One of the thoughtful gift baskets that I received for my birthday included the Cake Mix Doctor book. On the inside cover my friend wrote a charming note that included, “May each day be like a party for you and may you have your cake and eat it too.” She knows my adoration for books and my interest in baking. Also she was one of the women that took a series of Wilton cake-decorating classes with me a few years back.

It is gifts like this that I cherish because they take an ordinary item and add the personal touch that brings warmth to my heart and a smile to my face. Years later I will continue to enjoy the sentimental note and generations later others will be touched by her words also.

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When contemplating the review to prepare for the 80th birthday celebration organized by artbyjude for Granniemose I thought, “Silly me, bake 80 cakes and review Cake Mix Doctor!”

Happy birthday Granniemose!!!!! You are a jewel of a woman and certainly example kind-natured attributes that we all can glean from. I hope this birthday is one of the best ever and that you have many more Happy Birthdays! May each day be like a party for you and may you… Have your cake and eat it too!

Granniemose is the type of woman that literally makes every day a party. She examples mercy and grace, welcoming others with open arms. It is women like her that make my day and others who happen to cross her path. And then there is her daughter... What a joyful sampling of heartful parenting!

If you would like to join in on the celebration there is plenty of time. Help us celebrate!
http://www.epinions.com/user-artbyjude
http://www.epinions.com/user-granniemose
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Cake Mix Doctor
By: Anne Byrn

This cookbook differs from many others because the author provides personal tidbits that allow the reader/baker to know what she thinks and aspires. When reading the introduction we learn insightful nuggets about cake mixes that literally make it impossible to look at a boxed mix the same. In fact I honestly never thought it possible but I actually gained an appreciation for cake mixes.

Cake Mix Doctor contains slightly more than 150 splendorous recipes for desserts with ‘awe’ power. The nice attribute is that the finished product is easy to achieve and often reflects a unique dessert resembling a bakery product. However these are achieved in your own kitchen, usually at a fraction of the cost of commercial mark-up. If you are a cake connoisseur the chance is high that you’ll like Cake Mix Doctor. Fret not because if cake isn’t your thing, the recipes in this book might tilt you over to the cake consumption side.

Christmas is close so you might want to consider purchasing this book for a baking type of friend. I envision putting this book, a nice cake pan, a cake serving platter, a spiffy serving spatula, and an apron into a nice wicker basket for the gift of choice for one of my family members. I just know she’ll be delighted, and surprised. And you know I am going to borrow the words presented to me because I see a tradition unfolding.

Honestly this book is unique with the aspect of inspiring all to dress up the standard cake mix. But the nice attribute is that the recipes are easy to follow and the results are great. Too often portraits that look delightful but recipes that fail discourage the average baker. I know that with regard to the kitchen there isn’t much that is more disappointing than slaving away in hopes of a delicious result only to have product failure. It is my desire to let you know that every recipe I have tried from Cake Mix Doctor has been a success.

The one challenge is that you aren’t looking at low calorie servings within the pages of Cake Mix Doctor. However I seriously doubt the calorie content exceeds those within the bakery purchased delicacies. So… have your cake and eat it too!

The idea for Cake Mix Doctor birthed from an article within a local newspaper written by author Anne Byrn. The story in The Tennessean was titled “The Cake Doctor Is In” and it included several of her favorite recipes for jazzing up cake mixes. From this a publisher came into light, and thus the beginning of this book.

This book begins with 152 thumbnail sized color photographs of the cake and bar recipes included within this book. Oh the temptation! In actuality the pictures also serve as an index, with the name of the recipe and the page number that it is located provided under each photo. Although the pictures are small they are good quality and properly represent the dessert.

Along with interesting cake mix facts we are served interesting tidbits such as the fact that most angel food mixes are purchased by “empty nesters” and that “single” purchase the least amount of cake mixes. On a more serious note we are given insight toward developing a cake mix pantry. Suggested ingredients include cake mixes (oh really *wink*), butter, milk, eggs, nuts, coconut, vegetable oil, chocolate, extracts, spices, buttermilk, sour cream, yogurt, cream cheese, citrus, frozen fruits, sugar, dried fruit, instant coffee powder and canned fruits. Obviously we don’t have to keep all of these ingredients on hand, but this explanatory listing lends insight toward what ingredients will be recommended in various recipes.

Next author Anne Byrn talks with us about the equipment to have on hand pans, mixer, bowls, spatulas, racks, sharp serrated knives, mister (no not a man – ask pogomom or ladysmom because I bet they can lead you to the product *wink*), shakers, and doodads. She explains which sizes of equipment are recommended and styles. There is a ton of information with regard to oven temperature, greasing and flouring of pans, mixing, and testing for doneness. She goes on to explain how to turn a cake out of the pan and excellent frosting technique.

I enjoyed reading the cake mix time line provided on pages 22 – 23. After all of this insight we are prepared to divulge into cake recipe heaven. From page 30 through page 438 we explore cake mix recipes that include Chocolate Cakes, Cakes with Fruit, Strike It Rich Cakes, Cake-Mix Classics, Special Occasion Cakes, Cheesecakes and Gooey Cakes, Coffee Cakes, Cakes with Spirit, Incredible Bars and Comforting Cakes, This Can’t Contain Cake Mix, Lighter Cakes, Just the Basics, Frostings, Glazes, and One Compote. Ultimately I doubt you will try every recipe but chances are large that you will be inspired to go outside the box *smile* and create a sensuous masterpiece.

Personally I have tried several recipes from Cake Mix Doctor and have been pleased with each. In addition to liking the recipes I really appreciate the tidbits of information included throughout this book. Author/Baker Anne Byrn helped me adapt multiple different cake recipes into various occasions. This book has recaptured the baking spirit that had been pushed aside for bakery purchased items. Now there is a rekindled excitement when an occasion arises to bake the cake. Of course every day can be a party and such is the case for our home environment. Party on! *smile*

Table of Contents
Introduction
Cake Mix 101
Chocolate Cakes
Cakes with Fruit
Strike It Rich Cakes
Cake-Mix Classics
Special Occasion Cakes
Cheesecakes and Gooey Cakes
Coffee Cakes
Cakes with Spirit
Incredible Bars and Comforting Cakes
This Can’t Contain Cake Mix
Lighter Cakes
Just the Basics
Frostings, Glazes, and One Compote
Coversion Table
Bibliography
Index

Some personal favorites include: peaches and cream cake – page 70, caramel cake – page 112, snickerdoodle cake – page 121, triple-decker strawberry cake – page 67, macadamia fudge torte – page 136, sweet-tart cherry cheesecake – page 232, quick red velvet cake – page 152, and so many more! Often it is the simple addition of ingredients like butter, or cinnamon that makes a large difference in the outcome of a standard white cake mix. Regardless the recipes are simplistic and the results are scrumptious!

Happy Baking and Happy Birthday Granniemose!





©2002 Lisa_J


Recommended: Yes

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