The Hummingbird Bakery Cookbook

Published: 2009
Author: Tarek Malouf & the Hummingbird Bakers

A delicious bakery book with amazing photography

I thought I’d do something a little different with my book review today.  Instead of a novel or autobiography or the usual kind of books I review I’m going to share one of my hobbies with you – baking.  I’m not a great baker, for that you have to visit my friend at Annie Bakes Cakes, but I find it relaxing after a stressful day and I love the end result.  When I was a student my specialities were macaroons and biscuits, now I’m much more of a cupcake girl and my favourite recipe comes from The Hummingbird Bakery Cookbook.

For those not in the know, The Hummingbird Bakery is a trendy London cake shop with branches in Notting Hill, Soho, Kensington and Spitalfields.  Celebrities flock there including some you would swear had never seen a cupcake in their microbiotic lives like Gwyneth Paltrow.  To capitalise on the success of the bakery and its PR positioning as a luxury lifestyle brand, The Hummingbird Bakery Cookbook was launched in 2009, sharing recipes and hints from company founder Tarek Malouf and the Hummingbird Bakers.

The first thing you notice is the fantastic appearance of this book.  The photography by Peter Cassidy is more than simply an illustration of the recipes, it is the hook that makes you want to make your own versions of these delicious creations.  The photographs evoke an image of afternoon tea with family and friends sharing comforting homemade cakes.  Much of the credit for the success of this book must go to the graphic design.

The Hummingbird Bakery is best known for its cupcakes and as you would expect they feature prominently in this book.  As a side issue, what’s the difference between fairy cakes and cupcakes?  I’ve never been entirely sure.  This book isn’t just about cupcakes though, there are six different chapters of recipes – cupcakes, cakes, pies, brownies & bars, muffins and cookies and each chapter has a wide range of different recipes to try.  Some attracted me instantly like the banana and chocolate cupcake, raspberry cheesecake brownie and lemon loaf, others didn’t take my fancy quite so much – the carrot and courgette muffins most definitely do not sound like my kind of thing!  It doesn’t matter though that there’s a couple of dishes that don’t appeal, with 60 recipes over 133 pages there’s bound to be something for everyone.

The recipes themselves are simply written with clear measurements and easy to follow step-by-step guidelines.  Even the most novice baker will find this a simple, understandable and enjoyable book.  On the other hand, I doubt that it holds a great appeal to experienced bakers who like to challenge themselves with difficult recipes and intricate decorations.  This is a cookbook that focuses on getting the basics right and encourages baking and eating for pleasure.

Much as I love this book I do have a confession.  Of the 60 amazing looking and inspirational recipes I’ve tried very few.  The traditional chocolate brownies, banana and chocolate cupcakes and strawberry cheesecake cupcakes are as far as I’ve ventured.  I can’t seem to get past the now very tatty page 14 and the delicious vanilla cupcake after all why mess with perfection?

I’m off to find my apron, there’s baking to be done….