Sweet and Vicious: Baking with Attitude

UPDATE on 1st review (below):I gave it another try and made the Salted Pumpkin Caramel Spice cake. The directions for each component (cake, frosting, brittle) were pretty spot on and the brittle was to die for. Then- frosting the cake. the author writes "make sure to frost the cake when both the frosting and cake are still warm". In my head I'm thinking, 'that doesn't sound like that's going to work'. Well, sure enough...after frosting the middle layer, and placing the warm top on the cake, my yummy frosting quickly melts like butter in a hot skillet and runs out the middle, down the sides of the cake, and off the cake pedestal! AND the top layer slides sideways off the cake! I quickly separated both layers, spent the next 15 minutes scraping all the frosting off, refrigerating both cake and frosting, and having to repeat the process an hour later when cooled down. Yes the cake tasted amazing and when re-frosted, looked just like the photo. But how could the directions be so far off???1st review: Oh I'm so disappointed. I had such high hopes for these recipes because of the funky concepts, the quirky writing style, and the photos. I've made two recipes so far- the Post Coital Pie and the Lemonhead Cake- and both were total flops. The Swiss frosting for the Cake was like eating pure unsalted shortening. It was disgusting and the entire group of 8 adults really hated it. The chocolate Pie was like eating a giant Smore, and while it wasn't "bad" it was wayyyyy too rich and sick-y sweet. Threw half of both away in the trash along with several uneaten plates. The worst part is, the ingredients aren't cheap- so when you make something so $$ and time consuming, it better rock your world. If you read the reviews here, most refer to the beautiful photos, and the concept. I doubt most of the writers have made any of the recipes yet. I'm going to try one more before this goes to the recycle bin. Can Amazon refund your money for a cookbook?

Great recipes, wicked sense of humor. Fun to read and use.

I'm not a huge fan of cookbooks...probably because I'm not a cook and I'm not a baker. Amazingly enough, the recipes in this book make me want to get in the kitchen ASAP. Not only is every recipe mouthwatering, but the stories behind each cake, cookie, pie, and pastry are heartwarming and hilarious. Also, the author is freakin' adorable. Libbie Summers is fabulous, stylish, and outlandishly talented, and she's not afraid to show it in Sweet & Vicious. Even the book pages are tipped hot pink!I'll admit it. This is the first time I have ever bought an actual cookbook and it's already my favorite purchase of the year.

Now I love cookbooks. I love the pictures, the new ideas, the recipe possibilities. This is not your average cookbook y'all. Libbie Summers takes baking up to a whole nother level. From lemonheads to lavender...every thing is new and exciting. Thank you Libbie Summers for this book. It's s'nice that you care for us and created this wonderful piece of art. PS: Speaking of piece...you won't be able to eat just one piece of the wahini pie. TRUST ME.

I'm a big baker and I thought this would bring something different to my baking. And while it did? It wasn't really that inspiring - it was more or less the same 5-10 ingredients just recycled over and over again. Also I was somewhat disappointed at all the savory options they offered. I wish it had been more cakes/cookies/brownies/etc. I mean, it is called SWEET and Vicious. Still: It's a GORGEOUS book with lots of color, even if the actual content is okay to meh in my opinion.

Libbie Summers has taking the intimidating task of baking and turned it into a great big party! I am buying baking pans as I type! I love cookbooks but I have to say this cookbook has a personality all it's own! The writing is wicked funny and the images by Ms. Chong are inspiring. Buy it even if you don't bake. Because after reading this, you will! Have fun!

Besides the recipes being fabulous, the humor and stories are more than entertaining; the warm and witty tales bring one right into Libbie's family. Before trying one single baked goodie, I read the whole book smiling all the way through. Love the cookie cutter patterns, too! Such a wonderful gift to present to my friends...I have ordered several copies to do just that!

Great addition for anyone with a cook book collection or has a sweet tooth. Recipes have a very interesting combination in ingredients. Great flavor additions to many old time favorites. Gave it as a gift and after tasting a couple of the dishes want to go back and buy one for myself.

Beautiful book, colourful and filled with great recipes. It also tells a story and that's part of its charm. On top of that the recipes are doable which is more than you can say from most cookbooks!

I love the book. I saw one in the library and realized that it was fantastic and bought one for myself, daughter and granddaughter. It is really terrific.. So refreshing, and a new slant on baking. The recipes are top rate, the pictures are top notch and the recipes are easy to follow and turn out perfectly. What a wonderful treat. A refreshing approach in baking . Hats off to Libbie Summers