A Spoonful of Sugar

Make. Bake. Create.

Menu
  • Home
  • About
    • About Us
    • Press
    • FAQ
    • Disclosure Policy
    • Contact Us
  • Crafts
    • Crochet
    • DIY
    • Embroidery/Cross stitch
    • Gift Wrapping
    • Knitting
    • Miscellaneous
    • Paper Crafts
  • Holidays
    • New Year’s
    • Australia Day
    • Back to School
    • Valentines Day
    • Easter
    • ANZAC Day
    • Mother’s Day
    • Father’s Day
    • Halloween
    • Christmas
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Bars & Slices
    • Bread & Pastries
    • Cakes
    • Cookies
    • Confectionery
    • Cupcakes & Muffins
    • Desserts
    • Drinks
    • Ice Cream
    • Jams/Preserves
    • Main Meals
  • Sewing
    • Sewing Tutorials
    • Quilting
    • Sewing & Quilting Patterns
  • Family
    • Back to School
    • Family Fun
    • Our Home
    • Parenting
    • Travel
  • Shop
    • Pattern Store
    • Etsy Store

Books for Bakers and Cooks

December 5, 2013 By A Spoonful of Sugar - 1 Comment

Sarah and I had a big day of Christmas shopping this week and now have lots of gift wrapping to do. We love to buy books as gifts – there is such a huge range of titles available and you can usually find the perfect book that suits the interests of your recipient. Today we are reviewing 6 titles that will be perfect for the Bakers, Cake Decorators, and Cooks on your Christmas Gift List! (You may even want to treat yourself!)

Macarons, Cupcakes & Cake Pops by Mia Öhrn is a gorgeous book full of pretty and colourful treats to bake for your next celebration. The book is beautifully presented with lovely photography and has an amazing array of sweet and delicious desserts. It includes a helpful Macaron School which guides you through the techniques needed to create these lovely morsels. Macaron flavours included: passion-fruit, blackcurrant, lime and mint, and many more. Cupcake varieties included: rocky road, candy cane, coconut and passion fruit, and more. There is a lovely range of cake pops to make, as well as cookies, fudge cups, brownies, madeleines, whoopie pies and other delicious treats. If you love to bake, you are bound to find plenty of inspiration in this beautiful title. The hard part will be deciding which treat to bake first!









Book Details:
Publisher:     Sterling
Format:        Hardback, 84 pages
ISBN:          9781454905769
RRP:            $19.99

Macarons, Cupcakes and Cake Pops is available from Booktopia.



SprinkleBakes, Dessert Recipes to Inspire Your Inner Artist,  by Heather Baird is brimming with creative treats to make your next dessert really shine! Written by the author of the SprinkleBakes blog, it allows you to unleash your inner artist to create desserts that look and taste like works of art. Using your imagination, and techniques of sculpting, application of colour theory, drawing and painting techniques, you can put your own creative twist on your blank canvas of cookies, cakes, and candies. SprinkleBakes is full of beautiful photos that guide you, step by step, through many of the processes. What we love about this book, is that it includes many original and creative ideas and techniques so you can put your own spin on many desserts. It will change the way to look at recipes and is would make a great gift for bakers with a passion for art.

Book Details:
Publisher:     Sterling Epicure
Format:        Paperback, 276 pages
ISBN:          9781402786365
RRP:            $24.99

SprinkleBakes is available from Booktopia.



Decorate Cakes, Cupcakes, Cookies with Kids by Autumn Carpenter, is full of techniques, projects, and party plans for teaching kids, teens, and tots. This is a great gift for a Junior Masterchef. It is full of clear, step by step, photographs to teach children the basics of cake decorating. Including the processes of rolling fondant, piping buttercream, and other decorating methods, it will provide hours of fun for adults and kids to spend time together in the kitchen. The cakes are rated in complexity and there are helpful suggestions on how to include younger kids in the process.The projects are centred around 15 themes such as Pretty Pony, Tropical Luau, Pirate Shindig, and Snowy Treats, there is something for your next children’s party. Children will enjoy looking through the book to select a cake for their next birthday. This book would make a lovely gift for a child who loves to bake.
Book Details:
Format:        Paperback, 144 pages
Publisher:     Creative Publishing International
ISBN:          9781589237766
RRP:            $34.99

Check out the Google Preview at Booktopia for more images. Also available from Can Do Books.

The Kitchen Pantry Cookbook, Make Your Own Condiments and Essentials by Erin Coopey, is a useful volume filled with wonderful condiments to accompany and highlight your meal. Store bought versions are often loaded with preservatives, extra salt, and sugar. Using the lovely recipes in this book, you can create your own fresh and delicious salad dressings, stocks, relishes, pickles, condiments, nut butters and spreads to stock your pantry and to give as gifts for food loving friends. We love to give gifts from our kitchen at Christmas and this book is going to be a great addition to our library with so many lovely recipes to try. We can’t wait to make the Maple Pecan Butter, Honey Mustard Dressing, Garlic Dill Vinegar, Orange Flower Curd, and Steak Sauce.
Book Details:
Format:       Paperback, 176 pages
Publisher:    Quarry Books
ISBN:         9781592528430
RRP:           $34.99

Cake Craft Made Easy, Step-by-Step Sugarcraft Techniques for 16 Vintage Inspired Cakes by Fiona Pearce is the perfect volume for anyone wanting to master essential cake decorating techniques from buttercream piping to royal icing stencilling. The book includes links to 12 online cake decorating videos to guide you through the more complex processes. Each of the 16 Vintage inspired cakes includes loads of step by step photographs and tips to guide you through the process and to instruct you in  cake decorating skills. This is a lovely book for anyone wanting to learn cake decorating so you can create beautiful cakes for special occasions.

Book Details:
Format:       Paperback, 128 Pages
Publisher:    David & Charles
ISBN:         9781446302910
RRP:           $24.99

Cake Craft Made Easy is available from Can Do Books and Booktopia.

The Soupmaker’s Kitchen, How to Save your Scraps, Prepare a Stock, and Craft the Perfect Pot of Soup, by Aliza Green is brimming with delicious, nourishing, and healthy soups. This lovely cookbook includes recipes for soups, bisque’s, chowders, and purees. Including lots of step by step photography and tips, you will be able to create lovely soups for your next family meal or dinner party. The Soupmaker’s Kitchen includes soups from many different cultures, as well as seafood, poultry, beef, vegetarian and vegan favourites. What we love about soup is that the most basic of ingredients or leftovers, can be transformed into a nourishing meal.  Lovers of soup will find plenty of inspiring recipes in this handy volume. We can’t wait to try Pennsylvania Dutch Bacon, Corn, and Potato Chowder; Mexican Sopa de Tortilla with Shredded Chicken, and the French Onion Soup.
Book Details:
Format:      Paperback, 160 pages
Publisher:   Quarry Books
ISBN:        9781592538447
RRP:          $29.99

The Soupmaker’s Kitchen is available from Booktopia.

Please note that we are not paid to write book reviews but we do receive a review copy of the book from publishers/distributors. All opinions are our own.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: book review

« 9 Ways to Use Candy Canes
Christmas House Gift Cards »

Comments

  1. Nisa-mom says

    December 6, 2013 at 8:43 am

    OMG … beautiful books, I want all of them for my birthday present :))

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Threads
  • TikTok
SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTER
×

Categories

Archives

PURCHASE PDF PATTERNS

We offer over 100 affordable PDF sewing patterns available for download from our store website or Etsy store. Each pattern includes detailed instructions, numerous photos, and templates.

WEB STORE ETSY STORE

Instagram

My Year in NumbersWhat a year it’s been! I’ve lo My Year in NumbersWhat a year it’s been! I’ve loved looking back at 2025 through a few fun little numbers — the patterns released, the scraps used, the cups of tea enjoyed, and all the tiny moments of creativity that made this year feel so full.Thank you for being part of this community. Whether you’ve sewn one pattern or twenty, left a kind comment, shared a photo, or simply followed along quietly — it all means more than you know.If you’d like to join me for an even more creative 2026, comment NEWSLETTER and I’ll send you the link to sign up for my weekly newsletter. It’s where I share new projects, behind‑the‑scenes peeks, and little sewing treats you won’t want to miss.And I’d love to get to know you a little more — tell me something about yourself in the comments. Where you’re from, what you love to sew, or your favourite make of the year.A little reminder too: all patterns are 25% off until the end of the year — my small thank‑you for your support.Here’s to a year of making, learning, and creating together. 💛#SewingCommunity #SewingInsiration #Sewing Patterns #BeginnerSewingProjects #SewistsofInstagram
As the year comes to a close, I’ve been reflecting As the year comes to a close, I’ve been reflecting on the moments that made this year so special. More than anything, I’m grateful for you — the wonderful makers, followers, and supporters who bring so much joy to this little creative corner of the world.Thank you for sewing my patterns, sharing your beautiful makes, sending kind messages, and cheering on my small business. Your creativity and encouragement mean more than I can ever say.As the year wraps up, I wanted to share a few of the things I’m truly grateful for.  And as a small end‑of‑year thank‑you, all patterns are 25% off storewide until December 31. No code needed — just a little festive gift from me to you.Wishing you a peaceful, joyful, creative Christmas season. Thank you for being here.#SewingPatterns#BeginnerSewingProjects#SewingCommunity#SewingInspiration#HandmadeGiftsIdeas
I asked AI to roast my Instagram… and let’s just s I asked AI to roast my Instagram… and let’s just say she didn’t hold back 😂 Apparently my stash‑friendly projects are just ‘fabric hoarder therapy,’ my quick‑sew reels look like I’ve got elves working overtime, and my Perth sewing room has more Hallmark Christmas energy than a snowy Vermont town. Honestly… fair! 🧵🎄But that’s exactly what I love sharing here—beginner‑friendly, stash‑friendly, quick‑sew, and gift‑friendly projects that bring joy to your sewing room. If you’re here for handmade inspiration, cozy vibes, and a sprinkle of festive fun, you’re in the right place. ✂️✨👉 Follow along for more sewing patterns, tips, and inspiration - because sewing should be fun, not perfect!#SewingCommunity #QuiltingLife #BeginnerFriendySewing #sewisthumour #makerLife
Looking for a project that’s quick, stash‑friendly Looking for a project that’s quick, stash‑friendly, and makes the sweetest handmade gift? 🎀 The Ribbon Pouch ticks all the boxes! Here are 5 reasons to love it: beginner‑friendly, quick to sew, perfect for scraps, gift‑friendly, and elevated with trims and ribbon details.It’s one of those patterns you’ll make on repeat—whether for birthdays, Christmas, or just to use up your favourite fabrics.👉 Comment RIBBON and I’ll send you the link to my pattern store so you can start sewing your own Ribbon Pouch today!  #RibbonPouch #QuickSewProjects  #StashFriendlyPatterns #sewingchristmas
#SewingCommunity
Still time to make a handmade gift this week! 🎁✂️ Still time to make a handmade gift this week! 🎁✂️ I’ve curated 10 of my quickest, easiest sewing patterns—each one can be finished in an afternoon or evening. Perfect for last‑minute gifting, stash‑friendly fabrics, and beginner‑friendly makes.From mitts to trivets, coasters to pouches, these projects are thoughtful, personal, and achievable even in the busiest season. Handmade doesn’t have to mean complicated—it can be quick, joyful, and elevated.👉 Comment PATTERN and I’ll send you a link to my pattern store so you can start sewing today.💬 Tell me—what’s your go‑to handsewn gift that you make on repeat?#QuickSewProjects #HandmadeGiftIdeas #BeginnerFriendlySewing
Want to give the gift of handmade but don’t have t Want to give the gift of handmade but don’t have time to sew? 🧵🎄 Put together a curated sewing project kit!I made this one using the Sleepy Cat Coaster pattern, fusible fleece, fabric for the back and face, a charm pack, hexagon shapes, embroidery floss, ricrac trim, cotton, tags, and appliqués. Everything is tucked neatly into a clear stationery case and tied with a ribbon. 🎁It’s personal, elevated, and thoughtful—perfect for sewing friends who will love having everything ready when they find time to stitch.👉 Comment SLEEPY and I’ll send you the link to the pattern so you can make your own kit!#sewingkit #GiftofHandmade #BeginnerFriendlySewing
Follow on Instagram

Featured Pattern

Travel Sewing Kit Pattern

Featured Tutorial

Retro Drawstring Bag

Featured Recipe

Lemon Pound Cake

Connect

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Threads
  • TikTok
SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTER
×

Popular Posts

  • Maker’s Gift Guide: 15 Handmade Stocking Stuffers
  • Merry Little Christmas Sewing Projects
  • Fabric Gift Pouch
  • Makers Gift Guide: 15 Handmade Gift Bags and Wrap
  • 10 Projects to Sew for Men
  • Folded Hexagon Ornament
  • Retro Drawstring Bag

Copyright © 2025 Lisa. K. Cox - A Spoonful of Sugar