About a month ago, I received an email from Beth Lipton asking me if I would be interested in reviewing her newly published cookbook. Beth Lipton? Do I know a Beth Lipton? And then, I remembered. Beth Lipton is one of our very own sweet and talented food bloggers, CookiePie, and as you’ve probably already guessed, has just released a brand new cookbook called “You Made That Dessert?”. Many of us food bloggers write using various noms de plume or pseudonyms, if you will. So, when I realized that Beth and CookiePie were one and the same, I was excited to have the opportunity to check out her book and am delighted to now share it with you!
In addition to being a successful food blogger and a trained pastry chef, Beth is also the food editor of All You magazine, which reaches approximately 3.5 million readers per month. You Made That Dessert? is a really lovely baking book containing over 100 simple-yet-sophisticated desserts for the undomestic diva. It’s aimed at the savvy, modern woman who wants to learn how to make fabulous desserts for any occasion without driving herself crazy in the process. With straightforward, easy to follow recipes, clear and concise instructions and of course, beautiful photographs, Beth has achieved just that! There are sections on cakes, cookies and bars, custards and puddings, pies, candies and even one on “Emergency Desserts”, as well as detailed narratives on tools, ingredients and the “How Tos” of putting them all together. Though the book is primarily geared towards beginning bakers, there is much there to inspire the more experienced baker as well.
I had a difficult time deciding which of Beth’s recipes to try first, but I finally settled on her Lime-Glazed Citrus Tea Cakes. They are light, bright, citrusy loaf cakes drizzled with a zesty, sweet-tart glaze made with fresh lime juice. Anyone who follows this blog knows that I’m a sucker for fruity desserts, especially those made with lemons, limes or oranges. These tea cakes combine all three! Instant citrus heaven! The recipe makes two cakes so you can keep one for yourself and share the other. Or, you can be like me and keep them both for yourself, because believe it or not, these cakes taste even better the second day you make them!
Since I was doing a review, I followed the recipe exactly. The only tweak I made was to bake half the batter in a muffin pan, (in case I did later decide to share). Both the muffin and loaf versions turned out beautifully. I can tell you for certain that I will definitely be trying out some more of the recipes in this book and I hope that you will too!
Enjoy!
Here is some more buzz about You Made That Dessert?:
Cookie and Cream Cheesecake Bars at The Recipe Girl
Sour Cream Coffee Cake at Two Peas and Their Pod
Cappuccino Biscotti at The Life and Loves of Grumpy’s Honeybunch
Chocolate-Chocolate Chip Cupcakes at Culinary Concoctions by Peabody
You Made That Dessert? at Baking Bites
Coconut Rice Pudding at Eat Me, Delicious
Banana Snack Cake with Rich Caramel Frosting at Cookie Baker Lynn
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• 40 Comments
Filed Under: Baking, Cakes and Cupcakes, Cookbook Reviews, Desserts, Recipes
On September 17, 2009 at 10:58am, Maria said...
I really wanted to make this one. It is for sure on my list! Love your photos! Great review!!
On September 17, 2009 at 11:00am, Eliana said...
I’ve been reading about this book all week on different blogs and I really want it, especially now that I saw your tea cakes. It’s already on my Amazon wishlist.
On September 17, 2009 at 11:19am, City Girl said...
This looks so very lovely.
On September 17, 2009 at 11:21am, Elizabeth said...
Mmmm, those do look lovely. I love fresh citrus juice in baked goods. Such a lovely complex flavour they add. This book looks like a great gift for those who need a little inspiration in the kitchen but don’t want to spend the whole day there. Great job on the review!
On September 17, 2009 at 11:22am, deeba said...
YOU MADE THAT DESSERT…and you made it so good! Wish I had the book to read too. What a fabulous review Susan, and what beautiful pictures to match. I love the recipe you picked! YUM!!
On September 17, 2009 at 1:12pm, Jennifer said...
Susan-This looks SO delicious!!!! Looks like a wonderful dessert!
On September 17, 2009 at 1:57pm, The Food Hunter said...
Sounds like a great cookbook. I’ll have to get myself a copy.
On September 17, 2009 at 2:07pm, Rachelle @ "Mommy? I'm Hungry!" said...
That looks great! I am seeing her book promoted all over the blogs =)
On September 17, 2009 at 2:07pm, Sandie (Inn Cuisine) said...
I have a serious soft spot for tea cakes, and this recipe is no exception. Love citrus anything, and to savor a bite of these with some evening tea would be the perfect ending to any day!
On September 17, 2009 at 2:09pm, Jen @ MaplenCornbread said...
GORGEOUS photo!!!!!Oh my!! This sound wonderful! I have seen so many other bakers making goodies from this wonderful book. I already added it to my wish list!
On September 17, 2009 at 2:24pm, Natasha - 5 Star Foodie said...
Delicious cakes, I love both loaf & muffin versions! Gorgeous pictures!
On September 17, 2009 at 4:08pm, Rosa said...
Oh, yummy! That is a flavor I adore! Beautiful cake and cupcakes!
Cheers,
Rosa
On September 17, 2009 at 4:26pm, Liz - Meal Makeover Mom said...
I had the pleasure of meeting Beth a few times at the All You offices in NY. I’m so excited about her book, and the recipe you made looks amazing! Can’t wait to get a copy …
On September 17, 2009 at 4:32pm, Bellini Valli said...
I am intrigud by this cookbook Susan. What a delicious lemony loaf!!!
On September 17, 2009 at 4:53pm, The Italian Dish said...
Gee, I’ll have to check that book out! It would be hard to pick the first dessert to try. Your cakes look beautiful - I love your opening photo.
On September 17, 2009 at 7:38pm, Michelle said...
That… is gorgeous!
On September 17, 2009 at 7:59pm, Sunita said...
Susan, I’m literally drooling over the loaf. I’m on a lemon high nowadays
On September 17, 2009 at 8:05pm, bergamot said...
This look really good… On my list to try it out. Love the dripping glaze on the cake.
On September 17, 2009 at 8:34pm, Farmer Jen said...
Lovely photos and great recipe. I will definitely check this book out.
On September 17, 2009 at 11:25pm, ingrid said...
Yum, I bet that was good! Looks good!
~ingrid
On September 18, 2009 at 8:52am, Jeannette said...
i saw a review for this over at baking bites
On September 18, 2009 at 9:00am, Rachel (S[d]OC) said...
I really must check out this book and this blog. Everything I’ve seen from it sounds wonderful. I’m glad you enjoyed this new recipe.
On September 18, 2009 at 9:52am, Krystle said...
Oh wow they both turned out beautiful! Ill have to check the book out
On September 18, 2009 at 3:42pm, Lydia (The Perfect Pantry) said...
Love the idea of making this into muffins. Stopping by for tea is a big thing in my part of the world, and I always like to have something on hand, or something in the freezer, in case a friend stops by in the mid-afternoon. The muffins would freeze well and would be just the right size for a tea part.
On September 18, 2009 at 8:34pm, HoneyB said...
I love this cookbook! These are on my list to make too since lime is a real weakness for me! Love your first photo!
On September 18, 2009 at 10:51pm, Lori Lynn said...
Looks wonderful. Kudos to Beth. (and you).
LL
On September 18, 2009 at 11:02pm, Bunny said...
Your picture is gorgeous, this is a terrific book!
On September 19, 2009 at 10:14am, Amy J said...
From what I can see that looks pretty simple. I have yet to try a cake recipe with sour cream but everytime I see that it’s an ingredient I think “I need to try that.” I’m guessing it does the same sorta thing that buttermilk does? Anyway, this looks good… the book too. Thanks for sharing.
On September 19, 2009 at 2:09pm, pity said...
i love this kind of cake, it really looks so amazing and the taste must be delicious, love your photos as well!
pity
On September 19, 2009 at 9:52pm, kellypea said...
I’m a sucker for anything with lime in it and these sound wonderful. Congrats to Beth on her new book — it’s always exciting to see that a blogger has published. And congrats to you, Susan, for the great review!
On September 19, 2009 at 10:28pm, Veron said...
That looks phenomenal, Susan! Beautiful crumb on that.
On September 20, 2009 at 10:50am, Ivy said...
I’ve been reading some great reviews about this book this past week and all recipes tested were great. Your pictures look so professional.
On September 21, 2009 at 6:28am, Janet @ bigjobsboard.com said...
I love the foods here. They really taste good. Thanks for sharing it.
On September 22, 2009 at 1:53pm, Avanika (Yumsilicious Bakes) said...
I’ve been reading about this book EVERYWHERE!! And this cake looks delicious! Does it taste as good as it looks? Because I’m totally trying these if they do!!
On September 23, 2009 at 3:35pm, Sandra Jonas said...
how about posting the recipe. sounds wonderful!
On October 07, 2009 at 11:07pm, Danielle said...
Wow!
Looks lovely!
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