It's not so much for the recipes that I am buying this cookbook. There are some fabulous recipes in here - the waterwhip pie crust, corn pancakes, glorified shrimp- but many of the preparations are not to modern taste or use ingredients that are dated (suet, lard, palm oil). No, the fascinating part of this little treasure is the history that binds it together. Not only is it snapshot of the 1950's, with its aspics and community suppers, and surprising reliance on convenience products of the time, but the African American history it preserves is precious in its own right. The pages on Robert Smalls alone are worth owning this book. The index needs work and the user guide recipe updates for modern use should have been included at the end of every recipe instead of burying them in a chapter at the back of the book, but after reading thru this once as a novel, I am ready to use it as an actual cookbook. But as a record of Black history thru the year, it is priceless.

The Historical Cookbook Of The American Negro was originally published in 1958 as a community cookbook. A memorable compendium of recipes, facts, bios, documents, illustrations, documents, and anecdotes tracing the lost history of the African-American community and culture, Beacon Press has reissued this American culinary classic with all 132 mouth watering recipes which pay special tribute to African-American pioneers. From Emancipation Proclamation Breakfast Cake, Sliced Potato Pie, and A Nut Cake to Israel, to New England Suet Pudding, Brussel Sprouts with Paprika Sour Cream, and Yam Pork Chop Skillet, The Historical Cookbook Of The American Negro is nostalgic, exotic, and a welcome resource for any contemporary meal planner menu.

This is a great cookbook if you like to make home-made baked goods, but don't want lengthy, complex recipes. The recipes are short, to the point, and lend themselves to many permutations, according to your own taste. I have had many raves over the white-chocolate chip blondies. The recipes are easy, delicious, and always boost my ego when I bring the goodies to a party, and I receive the compliments.

When I first saw this book I was so excited to see that all the recipes came with instructions on how to adapt each recipe to different types of pans. That was a major plus for me since I like the variety that the recipes gave me - being able to make a delicious cake recipe into a layer cake, muffins, or a sheet cake, as well as thorough instructions on doubling of recipes and their corresponding bake times. This proves very helpful and convenient when you are baking for family that may range from as little as two people to as much as twenty! Her recipes are easy to understand and her focus seems to be on providing the novice baker with with simple and delicious results that use easily accessible ingredients. She also includes directions in individual recipes for preparing a portion of the recipe beforehand and usually gives suggestions at the end of each recipe for you to try other delicious variations using the same recipe. There are recipes for cakes, brownies, frostings and glazes, cookies, bars, candies, frozen desserts, puddings, and fruit desserts. Having made her "smooth as a baby's ... carrot cake" with her cream cheese frosting, I can honestly say you will not be disappointed! That's a really good carrot cake with a wonderful frosting that was SO easy to make. My husband loved it too - and he doesn't really care for carrot cake! If you can get your hands on this book buy it! This trully accomplishes what many other books claim to do - encourage you, through simple and understandable prose, to say to yourself "I can do this!" and produce scrumptious results!

When their inimitable school bus goes on the fritz (or should I say, "frizz"?,) the students get worried: this is one field trip they don`t want to miss. They`re trying to give their unique teacher a surprise birthday party and need to get to the bakery for the cake. When they finally reach their destination, the unstable bus suddenly shrinks, with everyone in it, to the size of a moth. They dodge the baker`s fly swatter and Ms Frizzle while using kitchen chemistry to get the job done. My boys and I miss the volume of information and mini "reports" of the original series, but they still learn and have fun at the same time. They have a new respect for cooking, as edible chemistry. And the baking soda experiment at the back of the book is a rainy day standby in our household: we love the fizz from the Frizz!

I liked it because the baker thought the magic school bus was a moth.

Kudos to Dr. Briscoe for this illuminating tale of the trials and tribulations of not only a solo surgical practice, but of a couple that also suffers the slings and arrows garnered by an interracial marriage, a black man and a white women.

This story will appeal to those who have considered what it was like to cross the racial barriers in the 1960s and to those who may have wondered what it is like to start a surgical practice.

There are some of us who know it from both angles.

I highly recommend this book. It is captivating, and it can be easily read in a single sitting, with ease. A very good piece of creative writing, which really 'hits home.'

There are some of us who know it from both angles.

I highly recommend this book, it is so captivating, it can be read in a single sitting with ease. A very good piece of creative writing which really 'hits home.'

Marble Cake is the moving story of a Black surgeon and a White stewardess in a northern town with a liberal veneer. The picture changes when the couple becomes engaged to be married. The characters are real and even sometimes familiar. It is not only the engaging characters that pull the reader into the story, but the very real situations they face in the turbulent 60's. The reader is captivated and keeps turning the pages. This novel takes the time to portray a realistic love story between two people. The people happen to be of different races. It clearly illustrates the conflicts the couple faces. You gain a window into the thoughts of bigots, liberal Whites, and Blacks in the community. Marble Cake should appeal to many, especially to those who have been involved in interracial relationships, or who are the products of such relationships. The backdrop of medical politics adds interest.

So we can't all make music like the Velvet Underground but mud pies are an art form achievable by virtually every humanoid life form. Of course there's a certain ammount of finesse that comes only with time and practice, but Cage's meticulous instructions exist as a solid framework for beginners in this sublime craft. The illustrations are just the sort of inspiration an amateur mud pie or cake maker needs to get those creative juices flowing.

Contrary to what the editorial review says, this is not a "good-natured satire". This book is both a serious and fun guide for making mud cakes and pies. Everybody can do it! The fact that the result might not be edible does not detract from the value of this little book. The illustrations are great, and the language is suited both for children and adults. If you have ever read Walter DeMaria's words on meaningless work, you will surely appreciate this book.

The book's title tells us all we need to know. this is for the expert cake decorator. Nevertheless the details and instructions within can help all decorators achieve higher standards. many of the tips are very useful as well as giving guidance on what to avoid. the step by step instructions are easy to follow and the cake designs are tasteful and low key, the emphasis being on attention to detail.

About the"Professional",just read this book. I love it about the professional touches anythings. Just look it! Trust yourself!

Many a wonderful batch of goodies have been made from this book. My copy is worn and stained from such constant use. Thank you for sharing your creativity.

I have tried most of the recipes in this book, and they are all wonderful. The recipes are easy to follow and almost foolproof. I am a serious "baker" and feel like I have found a great collection of recipes. I await Sylvia's next book.

Ultimate Cake Decorator really is an ultimate guide to cake baking and decorating. The style is primarily U.K., although Americans will find a wealth of information here. Full of recipes for both fruit and madiera(sponge) cakes, the ideas abound for more than just icing and piping skills. Recipes include coffee cakes, "swiss rolls", and spiced cake.

Skill demonstrations include tinting and coloring sugarpaste, covering cakes, cut-out flowers and fruits, frills, ribbon work and modelling. The text is well-written with the student in mind and the photographs are excellent. I especially like the novelty section with the kids cakes, my favorite is the Ladybug.

My only complaint with this book is that for a "comprehensive guide" most of the cakes are one or two layers, and there are very few tiered cakes. Perhaps the authors feel that is a subject of its own and belongs in another book. That would be fine, except they touch upon it with a few cakes, I assume to show how to use exterior columns to hold the tiers. They do not explain or demonstrate fully the use and placement of the interior dowels or "skewers". If your interest is to make tiered cakes, ignore this section and find a specific guide to tiered cakes. Wilton has several very good ones.

This is a good book and well worth the price.

Easy to follow instructions and tempting photographs for the beginner to expert cake decorator. Includes foolproof recipes for delicious cakes, many types of frostings, fondant, flower-making, borders, and more. Detailed step-by-step decorating instructions make it easy to create professional results at home. Excellent selection of delicious cake recipes with accompanying glazes, fillings, and decorating ideas. This is the most comprehensive book I have read on cake decorating. Tired of leafing through countless bookshelves for recipes, creative ideas, and decorating instructions? This book is for you. The Ultimate Cake Decorator has it all!

Whoops! I purchased this book, but was sent another one, Visions of Sugarplums, 1992. It's not a bad book, but I was disappointed that I didn't get the one I ordered. I think I'd rate Sheraton's book at least a 4, probably a 5. Donna Gibson

This book is perfect for anyone wanting to make Christmas a little more exciting and varied. Recipes from all over the world are included. Some are traditional and well known favorites while others are truly unique. Most ingredients are fairly simple to obtain, despite the sometimes exotic nature of the recipe.

Reading this book is also a good way to learn about Christmas customs and beliefs in other countries.

Truly an international and festive culinary adventure for everyone. I recommend this book very highly.

It gives more fun to cake decorating. I have learnt new and more ideas which I will surely use. I will encourage my friends who like baking to have a look at it. It's worth it (though expensive back here in the jungle!).

wilton cake decoration is very interesting, because always we have new things to do, indeed we can create decorations and the most interesting t hing for me is that the decorations looks natural and agreeable to enjoy it.