The Nook’s Book Club
I have read and can recommend the following books. My comments pertain to both the sourdough or/and baking content in each book. I test a lot of the recipes in these books. If they pass the test of myself, my family (strong critics) and a few friends, I will recommend and tell you why. I also consider if the book is well written, clear and has beautiful imagery. To me, storytelling is one of the most important attributes in a cookbook!
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July’s 24’s Book Pick
Maurizio Leo
The Perfect Loaf: The Craft and Science of Sourdough Breads, Sweets, and More: A Baking Book
This book does such a good job of not only explaining the differences in flours but also why the hydration levels need to change. The recipes written for all different kinds of flours are exploratory and 100% can be trusted. Every single recipe I have tested has been amazing. The crumb is hydrated, it’s not too dry and not too wet. I struggled with this at the beginning of learning to bake with wheat and sprouted wheat. My wheat would not turn out light and airy, no matter what I did. I actually refused to do 100% wheat breads (I offered 50:50) because I didn’t want to risk the integrity of my product. After this book, I have a wheat starter (I did base this on tartine’s) and am incorporating her into so much! Wheat discard crackers crush all other competition! The nutty flavor and crunch are to die for! Wheat and everything bagel is a match made in heaven. This book helped me “get” wheat. Try it out, you won’t regret it! Even if it’s not for wheat, the author’s story telling is amazing!
June’s 24’s Book Pick
Sarah Keiffer
100 Cookies: The Baking Book for Every Kitchen, with Classic Cookies, Novel Treats, Brownies, Bars, and More
I have made SO MANY cookies this month. SOOOO MANY! The Nook is launching new Sourdough Cookie flavors this week in fact. I’ve had Cookies on the brain for months. This book has nothing to do with sourdough but the recipes are so very tasty! They are detailed, thought out and actually pack a flavor punch! It makes you realize that there are so many more types of cookies you could be making! To my delight, I also found that I could sub milk out for sourdough discard for quite a few of these recipes. My absolute favorite recipe in the entire book is the Neapolitan cookie. It is perfection. It’s bliss. It’s Summer in a cookie. You need it! 
May 24’s Book Pick
Ken Forkish-I know, he’s making an appearance again and he deserves it! He solved a major dough conundrum in my house this week andddddd a bread comic book? COME ON!!!! My teen will bake with me, I am convinced 😅🥹😭. My son actually has a starter that is thriving and ready, he just hasn’t taken the next step. Perhaps! A comic will do the trick 🙂
https://amzn.to/3V0NK5e
https://amzn.to/3V0NK5e
April 24’s Book Pick
Ken Forkish
Evolutions in Bread: Artisan Pan Breads and Dutch-Oven Loaves at Home [A baking book]
https://amzn.to/43GRn2J
My Short Review
After a twenty-year career in the tech industry, KEN FORKISH decided to leave Silicon Valley and corporate America behind to become a baker. He moved to Portland, Oregon, and opened Ken's Artisan Bakery in 2001, followed by Ken's Artisan Pizza in 2006 and Trifecta Tavern in 2013. His first book, Flour Water Salt Yeast, won both a James Beard and IACP award. I loved Flour Salt Water Yeast. I chose this book because I identify with Ken and his life choices and true dedication to the art of bread. He took a giant leap of faith. For my recipe experts, you will LOVE the way the recipes are laid out for you in this book. It is clear, it is concise and your bread will be consistent. It’s beautifully done. Also as a bonus, I picked it up at my local book store for quite the steal 😉. The overnight cold proof section is what really sucked me in. Perfect for a 9-5 working mom 🥰
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March 24’s Book Pick
Nancy Silverton
The Cookie That Changed My Life: And More Than 100 Other Classic Cakes, Cookies, Muffins, and Pies That Will Change Yours: A Cookbook
My Short Review
It is said Nancy Silverton once made Julia Child cry with a loaf of Brioche. Of course it’s going to be our first book! This book covers simple to decadent. You MUST make the maple pecan shortbread cookies. You MUST. The carrot cake? To die for! The imagery is gorgeous, it’s full page so that you know what your baked good should look like. I love having a guide or photo to help me along, this book is it. Her recipes are well written, step by step and clear, as always. If you ever have the time, look up Nance. I call her this, because in my head we’re friends. She is her whole entire own person. From her cooking, to her personality, to her fashion, she is unapologetically her and it’s amazing. This book is a guide to the VERY best things to bake!
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