This book will keep you on the edge of your feet. Tim Moriarty not only shocks you with suspense. But inter-twines a emotional/physical battle between a professional vampire killer who must face his worse fear. Killing his own sister who is a vampire. The mental manipulation that goes on, plus some "unique" theories regarding vampire lore. This book is a must for vampire enthusiasts.

After reading through the entire book and trying out several recipes I have to say I am a bit disappointed. The photos of the desserts do not necessarily match the recipe instructions. For example, the Chocolate Coconut Cake instructs one to sprinkle toasted coconut over the top and sides of the cake but the photograph shows a cake with a sleek coating of ganache on top. This may seem like a picky complaint, but why photograph a dessert that looks different than the recipe outcome? Afterall, this is a book for home cooks not professional pastry chefs. In fairness to Mr. Payard, the book does explain techniques well and is very user friendly.

At first I thought this book would be another food porn book --nice pictures, no substance. Like the world really needs anotherpoundcake recipe.

I was surprised that the simple structure andinstructions offered a wealth of possibilities. for instance using Meyer lemons with the lemon curd recipe.

I recommend this book for the following reasons:

1) very easy - similiar desserts have more steps and do not come out as well as the ones here; 2) Very nice layout -- care was taken in visual presentation; 3) Recipes are provided in both metric and imperial weights -- guaranteeing sound results; 4) Recipes are done with a minimal amount of fuss, ease of reading and less cluttered; 5) The recipes work.

Not a bad combination at all. Much effort has gone into this book and at first it seems too simple to justify the expenditure but it definitely deserves a place on the shelf. Granted, there are hundreds of poundcake recipes out there but none so simple and allows for a certain understated elegance. You could get a dessert book that provides show stoppers that cause people to oohh and ahhh on the visual level but it is all in the taste. Now the the stuff here will not get you the ooohhh and ahhh but it will get you a "yum" or two. END

Awsome book. The best Parisian desserts are yours to make. Some recipes may be a little difficult for the beginning baker, but the explanations are very detailled and should get you through the most difficult cake. Not since leaving Paris 15 years ago, have I found a book that captured so well the essence of French Pastry. I made the Opera several times, which is the most painstaking recipe in the book, but with equal success every time, and fabulous compliments from my guests. A chapter about basic pastry crusts, creams and sauces is also very helpful, and then, the variations are yours to create. Since buying this book for myself, I must have given 6 or 7 away as presents to friends with different baking abilities. All love it. If it's the only baking book you purchase, let it be this one