The first book by Nicola Lamb, a London-based pastry chef, provides a comprehensive education on baking fundamentals, fostering confidence and creativity in home bakers.
Sift's initial sections detail the key ingredients used in baking, explaining their behaviors through visual aids, providing a detailed understanding of rising, color, and texture.
The book balances dense material with illustrations, Venn diagrams, and charts, making complex baking techniques more accessible for serious hobbyists.
The latter part of Sift features a collection of 'base recipes' that leverage the techniques and principles outlined earlier, serving as foundational blocks for advanced baking.