessed by G-d (and his father), and who am I to argue with success?

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a captivating autobiography/cookbook about Buddy Valastro's life working in Carlo's Bakery up to the end of Season One of "Cake Boss." I found it very touching as he talked about the loss of his father when he was a teenager and the difficulties of having to take on the responsibility of running the bakery at such a young age. Buddy always rose to the challenges and was able to find a better way of doing things with his charm and intelligence, two wonderful traits to have together. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

[Christy Trever · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been reading books based on television shows lately. First I read Alison Arngrim's Confessions of a Prairie B****, which I devoured in one sitting. Alison played the hated Nellie Oleson on Little House on the Prairie. Arngrim's book is filled with great behind the scenes detail, interesting tidbits about the actors, as well as the drama of growing up the daughter of a gay man and whose mother did the voice of Caspar the Ghost and Gumby. From her description of Melissa Sue Anderson (Mary) on Little House as a silent but deadly force, I had to read Melissa's autobiography next, The Way I See It. Well, the way she sees it is apparently a way to get some money, without actually divulging any interesting information. Anderson does a lot of name-dropping, does a recap of several episodes of the show, and doesn't discuss anything personal about her childhood, not even a little. It's was boring with a capital B! I'm not alone in my review, check out Amazon to see more people lambasting her for one of the most boring and self-serving bios ever written. After her no-tell, I now have Melissa Gilbert (Laura)'s memoir, Prairie Tale on my book shelf, and I'm hoping to read it this weekend. It's given me a whole new appreciation for Little House on the Prairie. Knowing that Michael Landon is wearing huge lifts in his shoes, Nellie and Laura were best buds who had sleepovers on the weekends while avoiding the icy Mary, and that Harriet and Nels Oleson are each exactly like the roles they played, makes the show come to life for me in a new way.

With all of those TV memoirs on my shelf, it makes sense that I would read today's book too.

Cake Boss by Buddy Valastro is a companion volume for the popular TLC series about the antics of the Valastro family of Carlo's Bakery in New Jersey. The show is famous for his astounding theme cakes as well as the family tiffs and pranks, and that flavor carries over into this book. Buddy narrates the book in his trademark off the cuff voice and tells the story of his family history. His father, Buddy Sr, started working in the bakery business as a young boy to support his family after his father abandoned them. His fierce loyalty to family and love of baking is carried on by his youngest child and only son, Buddy, who nows runs the business. Fans of the show (like me) will enjoy reading about the romance between Buddy Sr and Mary, and how she, who is often seen berating her son for riding a motorbike or pulling pranks, was known as a firecracker as a young girl and has taken care of the books for the business since she was in her teens. Their four daughters now run the downstairs shop while most of their husbands now have a role within the family business as well. Buddy makes the point early on in the book, that this bakery is not just business for the family. It is their heritage, and so from Buddy's earliest memories, those who work at the bakery are family, and the family works at the bakery. There are lots of terrific vintage photos (including Buddy with his first lunchpail: The Dukes of Hazzard!). Buddy writes with absolute love for his family and complete confidence in his abilities, but he never comes across as arrogant. If you love watching the show with the building of beautiful cakes and the drama of the kitchen, you'll enjoy this book for its behind the scenes view of the show, as well as the opportunity to understand what motivates the Valastro family and just what the name "Buddy" means to them. Included at the end are several of the shop's most famous recipes. This is a must read for any fan of Cake Boss.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

The cover of the book shows a beaming Buddy Valastro holding a beautiful three tied filigree style cake in front of his store. My husband and I never miss an episode of the Cake Boss. Not only do we enjoy the inventiveness of his cakes, we like the family interaction and the way the family pull together when needs. The employees who are not blood relatives are treated the same as family. Good hard honest work is expected of all of them. Community service and family are revered and promoted in the past and present Valastro family.

Buddy Valastro, the Cake Boss, also tells of the work ethic that he was taught, the pride of having "bag hands". The enduring traditions in his family have kept the Valastro family together. Buddy's father, Buddy, Senior, had originally bought Carlo's bakery so that his family would always have work and they could work together. His plan held strong and prevented family members from spreading all across the country unlike so many families today. Buddy also tells of his relationship with his father, the original Buddy. He tries to emulate his father by doing the same things with his family as his father did. Just as his father did, Buddy took his son to the barbershop and introduced him proudly. He made sure to do all the things with his son that he loved doing with his father.

Buddy has a lot of pride in creating a wonderful cake, the difficult lobster tails and also recognition of the value of innovation. Buddy tells the story of working so hard, over and over again to get something just right. He was not afraid to change a recipe or attempt something that has never been done before cake wise.
There are gorgeous pictures of his family and the Carlo’s Bakery creations. I cannot keep myself from looking at the beautiful red velvet cake every time that I pick up the book.

Also in the back of the book are recipes in back for cakes, cookies and pies that are family sized.

There is a lot of love in this book.

I recommend to anyone interested in immigrant stories, baking and success stories.

[Gmr · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you have a book that combines the inner workings of an Italian-American family PLUS mouth watering recipes, how could you not have a winning combo? Okay, perhaps I'm a bit prejudice in this case as I hail from similar bloodlines, (though no one in my family is/was a baker, Mom is an AWESOME cook) and so kept seeing myself or other family members in the stories shared. More than once I would catch myself thinking...I've heard THAT before, or been there, said that....but even with that aside, it's the human connection that Buddy creates like so many biscotti that will draw you in.

You are invited into his world to witness everything from his not exactly stellar beginnings (a bit of a trouble maker in his youth) to his star studded current status and every heartache, false step, and triumph in between. Meet his family. Meet his extended family. Meet his extended extended family...not necessarily related by blood or marriage either; by book's end, you'll be counted as one of the many and be glad to have made the acquaintance.

Recommended reading for all ages as there is a something to be taken away from this book for one and all. For the little ones, the truth in the saying, "you can achieve whatever you put your mind to". For teens, the value and honesty in a days work and the importance of family. For adults, all of the above and more...plus if you are the least bit adept at cooking, the chance to try out a few of the recipes that made Carlo's famous. I know I'll be trying a few out very soon. Happy reading....

[Virginia Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

An engaging and involving memoir, "Cake Boss: Stories and Recipes from Mia Famiglia", by Buddy Valastro, is told in a warm, personal style just as though Buddy were speaking directly to the reader. Carlo's Bake Shop in Hoboken, New Jersey, is the family-owned and operated bakery extraordinaire which has achieved legendary status in its more than one century of making the sweetest of dreams come true for its many loyal customers. While the cakes and confections produced by the bakery fulfill the fantasies of the most fanatic foodies, it takes the lifelong hard work and devotion of the family and friends who work as a team to ensure the consistent quality and customer service for which Carlo's Bake Shop is noted. The heartfelt story of the Valastros, their family and friends, and the living legacy of their landmark bakery made a natural transition to TV with the hit show, "Cake Boss", on The Learning Channel (TLC). Included along with magical memories and appealing photos are recipes for the bakery's most popular pastries, pies, and cakes: "Classic Biscotti"; "Pecan Wedges"; "Cannoli"; "Ricotta Pie"; "Banana Cream Pie"; "Crumb Cake"; "Carrot Cake", and more. Spend some time with "The Cake Boss" and his family, and you might just hit the road to Hoboken.

Review Copy Gratis Simon & Schuster

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book. It gave a little bit more of an in depth look at the Valastro family and how they are all connected and how they got to where they are now. I also think that some things were left out, like Buddy's one niece, I think she died from some disease but it doesn't mention anything like that. I also don't think it mentions anything about cousin Anthony.

It also seemed like the story was kind of packed together and like any Italian family, it's hard to figure out who's who since everyone is named after everyone else! : )

I would have enjoyed a story that was a little bit more drawn out, but he did pack everything in there.

This book also has recipes that they use at the bakery, but scaled down for a home kitchen, however, many of the ingredients can't be found at a regular store and your normal kitchen doesn't have the safe or tools that many of these recipes require, though it is nice to see what goes into all their treats and at least he tells you where to get the hard to find ingredients and such.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drool. Drool.
Ooops, sorry you caught me. I've been drooling. And my stomach has been grumbling from hunger. And my eyes have been tearing up from all the laughter and sentimental sweetness from reading Cake Boss by, who else!, the Cake Boss.

Carlo's Bake Shop opened 100 years ago, in 1910. Buddy's dad bought the Bake Shop in 1963; everyone in the family works there.

Buddy is a fourth-generation baker. We learn about Buddy's family, the previous two generations and the next two -- a family with their own squabbles and love for each other. Buddy tells how he figured out how to bake cupcakes that don't have a rounded mound on top. Of course, there are recipes at the end of the book. This is a great read!

[Sherrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written book. It's full of love, laughter, and happiness. And of course recipes. Buddy shares some of his fondest memories and pictures in this book. Plus on some of the pages there are insets separate from the story. They give you little tidbits of info into his cooking and family life. Wonderful book and beautifully written. I loved reading this book. But I must admit I haven't watched his show on t.v. So I'm going to have to catch it and see what all the fuss is about. If the show is anything like this book, I'll love it. If you have a chance to get this book and love cooking, recipes, and memories you will need to pick this one up.

[Mary BookHounds · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore the Cake Boss show on television, so this book is a natural extension. This is more than another cook book, it is recipes intertwined with his family history and life. This memoir is the cake and the recipes are the frosting. I loved the detail about his life and learning more about his mother. She is the spark of that show and I love how she rides Buddy. I was a little disappointed that she didn't force Buddy to finish high school, but some kids aren't cut out for school. Buy the book for the recipes and enjoy the story!

[Janastasia Whydra · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting memoir of Buddy Valastro, his father, their family, and (of course) Carlo's Bakery. The final chapter of the book includes recipes for cookies, cakes, and frostings that are made everyday at the bakery. Buddy Valastro gives detailed directions and photos for the recipes so readers can make Carlo's Bakery quality baked goods. I would recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of TLC's "Cake Boss," a baker looking to try new recipes, a non-fiction reader looking for a light, but entertaining read, or all of the above.

[Gwen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having never seen the show on which the author's success is based, I had no opinions or notions about Buddy Jr and his family. This is the story of Buddy Sr's rise to bakery fame in America and his Sicilan Catholic family life. Buddy Sr dies when Buddy was only 19 and he needed to step in and grow up to take over the new bakery as its leader. Plenty of photos gets a star, along with all the recipes you expect. I especially appreciate the explanations of baking science that went into formulating new products and re-working old ones and the St. Joseph feast recipes which I hope to try.

[Tammy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Buddy from the popular TV show, Cake Boss shares his family's history and the history of Carlo's Bakery from the time his dad started working there until today where the bakery, his family and crew are featured in a popular TV show. Buddy shares his journey and transformation from the youngest child in a big Italian family who loses his father as a young man and becomes a person who can run a busy, successful bakery. He also shares some of the recipes made famous by the show sized down for personal baking.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, okay, not high-brow reading, but I really enjoyed it. I'm a fan of the show and this book definitely captures his mannerisms, I could hear Buddy's voice as I was reading it. So, good job ghost-writer! Can't wait to try out some of the recipes in the back. I have to say, though, I'm glad I didn't grow up in his family where the girls are off preparing dinner, washing dishes, cleaning etc. while he and his dad sit back and relax. (Obviously, the bakery kept the men busy, but still. . .)

[BJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Cake Boss: Stories and Recipes from Mia Famiglia" by Buddy Valastro is Buddy's personal memoir, history and stories about his family members, and the start of his family's bakery business, as well as the start of his TLC show Cake Boss. It also includes a few recipes for cookies, pies, cakes, frostings from his bakery, scaled down for home cooks. I enjoyed this peek into his family life and history. It was a quick read, I read it over a few hours' time.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are a fan of the TLC show (as we are!) a lot of the stories are familiar fromvarious episodes. If you're not, then this is still an interesting biography and story of an immigrant family's journey. The book really pulls together what you see on the show and was a fun read. Many of the recipes are not anything that I would make, but interesting to see the recipes that he talks about regularly.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like watching "Cake Boss" on TLC, so I grabbed this book from the library. The family story was very interesting and I bet Buddy's descendants will appreciate the family history. I wish I had the desire to bake all of the goodies he gives recipes for. I don't. I'm currently figuring out to cook/bake for my 1 year old with severe allergies so I'll head back to the other cookbook I'm reading about that and spend my time mastering those recipes.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like watching Cake Boss on TLC and was glad that I loved the book just as much! It was wonderfully written and nice to hear about the values of Carlo's Bakery and the stories of the bakers from Italy coming to America. It truly is a family operation. It can't be easy, I don't think I could work that closely with my family all day everyday! They seem to really love what they do though and it was nice to hear that it wasn't "just for the cameras."

[Pia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The bio part of the book was very interesting and amazingly readable - it was hard to put down. I didn't try any of the recipes, though, because 1) they all seemed too labor-intensive (What? Rolling pin? You must be joking.) and I read in the amazon.com forums that ALL the recipes came out terribly, that they were either scaled down incorrectly and not tested or deliberately printed incorrectly to preserve the bakery's secrets.

[Marta · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cake Boss. Stories and Recipes from Mia Famiglia (2010)

Ho preso il libro soprattutto perché curiosa delle ricette, quindi non mi soffermerò sulla tendenza agiografica e maschilista della parte autobiografica.
E però anche le ricette sono state deludenti, perché io (e credo un po' tutti) non ho l'impastatrice e non ho idea di cosa sia il grasso vegetale.
Poi voglio vedere chi si mette a fare le code di aragosta a casa.

[Kristen Lester · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so enjoyed reading about Buddy and his family and having a closer look into his family and business life. Buddy is one of my favorite, most inspiring people. I love what he brings to the bakery and the business: his heritage along with his need to carry on his fathers name and make him proud. I love that Buddy never backs away from a challenge but charges it dead on. I hope to one day visit his bakery and taste his incredible food that looks so incredibly inviting on his show.

[Krista · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick but enjoyable read. I wouldn't say there's a lot of meat to the story...I guess it's more like cake--a bit light and fluffy! Still, it was interesting, especially the parts that dealt with the actual process of creating certain baked goods. I'm looking forward to trying some of the recipes!

[Jinky · Rating 3 out of 5]

(3.5)
Interesting stories of this 4th generation master baker's family ...recording parental heritage, current nuclear family life, and behind the scene people involved in his bake shop empire. Of course, with fabulous recipes to boot!! The recipes intimidate me but they sure are treasures!! ~There were only few pictures ...would have like an image for each recipe.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's the story you hear in the bakery, with a whole lot of extra perspective thrown in. The stories you hear on the show are kept light, quick, and are often edited. This book is one of the few that you can actually "hear" the person talking as you read. I loved it.

This book actually brought me to tears. Well done, Buddy.

[Krista Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

BEST tiramisu recipe ever. I loved reading about Buddy's family, his struggle with his father's death and taking over the business, and how he thought way outside the box as he took over. That was the only recipe I've tried so far - RAVE reviews. I'm hoping to try more later. Would be great for all students who are interested in the culinary field.

[Aspasia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only does Buddy give us a behind-the-scenes look at Cake Boss, but he also tells of the struggles that both sets of his immigrant grandparents suffered through when they immigrated to the United States.

[Michael Long · Rating 3 out of 5]

Buddy comes off as a little arrogant at times. Liked the fact that it had recipes in the back. Wish it would of had some fondant or modeling chocolate recipes too but alas, it didn't. Okay book. Got some back stories on some of the crew and the relationships of everyone, which was nice.