While no one likes to make a mistake, they sometimes do happen in books. I found one in Rose Levy Beranbaum's book, "The Cake Bible". When I contacted her, she said there were several and pointed me to a correction page on her site. There were 29 - and she had several editors. I was also told by someone in publishing, that all books have errors. This didn't make me feel any better when I found out there were mistakes in this book. Depending upon which edition you received, please check your book and make the following corrections.
Peppermint Meringues, page 48 can fail if the peppermint extract has any oil in it. When I tested the recipe, the extract I used didn’t contain oil. However, now I find that every peppermint extract I look at has some peppermint oil in it. So add the peppermint extract or oil and coloring at the end of beating the meringue stiff. Also, use gel coloring if possible. It’s won’t dilute the meringue as can liquid coloring. My recommendation now is to add whatever flavoring is used at the end of the beating so there can be no problem.
Peppermint Ravioli, page 64 has an incorrect measurement. All of the butter measurements are correct except the last one. The stick butter should say “3 sticks” instead of 1 ½ sticks.
Baking gets better when you subscribe to receive this PDF on getting the most out of baking including information on equipment, ingredients and baking equipment.
Chocolate Shortbread, page 52 under the Processor Method, adding the sugar has been omitted. The second paragraph should read, “Cut the butter into small pieces. Place them on top of the dry ingredients and process until the butter is indistinguishable. Add the sugar, pulsing in several times. Continue with the remaining instructions. The instructions are correct under the Mixer Method.
PB Cookies, page 19 – makes 40 cookies
Crème De Menthe Patties, page 73 – On the second column of the instructions, second paragraph, the sentence should read, “Otherwise, roll it into a 15” log.” There is only one log. The next paragraph, first sentence, should say “let the log rest at room temperature”. All the rest remains the same.
Wendi says
Dear Helen,
Thank you for the Craving Cookies book! I make batches of cookies every week and your book provides many recipes. In it you mention a European cookie book. Is that forthcoming? I would love to purchase a copy.
Meanwhile I will continue looking on your blog.
Sincerely,
Wendi
Helen S Fletcher says
Hi Wendi, Thank you so much for your kind words. They are appreciated. I am so behind that I'm not sure about even getting to another book. However, I will be running some of the recipes on my blog this fall. I hope that helps.
Wendi says
Thank you! I will look forward to seeing them. So much to do, so little time.
Marlene Sorosky Gray says
Thanks so much for the corrections Helen. This is very helpful. I’ve made several of the cookies and can’t wait to make more.
Helen S Fletcher says
Hi Marlene, Thank you so much. I couldn't believe the sticks of butter slipped through but glad it was brought to my attention so I could correct it. Happy to hear you're making cookies from the book.
Peter Gordon says
Helen: Thank you very much for taking the time to alert us. I bought the book but haven' t had occasion to try the recipes yet...but I am looking forward to that.
Helen S Fletcher says
Hi Peter - You're very welcome. Did you make the croissants yet?
Mary Howard says
Dear Helen,
Thank you for the corrections. I have made several cookies from your book and they are outstanding! It is a wonderful collection of cookies. I’m looking forward to your next book.
Helen S Fletcher says
Happy to hear your making cookies.