Holiday baking is complicated with my family’s various dietary needs, but I still want to make sure that everyone enjoys some cozy holiday treats. Enter Katarina Cermelj, a chemist and baker, who has completely transformed my confidence in “free from” baking with her book, The Elements of Baking.
Cermelj includes great information on the chemical reactions of different ingredients and a section of rules for adapting any recipe to accommodate dietary needs. If the scientific information isn’t for you, you can skip straight to the recipes. Each is formatted as a choose-your-own-adventure; there’s a base recipe, with adjustments listed for dairy-free, egg-free, gluten-free, vegan and gluten-free/vegan. With clear instructions and great photos, Cermelj makes it easy to follow the path you need. Everything I’ve baked from this book has turned out amazing!
Kia White is a co-owner of Lake Country Booksellers. For personalized recommendations, call the shop at 651.426.0918.
