Cake Couture

A how-to guide to elegant sugar techniques, with 16 original projects.

Couture Chocolate examines the origins of one of the world's most popular foods--explaining the method of creating chocolate, how its quality depends to a large extent on the variety of beans used, and the differences between plain, milk and white chocolates. It reveals how some of today's most popular flavors - such as vanilla and chilli - were those favored by the pioneering Aztec chocolatiers centuries ago. William shares his techniques and most mouth-watering recipes, starting with the basics: tempering and making a bar of chocolate; advice on how to add exotic flavors like rosemary or raspberry; and introducing different textures. Once those skills have been mastered, it's time to tackle some of the authors incredible creations.

Under the guidance of master patissier Eric Lanlard and fashion designer Patrick Cox, the cupcake receives a seductive makeover in this creative and innovative book. It features more than 60 ravishing recipes for fabulous cupcakes with recipes including Key Lime Cupcakes, Fat-free Jasmine & Violet Cupcakes and of course Bling Cupcakes. Edgy design and striking graphic photography make this a completely delicious new take on the world's most popular cake.

A design-forward cookbook for sweet and savory baked goods from London's popular Violet Bakery that focuses on quality ingredients, seasonality, and taste (as opposed to science) as the keys to creating satisfying, delightful homemade pastries, tarts, sweets, and more. Violet is a jewel box of a cake shop and café in Hackney, east London. The baking is done with simple ingredients including whole grain flours, less refined sugars, and the natural sweetness and nuanced hues of seasonal fruits. Everything is made in an open kitchen for people to see. Famed for its exquisite baked goods, Violet has become a destination. Owner Claire Ptak uses her Californian sensibility to create recipes that are both nourishing and indulgent. With a careful eye to taste and using the purest ingredients, she has created the most flavorful iterations of classic cakes, as well as new treats for modern palates. Over 100 recipes include nourishing breakfasts, midday snacks, desserts to share, fruit preserves, and stylish celebration cakes. This book is about making baking worth it: simple to cook and satisfying to eat.

Sedona. Arizona's breathtaking Red Rock country has become shorthand for a state of mind—natural, spiritual, creative, luxurious, blissful—that finds an easy affinity with and satisfying expression in food. A community of seasoned and young chefs inspired by this landscape are creating menus that bring a taste of the area's magic to the dinner table—menus characterized by a natural, southwestern flavor that surfaces in eye-opening ways and incorporates organic meats, fresh fish, wild game, locally grown seasonal produce, and fresh herbs. The Sedona Table brings this emerging culinary scene into every kitchen by profiling twelve of the most prestigious area restaurants and chefs, accompanied by beautiful color photos. Each chef provides five of his or her favorite recipes, among them such delights as Apricot and Grand Marnier Truffle Squares and Dungeness Crab with Yucca Root.

Written by an expert, this wedding planner covers it all--booking the venue, tailoring the guest list, selecting the menu, buying the gown. Complete with detailed timelines and checklists, this hardworking guide makes certain that every last thing gets done within budget and on time.

Rediscover the simple pleasures of a day trip with Day Trips from Phoenix, Tucson, and Flagstaff. This guide is packed with hundreds of exciting things for locals and vacationers to do, see, and discover within a two- to four- hour drive of these popular Arizona cities. With full trip-planning information, Day Trips from Phoenix, Tucson, and Flagstaff helps makes the most of a brief getaway.