Food Network Magazine the Big, Fun Book of Fake-Out Cakes: 75+ Great Recipes
(Food Network Magazine's Kids Cookbooks)

Gr 5 Up--The editors of the Food Network Magazine serve up another hit with this fake-out cakes recipe book. Divided into chapters featuring fake-out snacks, fake-out dinners, fake-out sweets, theme cakes, and fun cupcakes, along with batters and frosting recipes, the book offers something for everyone looking to make a cake that resembles a food other than cake. Included are 45 different recipes each with a full-page color photograph, required ingredients, and six to nine thumbnails of each step for creating the fake-out cake. Preparation time, total time, and serving size are also included. Missing from the first page of each recipe are supplies needed to complete the bake; that is found in smaller print underneath the thumbnail photos of the step-by-step directions. It will be necessary for teens to read the directions thoroughly before beginning a bake to ensure adequate supplies are available. The table of contents highlights thumbnail images of the completed cakes, along with the page number the recipe can be found on. Most cake recipes begin with a boxed cake mix, frozen pound cake, or ice cream, and then instructions for modifying the size and shape using various kitchen tools and adding in, say, candies, fondant, or buttercream. Piping of frosting, using a kitchen torch, and nontraditional baking bowls are required for some recipes. A complete index is found at the back of the book. Recipe difficulty varies, but most will require some adult assistance. VERDICT Creatively rendered fake-out cakes and cupcakes will delight bakers and eaters alike. Purchase is recommended for libraries that want to inspire creative bakers.--Tracy Cronce

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