Cookbook Review: Leon Baking & Puddings

I was recently sent a copy of Leon Book 3, Baking and Puddings to review. Despite being a cookbook hoarder this is the first Leon book in my collection, though I have considered buying one of the others in the past. 

The first thing that struck me about this book was the design. I'm a sucker for a gorgeous cookbook and this definitely falls into that category. It's no secret that I love to sit flicking through cookbooks and a pretty one makes the experience all the more better! The cover is enticing and the graphics used within the book demonstrate that a lot of thought has gone into this book. 

The amount of thought that has gone into the book is also apparent by the large section at the start of the book dedicated to giving you all the basics you need to know to get baking.  The first part is a guide to ingredients which talks through things like different types of flour, fats, sugars and sweeteners. The guide also includes information on what it's good for and whether it's good for you! Then we move onto the tools, tips and techniques section which talks you through all the basic tools you'll need for baking - this is particularly useful if you're new to baking as the writers are talking about the ones that they need the most, before moving on to more advanced tools. This section could possibly save you buying things you don't really need (says the gadget queen...).

I found the techniques section really helpful even though I've done a fair bit of baking in my time. I've never thought about weighing water and the information on buying, storing and melting chocolate was interesting as melting chocolate is pretty much my nemesis. There is literally advice in this book for everything you could ever want to know including first aid for when things go pear-shaped.

The recipes sections are split into two - Everyday and Celebration. Everyday as you would expect covers breakfast, snacks, tea time, puddings, cooking with children, breads and sweets. The celebration section covers all those important holidays through the year - Easter, St George's Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Wimbledon, Halloween, Bonfire Night, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hogmanay, Eid, Valentine's Day, Birthdays, Christenings and Wakes.

Recipes that caught my eye as ones I'd like to try out in the future include Lise's Cherry Almond Cookies, St Clements Pudding and Triple Chocolate Fantasy Cake. I also plan to give the Spotted Dick a whirl as I've been meaning to make on of those for ages.

All-in-all this is a comprehensive book which covers the basics and is great for both beginners and more experienced cooks.  It's so pretty it would make a great gift too!

Leon: Baking & Puddings Book 3 is published by Conran Octopus and has a RRP of £20.00.