Early Book Review: The Thrifty Baker: Shop, Bake & Eat on a Budget by Hermine Dossou

The Thrifty Baker: Shop, Bake & Eat on a Budget by Hermine Dossou is currently scheduled for release on September 12 2023. It offers readers sixty five delicious, affordable and impressive recipes, complete with gluten-free options, plus advice, tips and hacks covering many areas of shopping, baking and cooking in general. Filled with clever ideas and useful features, the book is written with a realism and empathy that comes from the heart, from a lived experience. It isn’t just a book of great recipes, but an essential manual for anyone baking today.

The Thrifty Baker: Shop, Bake & Eat on a Budget is a well written and informative cookbook. I loved the honest and real tone of the book, and the focus on not just cost but reducing waste. I thought the introduction with instructions on how to make things like your own muffin liners and piping bags was great, and the information on tools and ingredients are things that I might have known but those just starting out on their own are not likely to even think about in advance. I also appreciated that each recipe included all measurement systems- so everyone can use this book without having to do conversions. As someone that is always looking to do my baking in the most efficient way, both cost and time wise, I found all the information about the best use of the baking time and multitasking to limit waste of ingredients and energy to be helpful. I really loved that while there is a wide variety of recipes, most are ones that appeal to me and my family and normal life. Yes there are fancy items, but there are also hot dog pretzels and mug cakes- which my teenagers would love and can help make. I think this is a great book for bakers that are looking to learn, are looking to conserve, and just want to eat well with limited funds and waste. 

The Thrifty Baker: Shop, Bake & Eat on a Budget is a cookbook that I just might be looking to squeeze into my overcrowded bookcase. If not, it is one I will be borrowing from the library to re read and make great use of. 

Early Book Review: Creative Embroidery and Beyond: Inspiration, tips, techniques, and projects from three professional artists by Jenny Billingham; Sophie Timms; Theresa Wensing

Creative Embroidery and Beyond: Inspiration, tips, techniques, and projects from three professional artists by Jenny Billingham, Sophie Timms, and Theresa Wensing is currently scheduled for release on June 6 2023. This book  presents hand sewing as accessible and fun. Three artists—Jenny Billingham (@flynn_and_mabel), Theresa Wensing (@get.stitch.done), and Sophie Timms (@mindfulmantra_embroidery)—each present six designs. They are ideal for embroiderers of all skill levels, from total beginners to more advanced. You will find step-by-step embroidery projects featuring flowers, animals, insects, and more; instructions for how to embroider on denim, hats, and t-shirts; primers on essential stitches, including whipstitch and satin stitch; information on embroidery tools and how to use them; advice for threads and brands to use; and more. Embroidery is a fun, accessible art medium that’s proven relaxing and mindful for millions of crafters around the world.

Creative Embroidery and Beyond offers readers exactly what they would expect from this title and description. I thought the instructions and text were helpful and accessible. I like the suggestions and clear instructions for the different supplies and stitches that are most likely to be needed. I thought the pattern, fabric, and project suggestions were nicely rounded. Some were very much to my taste, and others less so, as it should be because we all have things we like to work with more than others. The book has definitely given me some ideas for things to try next- if I ever finish my 'project to do' pile that I already have set up for myself. I think this book might be a good buy for newer crafters, but for experienced crafters might want to check it out from the library.