Synopsis
This delightful cookbook from the author of Luscious Lemon Desserts and Luscious Chocolate Desserts is for anyone who has ever snuck just the plumpest, ripest strawberry straight from the basket; believed raspberries should have their own special food group; and never met a blueberry they didn't like. Each recipe is bursting with ideas for buying and trying every wonderful variety, be it sticky-sweet heart-shaped strawberries, deep purple boysenberries, or juicy ripe blackberries. Whether it's creamy layers of brightly colored raspberry curd that transform a classic lemon cake into a visual masterpiece almost too gorgeous to eat (almost), a simple spoonful of cool and custardy blueberry pudding (with the added bonus of those healthy antioxidants), or a traditional and irresistible strawberry shortcake topped with a scoop of strawberry-orange sorbet, this is the ultimate ode to the berry. Tips, tricks, and other techniques of the trade, such as pureeing berries and cutting out biscuits, ensure that the pound cake, tart, sauce, or ice cream comes out perfectly every time. For desserts at the berry top of their game, look no further than Luscious Berry Desserts.
Publishers Weekly
Former Gourmet editor Longbotham never met a berry she didn't like. Strawberries are "summer's brightest jewel"; raspberries have "flesh like soft velvet"; blueberries are "a dazzling bright blue." Her introduction, which will feel familiar to readers of her Luscious Lemon Desserts, shares botanical facts and practical advice. While some of it is specific (how to keep blueberry batter from turning blue or green), much of it is general and aimed at novices (for instance, standard instructions on measuring flour by spooning it into the cup). Skip the prefaces to the recipes-nearly everything is "great," "fabulous" or Longbotham's "favorite"-and there remains the classic gamut of pies, cakes, puddings and topped desserts. (Unlike many writers, Longbotham distinguishes knowledgeably among cobblers, crisps, betties, buckles and grunts.) While most recipes involve baking from scratch (although they are not daunting), the instructions for Square Strawberry Puff Pastry Tart suggests readers use all-butter packaged puff pastry such as Dufour's-sound advice but outside sophisticated markets you may have to order online. Carrier's lovely photographs and a preponderance of pink and purple pages add to the summer weekend gift-book feel. (July) Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.