Baking with Julia?

[ande]

OK, somebody tell me I don't need this cookbook.

Yesterday when I was at the cookbook store (yes, there is such a place and even though it's only 10 min. from my house, I don't let myself go there often!) I saw this book on the sale table for $15. I left it there because I don't really have time for much "serious" baking these days and I have even less space for any more new cookbooks (also, I already had an armful...).

I did come away with Joie Warner's No-Cook Pasta Sauces ($8) and Jack Bishop's Vegetables Every Day ($12), both of which I'd enjoyed from the library before based on recommendations from this board. But of course, I just keep thinking about the one that got away...it's such a good deal.

Anyone have it, use it and like it? Is it a can't-live-without-it cookbook or just a it's-nice-to-have cookbook? How does it compare to Regan Daley's In The Sweet Kitchen? Or the KA Baker's Companion? I have several bread baking books already so don't really feel the need for any more info on bread techniques, etc.

Thanks,
ande

[Beth]

It is not a bread book, but you will find a variation on Julia's classic French bread recipe. The French Apple Tart is one of the best, simply divine classics in my book...and I am sure there are others. I think we have made the galette (rustic tart). Scratching my head here because my copy is not within reach.....

Anyway, I think it would be a good complement to the KA book. It is fewer recipes, but covers all the bakery level classics. It's like a baking course book to get you through all the techniques. My KA book is much newer and I've only made one thing out of it, but my impression is that it will be great home baking, and Baking with Julia just goes that one step further. It was a $40 book when I bought it (1st printing in 1996). I may have gotten it for less, but the $15 is a grest price for that book. At least spend 5-10 minutes with it and see if it would fill any gaps for you. My only regret about mine is that I wasn't able to get her to autograph it at a book signing -- she was only signing copies of The Way to Cook (which I also bought).

[Beth]

I went and looked -- it is almost exactly half breads, flatbreads and quick breads and half cookies, cakes, pies and such.

[sharon kopenski]

I have this book and although I don't love it or use it alot, I always turn to it. I also have the King Arthur book but when it comes to desserts or pie crust or other sweet breads, I always turn to Julia. I bought my KA mixer because of this book . For $15 you are getting a bargin. All her recipes are high fat but reliable and good.

[erin elizabeth]

My dad relies on her recipe for biscuits and has made her croissants. We always seem to include BwJ in our checks for recipes and one of these days I am going to make the bagels.