All gorgeous, but I'm never going to make any of these things. ( )

One thing I learned from a trip to New York City a few years ago is that New Yorkers (or maybe it's just the tourists) go overboard about bakeries. One that might be making a legitimate bid to be the 'next-big-NY-bakery' is Ovenly in Brooklyn. A couple of friends, Agatha Kulaga and Erin Patinkin, got together and have turned their passion into what sounds like a very popular place. And I was fortunate enough to receive their hot-off-the-presses cookbook from the GoodReads FirstReads program. And their signature seems to be the mix of sweet and salty in their mouth-watering goodies. When they use chocolate they prefer it to have at least 60% cocoa content, so it's on the bitter side, and many of the recipes are topped with a light sprinkling of coarse sea salt.

I'll admit I was skeptical. Some of the recipes are a bit involved and intimidating for a novice like me, so I found some of the easier ones and dove in - and they were very good! One in particular, the "Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies," which they claim are not just "the perfect vegan chocolate chip cookie," but "the perfect chocolate chip cookie. Period." Okay, that might be stretching it just a tad, but it was *really* good! The chocolate didn't taste bitter at all, and - although I didn't put salt on *all* the cookies - it's an interesting and perhaps even addicting combination.

The book gives some background on Agatha and Erin and how they got started, as well as some "essential tools and ingredients," which is kind of nice for really ambitious bakers. Recipes fall under the following categories: scones & biscuits; quick breads & coffee cakes; muffins; cookies & shortbreads; pies & tarts; brownies & bars; cakes & cupcakes; baking for the holidays; fillings, frostings & sauces: and bar snacks. Some recipes (like the above mentioned chocolate chip cookie) specify to follow the instructions exactly, while many others suggest variations and encourage experimentation. The pictures are great and make me want to try lots of recipes (although many of them contain coffee and alcohol, and I abstain from both). Nonetheless, I plan to keep working my way through the others as well as I can and hopefully still stick to my diet and lose weight. But that shouldn't stop you from making them! ( )

A special thank you to Harlequin Nonfiction and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

OVENLY by Erin Patinkin, Agatha Kulaga and New York's award-winning bakery Ovenly, world-renowned for their innovative and exquisite treats, provides inspiration, yummy recipes, tips, tools and essentials for all levels of food enthusiasts!

Readers will enjoy learning the diverse history and background of these two talented women, and their delightful memories from their mother and grandmother’s kitchen, contributing to their continued success. This dynamic duo delivers their greatest hits with a variety of recipes with the following helpful sections:

•Scones and Biscuits
•Quick Breads and Coffee Cakes
•Muffins
•Cookies and Shortbreads
•Pies and Tarts
•Brownies and Bars
•Cakes and Cupcakes
•Baking for the Holidays
•Fillings, frostings, and sauces
•Bar Snacks

I loved the Scone section, my favorite with base recipes, Bloody Mary Scones, Cheddar Mustard, Currant Rosemary, Whole Wheat Raspberry Drop, Biscuits with Honey and Thyme (yum!). Other favorites: Pumpkin olive oil loaf, and the goat cheese spring onion and chive quiche.

In addition, other helpful tidbits includes, “get creative, tools and ingredients you should have in your kitchen, the beauty of a "baking plan," and some handy conversion charts”.

OVENLY is beautifully packaged with stunning color photography, with well- laid out content. All from an adventurous and talented team, sharing their passion, and pleasure of food to readers desiring to savor and create a fun-filled journey. Highly Recommend!

http://www.judithdcollinsconsulting.com/#!Ovenly/cmoa/F71481E5-78D4-48CA-A7DE-57...

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