Sweet by Yotam Ottolenghi and Helen Goh is the perfect alternative for anyone who still needs to visit an Ottolenghi restaurant. The images are stunning, the layout is simple, and the instructions are easy to follow. That being said, depending on where you live, some of the interesting ingredients required to create these unique treats may be hard to find.
Title: Sweet: Desserts From London's Yotam OttolenghiAuthor: Yotam Ottolenghi, Helen Goh
Publisher: Ten Speed Press
Genres: Cookbook, Lifestyle
Publication Date: October 3, 2017
Rating:
n his stunning new baking and desserts cookbook Yotam Ottolenghi and his long-time collaborator Helen Goh bring the Ottolenghi hallmarks of fresh, evocative ingredients, exotic spices and complex flavourings - including fig, rose petal, saffron, aniseed, orange blossom, pistachio and cardamom - to indulgent cakes, biscuits, tarts, puddings, cheesecakes and ice cream.
Sweet includes over 110 innovative recipes, from Blackberry and Star Anise Friands, Tahini and Halva Brownies, Persian Love Cakes, Middle Eastern Millionaire’s Shortbread, and Saffron, Orange and Honey Madeleines to Flourless Chocolate Layer Cake with Coffee, Walnut and Rosewater and Cinnamon Pavlova with Praline Cream and Fresh Figs.
There is something here to delight everyone – from simple mini-cakes and cookies that parents can make with their children to showstopping layer cakes and roulades that will reignite the imaginations of accomplished bakers.
❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃
Sweet by Yotam Ottolenghi
❀ A Collection of Treats for the Year
Admittedly, I have quite a large sweet tooth, so a collection of yummy new desserts to make is something that brings me joy. Sweet is a collection of cookies, cakes, and more that can be made at any time of the year. Although the instructions are clear and concise, these recipes are geared towards experienced bakers. The techniques and tools that are required do involve some prior training, and while the recipes could be made with the assistance of children, it may be a bit overwhelming to tackle.
❀ Challenging Recipes
I do enjoy creating interesting and new treats. One thing that I discovered about my own habits, however, is that simplicity is something I strive for. I found myself drooling over all of the recipes included in Sweet, but just didn’t have the desire to put in the effort required to create most of the desserts.
Orange and Star Anise Shortbread
❀ Easy to Follow
I did opt to make the Orange and Star Anise Shortbread cookies. Sourcing most of the ingredients was fairly simple. The Italian and rice flours, vanilla beans, and star anise took me to 2 different stores to find. As the instructions are laid out quite well, these cookies turned out as expected and were absolutely an explosion of flavours in your mouth. The star anise is a very unique addition to a shortbread cookie and gives a flavour of liquorice to the cookie. Also, my entire house was filled with a wonderful aroma that was so enjoyable.
❀ Gorgeous Book
Sweet by Yotam Ottolenghi and Helen Goh has citrus and spice combinations that are incredible. The book is a gorgeous addition to any baker’s collection. For those who enjoy a challenge in the kitchen, I highly recommend giving these recipes a try.
About Yotam Ottolenghi
Yotam Ottolenghi's path to the world of cooking and baking has been anything but straightforward. Having completed a Masters degree in philosophy and literature whilst working on the news desk of an Israeli daily, he made a radical shift on coming to London in 1997. He started as an assistant pastry chef at the Capital and then worked at Kensington Place and Launceston Place, where he ran the pastry section. Yotam subsequently worked for Maison Blanc and then Baker and Spice, before starting his own eponymous group of restaurants/food shops, with branches in Notting Hill, Islington and Kensington.
Sounds Incredible.
The Orange and Star Anise Shortbread looks and sounds delicious!
Right?! It is like a celebration in your mouth. Seriously! 🙂
I know I am trying so hard, and only eat sweets every now and then. But some of this is hard o say no to, I tell ya!
I know this feeling all too well! 😉
Oh those cookies look so good! They sound good, too! I’m going to be picking up this cookbook just for that recipe alone. I’m such a sucker when it comes to cookies…I bake and eat way too many of them, haha. I also love the cover for this one. Great review!
That cover looks delicious! It’s making me crave for ice cream or something sweet!
sounds like these recipes will be over my head
I love these cookbooks, and this is one I definitely want!!! I’d like to have them all for a collection, and also to use, of course! Good for the coffee table, too.
The cover pic is gorgeous – I love fresh figs!