Beatrix Bakes: Another Slice (Natalie Paull, Hardie Grant)

Come a Saturday morning, the line for Beatrix Bakes, a cult North Melbourne café and bakery, would snake down the street. Its closure in 2022—a personal tragedy for this reviewer—even made the news. Thankfully, for those of us missing Natalie Paull’s sweet treats, she returns with Beatrix Bakes: Another Slice. Paull starts with tips on ingredients and a useful ‘tools and equipment’ spread, which quickly signals that while the recipes are not out of reach of the home cook, one will need certain items in their kitchen to get the most from this book. The recipes kick off with cookie jar and tray bakes, including a soon-to-be favourite, the macadamia and white chocolate chonky chip cookie (for all those NYC Levain Bakery cookie lovers). There’s a substantial section on dough, a delectable tarts, pies and strudel selection—with helpful step-by-step photos for some recipes—and plenty of cakes to keep you baking for months. Paull’s commentary throughout the recipes, which includes suggestions for when things don’t go to plan, adds a much-appreciated personal touch as she guides you through the book. The simple design and illustrations by Emily O’Neill, along with Kristen Jenkins’s styling and Rochelle Eagle’s photography, are enticing and complement the busyness of the detailed recipes. Beatrix Bakes: Another Slice is this year’s essential baking book for enthusiasts and a perfect gift for the baker in your life.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Jess Lomas is the Books+Publishing reviews editor. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

Books+Publishing pre-publication reviews are supported by the Copyright Agency Cultural Fund.

Category: Friday Unlocked reviews Reviews