Duff Bakes: Think and Bake Like a Pro at Home

I have not tried the recipes in this cookbook yet, but will review again when I do. I took two days to read the entire cookbook, to get acquainted with it, see the kinds of recipes they chose to put in the cookbook, read how they developed the instructions, and finally to see how doable and at what level of experience these recipes were directed. This cookbook is directed at pretty much all levels. There are recipes for the novice, and the very experienced baker as well, but you do not have to be very experienced, as the directions are so well written that it would be hard not to get great results--except for the Piped Henna Cake. That one is so very detailed and intricate that I am not sure I even want to make it. But....it is there, for those who do. How nice is that? I may get to it someday, but meanwhile, there are so many other things to make. Let's start with the Popcorn Ball recipe that would make children so happy, as well as adults. Duff says, "They are a variation on Rice Krispie treats." So they seem to be. I can see lining your kids up at a table and giving each one measuring cups of their own particular ingredients of peanut butter, milk chocolate chips, and marshmallows, along with a big bowl to put them in. The older child could cook the sugar mixture. The middle child could measure out the 1 gallon + 1 quart of popcorn (not to worry they tell you it is 20 cups!). Then when done making the baseball shape popcorn balls, you put them into cupcake pans to shape and set them up. A warning not to refrigerate and why you shouldn't refrigerate the popcorn balls, is also included. That was a recipe that was really well thought out and written. The beautiful color picture is gorgeous too. Then, there are options, which they have throughout the book. If you want your popcorn balls with savory flavors, you can do that too. Another recipe, Vegan Chocolate-Avacado Cake is so pretty and so very moist looking. For health reasons I used to be Vegan, and I must say, I am going to make this cake. I used to make a vegan mousse with dates and avocado that was to die for, so this recipe has to be terrific. There are vegan, gluten-free as well as full-on, full-fat recipes for those who want the real deal. There are chocolate, white, vanilla, angel food, coconut meringue, carrot, hummingbird, red velvet, cheesecake and the various frostings and "goo" as they call them. There are Swiss Buttercreams, Cream Cheese Frosting, American Buttercream, Ganache, Royal Icing, fillings, pudding, pastry cream, fondant, pastillage or gum paste with directions for rolling roses that seem pretty dog-gone easy. Duff's Hot Pickled Pepper-Corn Muffins looks terrific with the addition of Pepperoncini. I can't wait to make that. Pumpkin Bread, Cinnamon Coffeecake, Challah, Matzah, Lavash and even Sourdough Bread. There are more I haven't mentioned all lovingly written to help you succeed. Take Duff's Good-A** Fudge...In the directions he says, "Stir and cook just until the mixture is combined, then stop stirring. Don't mess with it!" I love those kinds of directions because you totally know what to do. The fudge looks fabulous too. I have been collecting cookbooks for decades. Why would I want this in addition to all the ones I have? The recipes are thorough, not cryptic and vague, with warnings--unlike all others. If you like that too, this cookbook should be in your arsenal IMHO.

First it was personally signed by Duff. The cookbook starts by breaking down all the various types of flour and what each type works best on whatever your baking. The recipes are detailed and simple to follow. I made the blueberry muffins with the strussel topping. It turned out beautifully and tasted even better. Can't wait to try more of the recipes.

I watch baking competitions on television, and Duff Goldman is frequently one of the judges. I've always been impressed by how he frames his critique in terms of gentle teaching. That's why I bought this book.This is the first cookbook that I've read. Not just hunted for recipes, but read the same way I'd read a novel. I've been baking for 50 years, and I'm still learning. This is a great book for both new bakers and experienced bakers.I've read some of the other reviews where the reviewer stated there are errors in the book. I haven't found any, so buy the book and bake with confidence.

I love Duff Goldman. He and the co-author give great baking tips and recipes in this book.

I'm a huge fan of Duff Goldman and think of him and his Charm City Cakes crew as not just bakers, but artists. So I was worried that being as talented as he is, he wouldn't be able to break down the art form into something understandable for weekend bakers like myself. Well, I was wrong to worry. The recipes are mostly easy to follow, for both novice and experienced bakers. If you've only ever baked a slice and bake chocolate chip cookie, you'll definitely find many challenges in here, but plenty of guidance. If you're more experienced and know a thing or two about baking, this book is probably right on your level.His bar and cookie recipes look easy to moderately challenging. He's got easy bread recipes for people who've never worked with yeast, and more complicated recipes (sourdough, anybody?) for those who are ready. I'm both nervous and excited to try to create my first sourdough starter (which I didn't even know was a thing).His cake decorating section I felt deviated from the overall aim of the book (i.e., easy and non-intimidating). I would have liked less info on fondant and project ideas, and more instruction on how to frost cake, do pretty piping with buttercream, and maybe some sprinkle work. I'll probably not delve into fondant work unless I take a class.I'm most excited to try his cinnamon roll recipe and his Swiss buttercream recipe. Least excited about anything fondant related. If you're worried you might not learn any new techniques, I'd still recommend you pick this up for the great recipes and the adorable narrative that Duff and co-author Sara provide.Update: cinnamon roll recipe was easy enough to follow. My boyfriend complained that they were too sweet and needed more time in the oven. This is after I had already extended the baking time.Popcorn ball recipe produced an addictive snack that I had to give away to get out of the house. Win.The "good-a** fudge" recipe called for a candy thermometer. I followed the recipe precisely and my fudge never set. After several hours of waiting, I poured the chocolate goo back in the pot and boiled again, this time letting it sit at the temp and bubble for a bit longer. We'll see if it sets.Tonight I made the vanilla birthday cake and American butter cream. Buttercream tasted like eating a stick of butter and the cake was a little dense and not very sweet. Great textures but no flavor.I'm disappointed that while the recipes are precise, there seem to be flaws. I actually found a mistake in the fudge recipe. It calls for you to set up a bowl of cold water in step one, but never tells you what to do with it.

good book, really good explanations in it, love duff and his show, can't wait to bake some of his recipes

Great book!! With fantastic recipes and easy to follow instructions, would recommend to any baker!!

Really nice book and it's by Duff so you can't go wrong.

Easy and tasty recipes for everybody. Love the stories before each recipe.

Great baking book. If you are only looking for a few great books on baking, this is the one. Interesting, easy, consiece instructions, and a great product at the end.