Best Baking Books

Finally! I constantly wish I was a better baker, and now there is a collection of books to help me get there. The James Beard Foundation has selected thirteen books are essential to a baker's cookbook collection. Believe it or not, I do not own any of these books! Needless to say, I have a lot of shopping to do. From the secrets of perfect baking to tips about using eggs to indispensable base recipes for cookies from Martha Stewart, this list will get you set for any baking occasion.

In no particular order or rank, here's my baking summer reading list:

• Baking: From My Home to Yours
• Beard on Bread
• Maida Heatter's Book of Great Desserts 
• The Bread Baker's Apprentice: Mastering the Art of Extraordinary Bread
• The Cake Bible
• Classic Home Desserts: A Treasury of Heirloom and Contemporary Recipes from Around the World
• Cocolat: Extraordinary Chocolate Desserts
• The Fannie Farmer Baking Book
• Great Pies & Tarts
• The Italian Baker
• Martha Stewart Cookies: The Very Best Treats to Bake and Share
• My Bread: The Revolutionary No-Work, No-Knead Method
• The Simple Art of Perfect Baking

So join me in the kitchen this summer. Test these books. Bake some treats...and don't forget to share!

Calling all Sweet Tooths

If you're a sweet tooth or just want to expand your sweet things repertoire, have I got something special for you! My dear friend, Kristi Williams, has always had a passion and talent for all things sweet, but she has taken it to the next level by enrolling in The Institute of Culinary Education in New York City.  She is moonlighting as a baker and we get a chance to follow her journey! I cannot wait to pick up tricks and tips! So get ready for grumbling tummies and drooling, I present City Sweets!

Chik-fil-A Heats Up Their Menu

Chik-fil-A is shaking it up by introducing their first new sandwich since 1989: a Spicy Chicken Sandwich. Even better, they invited the public for a free sneak-taste of the sandwich, and I took full advantage! Here's the breakdown of the sandwich:

Here's the breakdown of this delicious new sandwich.

SPICY CHICKEN SANDWICH

I bit into this tasty hand-breaded boneless chicken breast, seasoned with a spicy blend of peppers.  This sandwich is not fried, it is perfectly pressure-cooked in peanut oil; don't worry, the peanut oil is refined and free of cholesterol and trans fat. I sunk my teeth into the soft bread and crunchy chicken and immediately a smile came across my face. The heat the peppers hit me right away and it only took one bite to know Chick-fil-A has a hit on their hands. They have the perfect balance of fire and flavor! Available everywhere June 7!

"NU SPICEE CHIKIN--FEEL THA BURN"