Small Bites, Big Delights: New Dessert Cookbook Review

Friday, January 4, 2013

Some people swear off treats after the holi-daze—but not this chocoholic! So when I had the opportunity to check out a new recipe book that’s all about indulging cravings with sensible serving sizes, I had a pretty good feeling I’d like it. Packed with “delicious little reduced-guilt sweets,” Petite Treats: Mini Versions of Your Favorite Baked Delights, by Christy Beaver and Morgan Greenseth, is an appropriately small-format cookbook that currently has me hooked.

From miniature fruit scones and pies to bite-size brownies and cannoli, these gals took a fun idea and ran with it. The cookbook is divided into five sections: Morning Bites, Sweet Stuff, Classic Bites, Fancy Stuff, and Frostings, Fillings, Toppings & Drizzles. Recipes run the gamut from classic to trendy, with traditional Hot Cross Buns as well as oh-so of-the-moment Whiskey Maple Bacon Mini Cupcakes. The authors also seem to have a bit of a sense of humor, as evidenced by the Fauxstess Cupcakes, a fun twist on the Hostess treat, and a bunch of words I’m thinking they just made up, like Scookies and Yippie Pies.

Full-page color pictures are sprinkled throughout for inspiration, but often times, the recipe names are inspiration enough in themselves: Strawberry Cream Eclairs, Chocolate Chipotle Cream Pie, Apple Pie Cookies, Wine and Chocolate Lava Cakes…pure poetry for the sweet tooth!

Several recipes offer time-saving or decorating tips, and there are also some good allergy-friendly options, including gluten-free and vegan recipes (though my one complaint would be that those details aren’t called out clearly enough at first glance).

A word to the wise: the fact that these are small does not make them easy. The recipes are just as intricate as good larger format ones would be, so if you’re looking for shortcuts, this is not the book for you. But if you’re looking for a fun, unique compilation of classic and creative dessert ideas, I definitely recommend this little gem.

Related posts:
The Icing on the Mini Cheesecake
Kids Cook Mondays: Easy Veggie Mini-Pizza Recipe
Piece of Cupcake: The Easiest Homemade Cupcakes Ever