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Flour: Spectacular Recipes from Boston's Flour Bakery + Cafe
Every day 1,500 Bostonians can't resist buying sweet, simple treats such as Homemade Pop-Tarts, from an alumna of Harvard with a degree in economics. From Brioche au Chocolat and Lemon Raspberry Cake to perfect croissants, Flour Bakery-owner Joanne Chang's repertoire of baked goods is deep and satisfying. While at Harvard she discovered that nothing made her happier than baking cookies leading her on a path that eventually resulted in a sticky bun triumph over Bobby Flay on the Food Network'sThrowdown. Almost 150 Flour recipes such as Milky Way Tart and Dried Fruit Focaccia are included, plus Joanne's essential baking tips, making this mouthwatering collection an accessible, instant classic cookbook for the home baker.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published September 29, 2010
About the author
Joanne Chang
10 books48 followersJoanne Chang is the chef-owner of Flour Bakery in Boston. She has a degree in applied mathematics and economics from Harvard University and was a pastry chef at Payard Patisserie and Mistral. She lives in Boston. Christie Matheson is the author and co-author of several books, including Salty Sweets. She lives in San Francisco. Keller + Keller are Boston-based food and lifestyle photographers."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
August 19, 2018
Yup, what do you do when in Boston for work and walk by an enchanting bakery on the way to the office....you naturally go in, EVERY SINGLE DAY that you pass it. And naturally you come home and grab all of the cookbooks from the bakery. Yes, I have a cookbook addiction and I'm quite proud of it. So yeah, the bakery is awesome. The line out the door each day could have told me that alone. But the food was awesome. I almost cried the morning I showed up late and they were sold out of the vegan blueberry maple corn muffins. Well, not really (ummm...maybe). So I knew I had to make them.
A gorgeous cookbook that includes breakfast treats, cookies, cakes, pies and tarts, other sweets, and breads. Plus a big section on baking tips. So many mouth watering photos too. What I really liked about this one is there are recipes in the book for the items I saw, even bought, in the bakery. First up for me, the homemade pop tart. I brought of box of baked goods home for the husband, one item was the pop tart. He still can't stop talking about it so I've promised to make them for him. Side note...what is with the TSA. I had more agents scrutinize and scan and open my box of pastries than anything I have ever carried through security. Seriously! Anyway, a book I plan to use over and over again. I need to try the sticky sticky buns, the mixed nut brittle, nutmeg spice cake with rum buttercream, the rosemary focaccia bread. There are a couple of vegan recipes in the book or some that I could easily veganize. I would highly suggest this one for fans of baking or those who just love reading baking books. So glad I grabbed this one and can't wait to go back to the bakery!
A gorgeous cookbook that includes breakfast treats, cookies, cakes, pies and tarts, other sweets, and breads. Plus a big section on baking tips. So many mouth watering photos too. What I really liked about this one is there are recipes in the book for the items I saw, even bought, in the bakery. First up for me, the homemade pop tart. I brought of box of baked goods home for the husband, one item was the pop tart. He still can't stop talking about it so I've promised to make them for him. Side note...what is with the TSA. I had more agents scrutinize and scan and open my box of pastries than anything I have ever carried through security. Seriously! Anyway, a book I plan to use over and over again. I need to try the sticky sticky buns, the mixed nut brittle, nutmeg spice cake with rum buttercream, the rosemary focaccia bread. There are a couple of vegan recipes in the book or some that I could easily veganize. I would highly suggest this one for fans of baking or those who just love reading baking books. So glad I grabbed this one and can't wait to go back to the bakery!
April 9, 2015
I own both this cookbook and the followup, Flour Too, and the recipes are reliably great. Joanne Chang's conversational writing style is also enjoyable. I live 3 blocks from the original Flour Bakery and so haven't bothered with the trickier items like croissants -- why should I, when I can enjoy their efforts a la carte? But the cookies, pies, and cakes are all winners. The cornmeal-lime cookies and almond macaroons with chocolate ganache filling are my go-to hostess gift recipes, people really love them. I am baking the ginger molasses cookies right now. Other standouts: the chocolate eclairs, and the double two-apple pie. I haven't even done the breads yet, maybe that will be something to work on. But I use this cookbook at least once a week. Totally worth owning this.
March 6, 2011
I have never loved a cookbook the way I love Flour. Joanne Chang created a masterpiece here. The recipes are accessible and easy to follow; all the ingredients can be found in a typical grocery store and very few require specialized pans or kitchen equipment. The book itself is gorgeous; no messy dust jacket that traps flour and sugar (my cookbook pet peeve), well-made binding, gorgeous paper (hi my name is Colleen and I'm a publishing nerd...) Best of all, Chang includes personal stories for each and every recipe, which puts a great spin on the book. The first print run sold out across the country but I hear these are starting to appear back on shelves. If you're a baker, BUY THIS BOOK.
August 20, 2017
I quit buying recipes books years ago, because after spending about $20 I would never actually make anything because it was all too complex or needed things I never had. I came across this book because of a Pinterest post for homemade pop-tarts. I used to love pop-tarts but only the ones without the glaze and I can never find those anymore so I stopped buying them. Homemade seemed like my answer. When I saw how fabulous they looked and that they were out of a cookbook of bakery items I had to know more. I checked Flour out from the library and discovered so many delicious looking sweets. I loved the intro and the tips about toasting nuts, measuring ingredients before you start, and all the other practical stuff you see on cooking shows but never really think about unless you do a lot of cooking. I made cookies and biscotti, and I rechecked the book at the library. I made banana bread, my kids (10 & 7) made pies, and I rechecked the book again. I finally got around to making those pop tarts -- which were the most amazing and glorious mess I'd ever tasted (hey, I'm still learning to work with dough), and I bought the book.
This is my go-to baking book. I haven't made everything in it, but everything I have made has been delicious. The recipes are really well written. I've always understood her instructions even with things I haven't made or techniques I haven't used before. The times and temperatures have been spot on. And I really can't say enough about how good everything tastes.
This is my go-to baking book. I haven't made everything in it, but everything I have made has been delicious. The recipes are really well written. I've always understood her instructions even with things I haven't made or techniques I haven't used before. The times and temperatures have been spot on. And I really can't say enough about how good everything tastes.
December 3, 2011
I received this cookbook as a birthday present. (Thanks MaryAnn!!!!)
I had only heard of this chef because she was on Throwdown with Bobby Flay. Her winning sticky sticky buns will definitely be on my list of things to try.
The author is local and two of the recipes were featured in The Boston Globe this fall. (http://tinyurl.com/2a4dc79)
I made the chocolate cupcakes with crispy magic frosting. They were just OK. The cupcakes were WAY overbaked at the recommended 30 minutes. The swiss meringue frosting was light, creamy and very fun to make but I didn't find it to be crispy nor magic.
My mother made the roasted pear cranberry crostata with frangipane for a football Sunday dinner. Oh my word. This was absolutely amazing. A definite 5 star "keeper". Totally my kind of dessert.
My co-workers will be psyched as I try all these recipes in the book. I'm especially excited to try all of the scones, rosemary shortbread, "new" tiramisu, chunky lola cookies, almond macaroons, boozy rum cake...That should keep me busy for a while!!
Updated to add: the cheddar scallion scones were terrific - just as good as at Flour. The other recipes I've tried haven't had good luck with. I'll try the cookies next and hope for better results.
I had only heard of this chef because she was on Throwdown with Bobby Flay. Her winning sticky sticky buns will definitely be on my list of things to try.
The author is local and two of the recipes were featured in The Boston Globe this fall. (http://tinyurl.com/2a4dc79)
I made the chocolate cupcakes with crispy magic frosting. They were just OK. The cupcakes were WAY overbaked at the recommended 30 minutes. The swiss meringue frosting was light, creamy and very fun to make but I didn't find it to be crispy nor magic.
My mother made the roasted pear cranberry crostata with frangipane for a football Sunday dinner. Oh my word. This was absolutely amazing. A definite 5 star "keeper". Totally my kind of dessert.
My co-workers will be psyched as I try all these recipes in the book. I'm especially excited to try all of the scones, rosemary shortbread, "new" tiramisu, chunky lola cookies, almond macaroons, boozy rum cake...That should keep me busy for a while!!
Updated to add: the cheddar scallion scones were terrific - just as good as at Flour. The other recipes I've tried haven't had good luck with. I'll try the cookies next and hope for better results.
August 21, 2011
I'm trying my first recipe from the book, Flour's famous banana bread. It's it the oven now. If the taste of the batter (ok, I couldn't resist) is any indication, the bread is going to be amazing.
I've never seen a recipe for banana bread put together in such a way. Having looked it through, it seems like all the recipes in the book were very carefully considered and tested for the home baker.
Also, because of the beautiful photography and mouthwatering descriptions, even recipes that wouldn't normally appeal to me (cornmeal lime cookies, snickerdoodles, lemon raspberry cake) will be on my list to try. And, my husband can't wait for me to make the vanilla-cream filled donuts, yum!
I've never seen a recipe for banana bread put together in such a way. Having looked it through, it seems like all the recipes in the book were very carefully considered and tested for the home baker.
Also, because of the beautiful photography and mouthwatering descriptions, even recipes that wouldn't normally appeal to me (cornmeal lime cookies, snickerdoodles, lemon raspberry cake) will be on my list to try. And, my husband can't wait for me to make the vanilla-cream filled donuts, yum!
January 30, 2019
A great collection of bakery recipes. Not for the amateur baker, but the results reflect the years of expertise and talent of pastry chef Joanne Chang.
January 2, 2023
I would do anything for Joanne Chang
May 7, 2011
I am a huge fan of Flour, a cafe not far from my office, and these recipes look delicious. This copy is from the library (and the page for Sticky Buns is a bit sticky) but I plan to buy my own copy soon. It does not include my favorite item, a lamb sandwich with chutney, so perhaps Joanne Chang is saving that for the sequel...
June 23, 2021
My go to baking book when I'm trying to impress with relatively unfussy desserts. I've baked my way through probably 3/4 of the recipes, and except for a choux pastry disaster (which I feel may be the result of the different water content between European & American butter?), pretty much every recipe has been a winner. Most recipes have more steps and are more nuanced than you would expect from a typical "basic" dessert, and sometimes the child in me just wants the cookies now, but the extra work is always worth it.
The chocolate chip cookies are my favorite recipe so far, and I've tried many. The peanut butter cookies have been requested time and time again. The cheesecake has never cracked and has been requested by friends multiple years in a row. The apple cake was so good a perfect stranger sent through a recipe request. The pop tarts were another crowd favorite. The midnight chocolate cake was called "the most amazing cake I've ever tried". You get the jist.
I am not the most talented baker, but Flour has solidified my reputation as a great baker. And for that, 5 stars.
The chocolate chip cookies are my favorite recipe so far, and I've tried many. The peanut butter cookies have been requested time and time again. The cheesecake has never cracked and has been requested by friends multiple years in a row. The apple cake was so good a perfect stranger sent through a recipe request. The pop tarts were another crowd favorite. The midnight chocolate cake was called "the most amazing cake I've ever tried". You get the jist.
I am not the most talented baker, but Flour has solidified my reputation as a great baker. And for that, 5 stars.
February 17, 2020
Loved This Book
The professional chef who wrote the book gives a lot of hints about professional techniques to take an average cake recipe and make it light, fluffy, awesome. And she makes everything from scratch. Even a basic pineapple upside down cake is made using a whole pineapple and cutting it into thick slices, and making a homemade caramel sauce. These techniques are not for someone looking for quick and easy, but rather someone looking for a wonderful tasty treat. The book is called Flour because that is the name of the bakery the chef owns and operates. All the recipes include flour as a primary ingredient.
The professional chef who wrote the book gives a lot of hints about professional techniques to take an average cake recipe and make it light, fluffy, awesome. And she makes everything from scratch. Even a basic pineapple upside down cake is made using a whole pineapple and cutting it into thick slices, and making a homemade caramel sauce. These techniques are not for someone looking for quick and easy, but rather someone looking for a wonderful tasty treat. The book is called Flour because that is the name of the bakery the chef owns and operates. All the recipes include flour as a primary ingredient.
August 12, 2019
This is a great baking resource for most of the basic “elevated” baking recipes I would want to work with. Her explanations on technique are helpful. Each recipe I’ve made has been delicious, when I follow the recipe directions and don’t try to do something else at the same time (ex. Eclairs need to have their own dedicated time in the oven so they can truly poof up). I wish there was a bit more explanation about how to make substitutions to create dairy free versions of the recipes, but otherwise this is a great cookbook full of delicious baked goods!
December 21, 2017
This is my go-to book for making great desserts, partially because of the recipes and partly because of the stories that go with the recipes. J. Chang shares many personal stories regarding her start as a baker, the hopes and dreams of her parents, as well as her struggles and success as a cafe owner.
February 13, 2018
This is a beautiful cookbook. All of the recipes were appealing. I made the delicious oatmeal-maple scones, the new-old fashioned coffeecake (didn't come out great), and the chocolate chunk cookies, which came out thin and crispy, even though I chilled the dough. I plan to try the Homemade Fig Newtons next.
October 13, 2019
A famous bakery I've never been to shares their recipes and favorite desserts. I'd make something from this book, but I didn't. Chock-ful of tons of varied dessert recipes, but alas, no photo for every recipe. I'm a firm believer in having a photo for every recipe - it just makes good sense to show the reader what a thing should look like if baked properly.
December 27, 2021
I’ve been slowly ( years) baking my way through Flour.
Most cookie Recipes need more salt. Kosher also isn’t always the best to use. Chang is also extremely light on the vanilla extract.
Watch out for baking times. A lot of cakes say to bake for much longer than needed.
Added an extra star for her technique information and scientific info. Ex. pointing out that sugar cooks yolks. 👍
Most cookie Recipes need more salt. Kosher also isn’t always the best to use. Chang is also extremely light on the vanilla extract.
Watch out for baking times. A lot of cakes say to bake for much longer than needed.
Added an extra star for her technique information and scientific info. Ex. pointing out that sugar cooks yolks. 👍
November 15, 2022
This book's tips & techniques is worth buying it on its own. I like her style of writing, photos.
People actually ask me to make the raspberry crumb bars for them...like my doctor too!! I think the
crispy magic frosting on any chocolate item is a winner and I was surprised that I could carry that off!
I will always keep this cookbook...and I bought "Flour, too"...
People actually ask me to make the raspberry crumb bars for them...like my doctor too!! I think the
crispy magic frosting on any chocolate item is a winner and I was surprised that I could carry that off!
I will always keep this cookbook...and I bought "Flour, too"...
November 3, 2017
Fabulously Decadent
I will read anything this chef writes. She is interesting, informative and gives detailed instructions. I have now read Flour, and Flour Too. Both are marvelous and I can't wait to get started with baking these recipes for the holidays. Bravo!
I will read anything this chef writes. She is interesting, informative and gives detailed instructions. I have now read Flour, and Flour Too. Both are marvelous and I can't wait to get started with baking these recipes for the holidays. Bravo!
December 30, 2017
I love this cook book. I have read all of her "teaching" items that are in the first part of the book. Then, I have cooked just about every recipe in the book. I don't think there is a single recipe that wasn't liked by anyone that ate any of the food.
July 9, 2018
What a wonderful book.
As she wrote I could almost see and smell what she was writing about. Can't wait to get baking! I can see this book becoming one of my favourite go to cookbooks .
As she wrote I could almost see and smell what she was writing about. Can't wait to get baking! I can see this book becoming one of my favourite go to cookbooks .
July 12, 2018
My all-time favorite price cookbook, Joanne Chang does not only provide recipes she provides a full education on baking and the science behind it. And the cherry on top? Her recipes are the greatest you'll ever taste!
August 13, 2020
I’ve made so many different things from her first bake cookbook... have also dabbled with recipes from Flour Too and Myers and Chang. Still, keep coming back to this one.
Her banana bread and lemon lust bars (ricks shortbread and using Meyer are the key), as well as her blueberry pie—-
Oh my!
Her banana bread and lemon lust bars (ricks shortbread and using Meyer are the key), as well as her blueberry pie—-
Oh my!
December 5, 2022
Great read!
Delightful little stories about the pastries, and even has some surprise bread recipes!
I enjoyed how it covered everything from layer cakes to muffins to breads in a very approachable way.
Delightful little stories about the pastries, and even has some surprise bread recipes!
I enjoyed how it covered everything from layer cakes to muffins to breads in a very approachable way.
September 29, 2017
5 stars
- Ms. Jenn
- Ms. Jenn
December 12, 2017
Great book with great recipes. A go to book for me.
July 17, 2018
A fun collection of real life recipes for all tastes.
October 25, 2018
Very informative with well written recipes.
Some delicious looking recipes to explore. I appreciate the ingredient weights provided in this book. The recipes are very well written.
Some delicious looking recipes to explore. I appreciate the ingredient weights provided in this book. The recipes are very well written.
January 8, 2019
Very good recipes!
March 11, 2019
The Chocolate Chip Chunk cookies from this book are the BEST. EVER!!! The entire books is filled with deliciousness and beauty and simple, brief explanations of why/how to do things.
September 11, 2019
I personally do not like the layout of this book. Because of this reason it makes me not want to use this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews