Tate's Bake Shop Cookbook

April 25, 2005
King's previous book, Kathleen's Bake Shop Cookbook
, is one of the most solid baking books out there; its no-frills—and no-fail—recipes were inspired by the mouthwatering fare served at the author's old Southampton, N.Y., bakery, Kathleen's Bake Shop. Now that King has moved on to Tate's Bake Shop, the treats she's whipping up haven't much changed, as the 100 recipes in this solid work demonstrate. The two books have a lot in common (including identical subtitles); standards like Orange–Poppy Seed Muffins, Ginger Hearts, Chocolate-Chip Cookies and Peanut Butter Squares appear in both. This new work includes some slightly fancier recipes, like Nutella Shortbread Sandwich Cookies, Warm Individual Chocolate Cakes, Mocha Pecan Muffins and Fresh Blueberry and White Chocolate Tart. Of course, simplicity is paramount: "All the recipes in this book should take less time to make than it would to go to a store to buy a commercially prepared baked good," King says. Her fans have come to rely on her standards, and for the most part, that's what they'll get: Lemon Pound Cake, Raspberry Squares and Old-Fashioned Soft Sugar Cookies are exactly the sort of time-tested delights King's loyal customers clamor for.

June 1, 2005
King is a true entrepreneur, having begun her career as an 11-year-old selling homemade chocolate chip cookies at her parents' farm stand in Southampton, NY. She has also owned a bakery since she was 21 and now wholesales her products to retail stores. Here, she presents 100 recipes, mainly for her favorite, calorie-laden baked goods as well as those of friends, and relatives, including Mocha Pecan Muffins, Anadama Bread, Chocolate Jumbles, Crè me de Menthe Pie, and Tres Leches Cake. The last chapter contains nine recipes for healthy alternatives -Pumpkin Bread and Energy Bars. Since several recipes appeared in King's first book, "Kathleen's Bake Shop Cookbook", libraries that own it may not need this small yet enjoyable collection for the compulsive baker. -Christine Bulson, SUNY at Oneonta Lib.

Copyright 2005 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.