Marbled, Swirled, and Layered

Starred review from September 15, 2016

This debut cookbook's no-frills title belies a wealth of thoughtfully composed and marvelously complex desserts, such as jumbo Arnold Palmer cookies, Seville orange bars with salted shortbread and gin meringue, and pumpkin and ginger swirl ice cream pie with pecan-maple crust. In chapters for cookies, brownies and bars, cakes, breakfast goods, and more, food writer Lin competently explains baking basics and shares supplementary information on ingredients, techniques, and food science. Most recipes include two to three flavor variations, and many can be made gluten-free using flour blends and conversion tips appearing in an introductory section. VERDICT Lin's outstanding first book can help all home bakers to expand their repertoire and think more creatively about flavor combinations.

Copyright 2016 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 1, 2016
The pastry chef's skills range wide, calling upon training in physics, chemistry, and culinary technique to produce artful and tasty desserts appealing to the widest possible audience. San Franciscan Lin has mastered his craft, and he shares his deep knowledge to educate others. The cookies and cakes Lin has imagined here go far beyond the commonplace. Some of the recipes will challenge even the chef's professional peers, but a few will prove attractive and intriguing to the everyday home baker. The sharply defined pinwheel effect of his cinnamon honey bun cookies can be duplicated with some practice and patience. Lin's sense of humor extends to a cake that duplicates commercial cream-filled chocolate cupcakes. Every recipe has one or two variations that transform flavors from the basic version. For those who need to avoid gluten, Lin has developed wheat flour substitutions that perform perfectly. Culinary students can glean much from Lin.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)