Baking and the Meaning of Life by Helen Goh

The subtitle to this cheery baking book is’ How to find joy in 100 recipes’, which perfectly captures the overall vibe of this impressive hardback.

Helen Goh has been a recipe developer with Ottolenghi for more than a decade, and she definitely knows her way around a kitchen and what makes baking such a joyful endeavour. As she mentions in her book, while baking bread can be essential for survival, baking cakes and pastries is a luxury, a creative endeavour and a way to nurture ourselves and others.

Helen has arranged the book into seven wonderful chapters. Giving, Receiving and Sharing – the fundamental ways we connect with others. In Nurturing, she explores the concept of giving baked goods to others. Celebrating is about those special moments in our lives. Remembering and Continuity are about the connection across time. Community and Belonging is the sense of solidarity with others. Ritual and Tradition are the way baking sustains traditions. Learning, Growing and Achievement are about baking and personal growth.

The recipes in this book are top-notch, ranging from beginner-friendly to more advanced options for those with more experience in the kitchen. Here are a few recipes to give you a flavour of the book:

• Chocolate Mousse Tart with Ginger-Poached Pears. The perfect dessert for entertaining friends over dinner, this blend combines the bitter notes of chocolate with the sweet hints of pear and the spiciness of ginger.

• Green Tea & Red Bean Brownies. This is something a bit different. For the health-conscious, it’s a power food and a change from a regular chocolate brownie.

• Champagne & Blackcurrant Celebration Cake. The author's ultimate celebration cake, which looks as good as it tastes.

• Favourite Orange Cake. Dense and moist with a bright citrus flavour.

• Plum, Almond & Lime Baby Cakes. The perfect ratio of sweet to tart and can be enjoyed any time of the day.

• Winter Pavlova with Cranberry & Lime. An alternative to the summer pavlova and super delicious!

• Perfect Vanilla Cupcakes. Little parcels of perfection!

  
  

Baking and the Meaning of Life boosts a beautiful design, well-laid-out recipes and the photography of the baking is scrumptious. Anyone who loves baking must get this book!

Reviewer: Karen McMillan

Murdoch Books