It’s the best of the best from Simon and Alison Holst – New Zealand’s wholesome, thrifty household names of the home kitchen. You will find over 250 items to bake in this title. These are no-fail basics and favourites, just as you’d expect from the popular Holst duo.
I’m liking
There’s something ultra homely about this book. The photos are all realistic interpretations of what the recipe will yield.
Mostly sweet baking recipes, this title has some gems. I’ve already made and given to others the food processor apple cake recipe: it’s a total winner. This is a collection of the Holsts’ personal favourites, which makes it rather special. It also stays open on the page you’re cooking from, which I love!
The Holsts are masters at simplicity. You could pick this book up, choose something, cook it and have it cooling in the time you’d have read through a recipe in another book.
Things that made me go hmmmm
Not every recipe has an image accompanying it. Though comprehensive, this book isn’t elaborate or showy, but that isn’t really a bad thing. It doesn’t have additional useful extras like ribbon bookmarks and a hard cover.
The conclusion
This would make a useful gift for a school-leaver, someone flatting or mastering the basics of baking. It has an RRP of $45.00, but I have already seen it available significantly discounted from that so you could bag yourself a bargain.
The Complete Home Bakin g Collection is published by Hyndman Publishing.
