Pure Artistry

May 16, 2016
Aumiller’s goal of creating “edible art” (that just happens to be vegan and gluten-free) is apparent in this graceful collection divided into two sections: Recipes & Techniques and Aspects of Cake Design. The author’s years of baking without the likes of eggs and milk led her to years of experimenting in search of successful “stable” cakes, and readers will benefit from her research into alternative ingredients such as gluten-free flours, unrefined sugars, and plant-based fats. Detailed information on tools and decorating leads to cake recipes centered on Mexican chocolate, coconut, and ginger. The highlights of the book are the often intricate and always lovely cake decorations; how-to sections give step-by-step photos for painting and stenciling adornments, sculpting feathers, and creating and applying a chevron pattern. Photography by Volo captures the artful creations in full-page spreads: “Gold in Chaos” is a three-layer cake that appears to defy gravity, and “Pleated Angels,” a wedding dress–inspired cake, boasts pristine “folds.” This title is both inspirational and enjoyable to browse. Agent: Carla Glasser, Betsy Nolan Literary.