How to Make Simple Fruit Desserts: An Illustrated Step-By-Step Guide to Crisps, Cobblers, Shortcakes, Compotes, Fools, Baked Apples and Poached Fruit : Book Review

If you're searching for a comprehensive guide on how to prepare tasty and effortless desserts using a variety of fresh fruits, "How to Make Simple Fruit Dessets" by Cook's Illustrated is the perfect resource for you. This book features an array of recipes, ranging from timeless favorites like apple pie and strawberry shortcake to more unique creations such as pineapple upside-down cake and blueberry cobbler.

One of the standout characteristics of this book is its clear and straightforward instructions. Each recipe is presented in a step-by-step format, making it accessible for even the most novice bakers to follow along. Furthermore, the authors offer useful tips and techniques throughout the book to ensure that readers achieve success with their desserts.

Moreover, the book places a strong emphasis on using fresh and seasonal ingredients. It provides guidance on selecting and preparing fruits, enabling readers to fully capture the flavors and textures of the chosen fruits. The recipes also incorporate a variety of other ingredients, such as spices, nuts, and sugars, to enhance the natural flavors of the fruit.

Visually, the book is a treat for the eyes, featuring beautiful and vibrant photographs of the desserts. These images not only add to the book's appeal but also serve as a helpful reference for readers, guiding them in achieving the perfect outcome.

In conclusion, "How to Make Simple Fruit Desserts" is an excellent resource for individuals looking to create delectable desserts using fresh fruits. Whether you have extensive baking experience or are just starting out, this book offers a wide range of recipes and techniques to assist you in making crowd-pleasing fruit desserts. With its clear instructions, emphasis on fresh ingredients, and stunning visuals, this book is a must-have for any dessert enthusiast.

What are readers saying?

"How to Make Simple Fruit Desserts" by Cook's Illustrated has received predominantly positive feedback from readers. Many readers praised the book for its straightforward and accessible recipes. They found the instructions to be clear and easy to follow, allowing them to create delicious fruit desserts with minimal effort. The book's focus on using fresh, seasonal fruits also received high praise, as it provided a wide range of dessert options including pies, tarts, crisps, and compotes.

In addition to the simplicity of the recipes, readers appreciated the helpful tips and techniques provided in the book. These tips included guidance on selecting and preparing different types of fruit for desserts, making the book an invaluable resource for creating flavorful and visually appealing dishes. The organization and layout of the book also received positive feedback, with recipes conveniently categorized by fruit type, making it easy for readers to find specific recipes or gather ideas for using particular fruits. The inclusion of beautiful photographs of the desserts further inspired readers to try new recipes and visualize the end results.

While the majority of readers praised the book, some negative reviews critiqued the lack of uniqueness and creativity in some recipes. These readers were seeking more innovative fruit desserts rather than traditional options. Additionally, a few readers noted that certain recipes called for hard-to-find or expensive ingredients, which limited their ability to fully enjoy the book.

Overall, "How to Make Simple Fruit Desserts" is highly regarded for its user-friendly recipes and helpful advice on working with fruit. It is recommended for those seeking delicious and straightforward fruit desserts using seasonal ingredients.