I’m Just Here For Dessert – Book Review

You may already know of Caroline Khoo from her deliciously sugar coated Instagram profile Nectar and Stone. If you haven’t yet come across her work then I recommend you fire up the app immediately, hit follow and try not to drool all over your phone as you scroll through her stunning desserts before checking back here to read about her equally beautiful debut book I’m Just here for Dessert.

This is not simply a step-by-step to re-create Caroline’s elegantly curated desserts, although it does contain many of her signature recipes, the principle of the book is to guide you through the creative process of dessert design. Caroline leads us through her sources of inspiration, from flower shops to architecture or browsing in local charity shops for curious props. The first third of the book is dedicated to the preparation stages, honing your skills and techniques and getting to know your equipment but also your ingredients, highlighting the importance of experimenting with different key ingredients such as eggs and butter to understand what quantities and freshness yield the best results.

There are several pages focussing on colour and setting the scene, which will be very clear when you look at Caroline’s work. The details in the hues and complimenting colours and props are something quite subtle that after reading you think ‘ah that’s so obvious’ but is the added detail that really sets Nectar & Stone desserts apart and is fundamental when setting about creating your own sweet treats.

The latter part of the book is divided into meringues, cupcakes, doughnuts, macarons, ice cream, tarts, cakes, waffles, cocktails and ice lollies. The final two thirds are largely filled with delicious recipes and plenty of tips on exciting variations but much like the opening chapter Khoo has filled the pages with wonderful advice on how to go about developing your own style of visually enticing desserts. The photography throughout the book is the perfect backdrop for the ultra feminine creations; the hazy light and pastel hues really bring the whole concept together and gives you a true sense of Khoo’s inspiration for her designs.

Any keen baker knows how to follow a recipe but what is so interesting and generous in this book is the insight we’re being offered, the tools to harness our surroundings and create our own sweet masterpieces. The nature of the book makes this so accessible to complete novices and accomplished bakers alike, whether you find yourself endlessly pinning visually edible cakes and sweets but don’t know where to start or you’re an avid baker looking to develop your own unique style then this book will be your perfect companion.

P.S if you’re looking for a perfect Valentine’s gift for the creative baker in your life then I can’t recommend this book enough! The photography and colour themes are so romantic and it will inspire their creations for years to come.