Michelle Morfett is a passionate baker and she has been selling cakes at markets since the age of 22. This turned into owning her first store at Point Chevalier, and now a bigger space in Ellerslie.
Mint Cakery is her first cookbook, a handsome hardback with gorgeous photography by Manja Wachsmuth.
It’s divided into super sensible sections: morning baking (scones, muffins and loaves), brioche, donuts, cakes, slices, and cookies. And there is also a section for festive baking (which includes the most delightful gingerbread men, pavlova and Christmas-style Bundt cake), as well as icings and condiments, and confectionery.
You can really feel the love of baking in Mint Cakery, and all the recipes are superb!
My favourites, so far are:
Strawberry-glazed Donuts. They look sensational and are a taste sensation too. Forget stodgy donuts; the strawberries give this a fresh take on an old favourite.
Lemon Syrup and Blueberry Loaf – this is something that looks beautiful and is something quite different.
Banana and Salted Caramel Baby Cakes – what a fabulous way to use up any ripe bananas in the kitchen!
Chocolate Mouse Cake – easy to make and takes its decadence to a new level!
I thoroughly recommend Mint Cakery to anyone who likes to bake, it has recipes that will suit any home cook, and the family will love the baking!
Reviewer: Karen McMillan
Self-published, distributed by Bateman Books