September 18, 2023
“Baking need not be expensive,” pronounces Great British Bake Off semifinalist Dossou in her slim but satisfying debut. Indeed, she claims the baked goods here top out at 65¢ per serving, with savings deriving not only from the costs of ingredients but from Dossou’s methods: baking a cake that combines chai spices with roasted butternut squash in a shallow pan rather than a loaf pan, for example, saves energy (and cooking time). There’s no skimping on creativity, however: spiral pretzel rolls encase hot dogs, citrusy carrot jam is layered between carrot cake and cream cheese frosting, and soda bread incorporates canned sardines (and, in a waste-not-want-not touch, even uses the oil from the can). Recipes range from the traditional (including buttery palets Bretons) to the newfangled (microwaveable mug cakes), and Dossou puts a fresh twist even on the most familiar favorites: cinnamon rolls, for example, are made with brioche dough. A chapter on pastries features savory options, such as steak and bean pie in puff pastry, alongside the sweet, including a tart with raspberry curd and white chocolate ganache. Sensible instructions—and many suggested variations—are in keeping with the straightforward tone. These thoughtful tips and recipes will have budget-minded bakers eager to try them out.
June 10, 2024
Dossou, a star baker and semifinalist on The Great British Bake Off, has written her first cookbook, aiming to provide recipes to create breads, cakes, and more without breaking the bank. Covering both savory and sweet bakes, Dossou offers recipes for a variety of breads and rolls along with tea cakes, cookies, pastries, tarts, and other desserts. Each recipe lists the cost of ingredients and a difficulty level, ranging from beginner to advanced. For those who'd like to tackle more complicated recipes or techniques, Dossou gives additional information and tips in the introduction. The ingredients are given in both grams and ounces, with tips on how to adjust them to fit a budget or a different baking technique. This cookbook can appeal to a variety of readers, including anyone looking to learn some new baking recipes without spending a fortune on one-time ingredients. VERDICT Fans of The Great British Bake Off will appreciate Dossou's guide to baking on a budget.--Sarah Filiberto
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