Desserts by the Yard

Because it has been so hot lately, I have been avoiding turning on the oven.  When the heat index registers nearly 115 degrees, it’s time to stay in and read some cookbooks.  This is a good one by Executive Pastry Chef Sherry Yard.  “Desserts by the Yard” will inspire anyone who has an eye for only the best and most beautiful desserts.

You might recognize Sherry’s name from the Hollywood restaurant “Spago.”  Wolfgang Puck hired Sherry to be his pastry chef back in the early ‘90’s.  Wolfgang was very impressed with her creativity and attention to detail.

Some of the recipes include “Sherry’s Secrets.”  These are wonderful baking tips and techniques that Sherry offers to the reader.  They help you to better understand how to successfully prepare each recipe.  Haven’t you always wanted to know how they make those luscious Academy Award desserts for all of the stars?  Sherry shows you how step by step.

You will learn how to make a mouthwatering Charlotte Russe with homemade ladyfingers.  Sherry takes individual ramekins and lines them with ladyfingers.  She then flavors them with a simple syrup, and fills the center with vanilla whipped cream.  The adorning Bing or maraschino cherry is the crowning touch.

“Desserts by the Yard” makes a wonderful gift for the baker in your life.  If you are looking for an impressive coffee table book, this one will indeed impress.  The photographs in the book are by Ron Manville, who does an excellent job capturing the elegance of Sherry’s creativity.

Happy drooling,

Pam