5 replies to this topic

[merstar]

Do any of you have the following Susan Purdy books: "Have Your Cake And Eat it Too," "Let Them Eat Cake," and "Perfect Cake" (used to be "Piece Of Cake.")? I'm thinking of ordering them, but would like your feedback. Thanks.

[Rhea_S]

Hi Meryl! The recipes in A Piece of Cake are tasty and reliable. They're more homey, American cakes rather than fancy restaurant-type cakes. I've borrowed the other two from the library, but I can't get myself to try any of the recipes. They don't seem as interesting as Medrich's Chocolate and the Art of Low-Fat Desserts.

[merstar]

Hey Rhea, How's it going?! Thanks for the info.
Alice Medrich is my favorite, especially being the chocoholic that I am. I've tried some of her recipes from "Chocolate and the Art of Low-Fat Desserts," (although I don't have the actual cookbook), and they were fantastic. I do have her book "Bittersweet," which I've been reading a lot lately - it's great.
Anyway, from your description, I'm not so sure Susan Purdy is what I'm looking for. I ordered "Perfect Cake" aka "Piece Of Cake" from my local Barnes and Noble, so I'll be able to check it out to see if I want to buy it or not. They don't have the other two, however, so maybe I should follow your example and preview them in the library. I've also posted this query at the FC forum, so I'll be curious to see the responses. Will see you later!

Edited by merstar, 16 March 2004 - 11:02 PM.

[nightscotsman]

I love my copy of "A Piece Of Cake" and was so happy to hear they had updated and reissued it. For classic american style cakes I think it's only rival is "The Cake Bible".

I also have the other two books, and they're OK for low-fat desserts. None of the recipes I tried would fool anyone into thinking any of the recipes are anything but low-fat, though some were better than others. Alice Medrich's book is better.

[Joni]

From Alice Medrich Bittersweet Cookbook...has anyone tried the Strawberry Celebration Cake? Looking for a good birthday cake recipe.

[merstar]

I love my copy of "A Piece Of Cake" and was so happy to hear they had updated and reissued it. For classic american style cakes I think it's only rival is "The Cake Bible".

I also have the other two books, and they're OK for low-fat desserts. None of the recipes I tried would fool anyone into thinking any of the recipes are anything but low-fat, though some were better than others. Alice Medrich's book is better.

Thanks very much for your info. I'll be able to check out "Perfect Cake" when it comes in from B&N. Sounds like that's the better choice, and I'll stick to Alice Medrich for the lowfat recipes. Unfortunately, "Chocolate And the Art Of Lowfat Desserts" is unavailable at present, (except for used copies) so I'm limited to those that are included in "Bittersweet."