Recommendations for dessert recipe cookbooks?

GrateEggspectations

Long story short, my wife receives hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in gifts certificates every year. Many of these are for book stores, so we have recently been discussing potential books to blow the wad on. I’ve already spent a good chunk on nutrition and cook books, but I digress. 

My wife likes making deserts (and is a fantastic baker!) and has recently expressed an interest in dessert-centric cookbooks that focus on elegance. She is very capable and enjoys making unconventional desserts that are as beautiful as they are delicious. 

Can any experienced bakers/dessert-makers recommend some dessert cookbooks that will fit the bill?

Many thanks in advance, my helpful and knowledgeable friends. 

SGH

I’m watching this thread closely for recommendations. I have never been a “Baker”. However, now that my granddaughter is getting older, I find myself venturing into it more and more with her. 
Sorry I can’t offer any recommendations, hoping others can. 

GrateEggspectations

Given your interest, @SGH, I should mention that there is a local (and corny!) minor celebrity in my area who has a comprehensive website featuring great recipes. His recipes, both savoury and sweet, are not overly complicated and in our experience, always turn out with exceptional results. https://www.ricardocuisine.com/en

Even though citrus flavours are not generally my favourite for desserts, his lemon meringue cheesecake is among the best desserts I’ve ever had. The maple raspberry white chocolate and cream Christmas log my wife made (twice!) last week was out of this world. His Nutella brownie recipe is a crowd pleaser and is easy. Both of his pad thai recipes are incredibly simple and simply incredible. 

Have a look and if you like like what you see, I strongly encourage you to try his stuff out. 

westernbbq

Cooks illustrated.    

Gulfcoastguy

I gave my nephew and his bride a cast iron loaf pan and a drop biscuit cast iron pan . I also included a lodge cast iron cookbook that had biscuit and dessert recipes specifically for that pan. She is a baker and soon she can make me biscuits and individual miniature pineapple upside down cakes. I found the book in the close out rack of Barnes and Nobles.

RRP

Please tell us more as for why "my wife receives hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in gifts certificates every year". That means she's doing something more than just winning a blue ribbon at the county fair!

GrateEggspectations

RRP said:

Please tell us more as for why "my wife receives hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in gifts certificates every year". That means she's doing something more than just winning a blue ribbon at the county fair!

She’s a private music teacher. She has an Undergraduate in piano performance and a Master’s in piano pedagogy (cross-discipline between music and neuroscience). While her bread and butter is the young and budding pianist, she has taught many older students, including family of former prime ministers. They are all very good to her. 

RRP

That's cool! Thanks for explaining.

bigguy136

I love baking. I always bake from scratch with puff / rough puff pastry ect. All breads are mixed by hand even though I have a Kitchenaid mixer.

I just picked up The Professional Pastry Chef by Friberg. I read a lot of good things about it and looking forward to reading it after the holidays.

Another great source if you have Netflix is watching The Great British Baking Show Master Classes.

GrateEggspectations

@bigguy136: Thank you for the suggestions. Will check out the book and have a look at the show as well. 

GrateEggspectations

GrateEggspectations said:

@bigguy136: Thank you for the suggestions. Will check out the book and have a look at the show as well. 

Book ordered. Thanks again!

Acn

My wife swears by The Cake Bible, and everything she has made has come out great.  

That was theyule log from Xmas dinner