If you're looking for a nice easy cookbook with a broad range of recipes to try, this is the one to get!!! David Herbert shares a tip or two for every single recipe, and then some. The presentation of the book is simple but clear to read and is especially nice if you like the retro look.



He covers everything from butter cakes, baked-topping cakes and cheesecakes to small cakes, muffins, brownies and biscuits (and others!) The recipes are suited to an Australian audience and the selection of ingredients is generally easy to obtain.



For those who are looking for something different and more creative, Herbert has also catered for the more adventurous cook... there are recipes that use polenta (for texture) and there are different combinations of flavours that would be interesting to try. Note that these recipes emphasize flavour & simplicity, rather than techniques that are too tedious.



I've only attempted the recipe for Claudia Roden's Almond Orange Cake and the results were quite good, only that I would removed the bitter pith next time. The texture and the aroma were excellent, so I will make it again.



In general, follow the recipe with the author's tips and you can't really go wrong. David Herbert is the author of 'Complete Perfect Recipes', which has had high ratings so I think these baking recipes will be very reliable.