7/6/2010 9:30:00 PM Let them eat (and read about) cake!
By the Library Lad and Ladies Special to the Courier
Who doesn't like cake? Surely there is a cake that appeals to everyone: light and delicate or dense and moist, warm from the oven or chilled, cupcakes, sheet cakes or wedding cakes, frosted, filled or topped with fruit. A search for "cake" in the Yavapai Library Network - http://catalog.yln.info - brings up more than 600 titles. There are board books for the very youngest library patron, cookbooks galore and cake-related fiction for young and old. Whether you want to bake a cake or just read about cakes, there is a title that will appeal.
"Teens Cook Desserts" by Megan and Jill Carle. 2006.
How about a slice of chocolate malt cake or a plate of tuxedoed strawberries? These are just two of the mouthwatering recipes whipped up by siblings Jill and Megan Carle in this colorful cookbook. Teens can effortlessly navigate the simple instructions and pick up cooking tips. Megan and Jill even slip in a bit of culinary history and trivia. By the way, the cinnamon swirl cake with a cream cheese center? A slice of heaven! - Jennifer Kendall
"Eat Cake" by Jeanne Ray. 2003.
Sink into this sweet story filled with layers of clever humor, relatable characters and, of course, tasty cake creations. Ruth is a loving homemaker who just happens to excel at baking cakes in her spare time. Without warning, a series of events unsettles Ruth's household. Learn how Ruth draws upon strength she never knew she had, all the while with cake pans in hand. You will also find Ruth's tempting recipes at the back of the novel, in case your own cravings for cake must be satisfied! - Katy Willis
"101 Things to Do with a Cake Mix" by Stephanie Ashcraft.
This tiny book takes the reader on a relentless march through tantalizing and sinful combinations of sugar, pudding, fruits, cinnamon, food coloring, hostess products, and whipped toppings. Health food aficionados should not view this book for fear of potential psychotic episodes. For the rest of us, this book satisfies confectionary comfort food cravings. Often nostalgic, there is something here to create a moment of joy for kids, families, or just those of us who suffer from cake lust. - Russell Miller
"The Cake Bible" by Rose Levy Beranbaum. 1988.
This award-winning book has become a classic for both professional and home bakers. Although taking a quite scientific approach to baking, the tone is encouraging rather than intimidating. Beranbaum has something to teach bakers of every level with detailed instructions for each recipe and extensive information on ingredients and baking equipment. Beautiful color photographs provide a visual feast nearly as satisfying as the delicious cakes. The recently published update, "Rose's Heavenly Cakes," is astonishingly beautiful and will soon be available at the Prescott Public Library. - Julie Pavri
The Library Lad and Ladies are employees of the Prescott Public Library.
