The greatest virtue of the book, apart from the clarity of its recipes, lies in its organization: the chapters, which cover all baking stops, begin with relevant tips, followed by notes on equipment and techniques, all photo-illustrated. These set-ups supply context that maximizes the possibility of pleasurable, goof-free baking. Photo-illustrated how-to's in the formulas further the cause. A quibble is the absence in many of the recipe headnotes of descriptive material about the baked good they introduce--it's important to provide info on techniques and ingredients, as the headnotes do, but baking recipes in particular cry out for descriptions of what, for example, sfogliatelle (an Italian pastry), or lime-glazed cookies are. This said, the book is immensely appealing and will excite as well as instruct a wide range of bakers, from the would-be to the accomplished. --Arthur Boehm

Customer Reviews Average rating - 4.5

Rating - 4 Date: 2008-12-28
Content: the book was in great condition as stated. Took a bit longer than i expected , but it was the holidays so..no complaints. It was a gift for my sister and she loves the book. The quality of the paper is very good and great pics too.
Summary: great condition

Rating - 5 Date: 2008-11-27
Content: I read this book looking for ways to WOW my guests with my baking. There are plenty of ideas, pictures and instructions in this book. I am a fairly good cook and do not need instructions on producing the "basic" baked goods. I wanted to find new tools like the cannelle mold and new ways to use the mundane like using a stainless steel bowl to make a birthday cake (with piped meringue frosting browned with a brulee torch). Now you are talking my language. That is what I look for in Martha's magazines and books. I am not actually a fan, I find her kind of annoying to listen to but she has great ideas & photographs. Buy this book if you want to take the 'next step' don't bother if you are simply looking for new ways to use cake mix.
Summary: Exceeds expectation

Rating - 5 Date: 2008-11-25
Content: I bought this cookbook when it first came out a few years ago and could not be more pleased with it. What I love about it is that it is the perfect combination of tried and true tips and techniques and mouthwatering recipes. The result is a book that I turn to not just when I am looking for a great recipe, but also for points of information that will make me a better baker. It is a very thorough cookbook and I have found that if I am looking for a standard or classic baking recipe, whether sweet or savory, there is a good chance this book will have it. In addition to this cookbook, I also own The King Arthur Flour Baker's Companion: The All-Purpose Baking Cookbook, but find that I turn to Martha more often for the following reasons:
-The color pictures. There are far, far more of these in this book than there are in The King Arthur Flour Baker's Companion. These not only make the book a more mouthwatering read, but provide great visuals when making the recipe.
-The flawless results. For me the proof is often in the pudding. Every recipe I have made from this book has come out as expected which makes it the perfect book to turn to when I am making something for the first time. I have made her peanut butter sandwich cookies, oatmeal raisin cookies, sugar cookies, royal icing, chocolate scones, challah, english muffins, and one bowl chocolate cupcakes and all were winners. I think a lot of this is due to the fact that the recipes are clearly well tested and the directions impeccably written.
-Recipes and advice for every skill level. When I first bought this book I was a beginning baker and found the recipes and tips as relevant as I do now. I love the fact that as I grow in confidence as a baker there are always more things to learn.

Overall I am thrilled with this cookbook. However there are some things that other baking books have that this one does not. For one, The King Arthur Flour cookbooks are great at having nutritional information, even for recipes that are not low fat. This one does not, but considering how much cream, butter and oil are in these recipes, it is probably all for the best. This book also tends to lean more towards classic flavor combinations rather than more unusual ones so you're more likely to find fusion-type recipes elsewhere. Neither of these points take away from its value in my book, which is why it is still a 5-star handbook to me.

Overall, I highly recommend it. I think it's a great purchase both for new bakers as well as those who are more experienced and interested in honing their skills. Thanks Martha for such a fantastic resource.
Summary: If I could only own one baking book this would be it

Rating - 5 Date: 2008-10-16
Content: The book was in excellent condition and arrived in a very timely manner. Very Very Happy to have made the pruchase. Everything I order from Amazon is always an excellent price, in good order and arrives on time. I love it. Thanks.....RMC
Summary: Excellent

Rating - 5 Date: 2008-09-07
Content: Martha Stewart's Baking Handbook will become a favorite go-to resource for everything baked. The illustrations and technique instructions are very helpful. I wouldn't say this is a book for the beginning baker as some of the terminology and descriptions assume some baking knowledge; but for someone who is already comfortable in the kitchen this is a wonderful guide to every category of baking. I like how beyond the basics of each technique or recipe she takes it a bit further with a twist on the traditional - the semi-sweet chocolate coating layer on the crust of the coconut cream pie, for example. I think this is a great well-rounded addition to any cook's library!
Summary: Techniques simply explained.....