Cannelle et Vanille Bakes Simple is a gluten-free tutorial with recipes developed by Aran Goyoaga. Due out 26th Oct 2021 from Sasquatch Books, it's 320 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.
This is an elegantly written collection with precise recipes which give a professional result. Many of the processes are more complex than their gluten-containing counterparts, but all the steps are explained calmly, well, and very clearly. The introduction includes a primer on ingredients and pantry stocking lists as well as a how-to section. It's worth noting that the author emphasizes that -simple- doesn't always equate to -quick-. Many of these recipes (and indeed the book) have a very meditative, slow cooking vibe which invites the reader to slow down and become involved in the process.
The recipes themselves are arranged in chapters: staples (ingredients, flour blends), breads, cakes, tarts pies & biscuits, cookies, and holiday baking. Recipe ingredients are listed in bullet style sidebars. Measurements are given in American standard with metric measures in parentheses (yay!), followed by step-by-step instructions. Most recipe ingredients will be readily available from any well stocked grocery store, however some may require specialty suppliers or health food stores (psyllium husk powder, xanthan gum, other specialty flours for example).
All in all a very well written, beautifully presented collection made from unprocessed ingredients which taste good. We tried the blueberry crumb coffee cake and found it both delicious and a good approximation of the starch filled traditional counterpart. It even held together well enough to tolerate a slathering of (soft) butter.
The photography is beautiful - clear and attractive but not overstyled. The majority of recipes are accompanied by one or more color photos, many full page. Serving suggestions are appealing and appropriate.
Five stars, I'll be revisiting this cookbook often.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
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