Amazing book
I love this book. As someone who hasn't been baking too long, this has helped me a lot. I normally don't get too hung up on pictures in cookbooks. Yes, they're nice if they're there, but I can live without them. In this case, they are extremely helpful because there are so many different desserts in this book that I had never even heard of before! Luckily every single recipe in this book has a beautiful photo. I also like the sections about baking equiptment. Those sections helped me tremendously when I registered for my wedding. I knew all the pans and gadgets I was missing and was able to ask for them all. Some of the chapters are a little more intimidating (at least to me who doesn't have a lot of baking experience) like the breads and pastries, but I can see that the recipes are written so clearly that with some patience and re-reading, anyone can master this stuff!

So far I've tried several of the cookie recipes. My personal favorites were the gingerbread cookies (they come out PERFECT), and the oatmeal raisin, which are without a doubt the most delicious oatmeal raisin cookies I have ever eaten in my entire life. I also made the ricotta cheesecake last year at Thanksgiving as an alternative dessert and it was moist, fluffy, and divine with a very subtle lemon flavor. The only recipe I had some trouble with was the brownies. Mine came out rather dry, but it may have been the oven I was using because I made them at someone else's house. Perhaps their oven was hotter than mine, or maybe the chocolate I used had too high a cocoa content. But I'm looking forward to trying them again.

I initially picked up this book because I wanted to learn to bake. Had I known better I probably would have started a little more slowly with something more demonstrative. I don't think this is necessarily the ultimate handbook on baking since the instructions are pretty brief, but I admit they are helpful, and I think I'm a much better baker now because of this book. All over it's just a beautiful book and the recipes inside are sure to impress.

come on...it's Martha...
Martha has got it goin' on. this book is beautiful, great pictures and recipes. i am pretty sure i put on a couple of pounds just by looking at the pictures :)

i have tried a couple of recipes and loved them. prep your ingrediants beforehand, so you don't have to worry about having enough vanilla or eggs (i speak from experience :\ )

this book is worth purchasing just to add to your collection of timeless cookbooks. it has techniques and advice that will help anyone reach a better understanding of baking.

great customer service
Hi, I purchased this book since it was selling as new, but when I received it, it was a damaged product. Even though I didn't get what I expected, I send the book back and I got my money back. He was very responsive and very communicative and quickly in returning my money. My only disappointment was that I ended up with no book.

Great cookbook
Every recipe I have made has been great. And so much cheaper than the cover price. Love this book.

Another Hit!!! Martha rocks.
I loved this book. It is going to be a staple in my kitchen for years to come just like my Mother's old "Fanny Farmer." Martha and her staff made this so easy to follow. The hints are what make this book the best ever. Every kitchen should have a copy. It isnt' just a "cookbook" it is an education.