Lickerland: Asian-Accented Desserts by Jason Licker
Reviews (52)
Gorgeous and original -- fantastic inspiration
I have a huge cookbook collection, but when I heard about this James Beard nominee, I had to check it out. I'm so glad I did. I totally understand why the book has a plethora of rave forwards and blurbs by major names in the industry (e.g., Johnny Iuzzini and Dorie Greenspan). This book is amazing. It is a combination of food porn (those photos make me drool), inspiring (Chef Licker's quotes and introductions about the origination of his recipes are fascinating); enticing (the creations use Asian flavors and colors in appetizing combinations that make me want to get started), and practical instruction (the recipes are divided by components with step-by-step instructions). The creations are original and spectacular -- worthy of the best Michelin 3-star restaurants -- but the recipes seem approachable even for the dedicated amateur. (I admit that I haven't had a chance to make any yet, but they don't call for equipment that is too unusual.) The book starts by illustrating Chef Licker's background and inspiration through a mix of humor and emotion and photos. Chef Licker's background -- his relationship with her mother and his career -- was touching and fascinating. Chef Licker also provide key insights into being a pastry chef, as well as explaining key ingredients for novices to Asian cooking. Each recipe has beautiful, glossy photos, including many cross-sections so you can see inside the mystery (so you know how to put the creation together and what it should look like!). The book is also beautifully put together. From the striking black and gold end papers to the original overlays that show the different flavor elements each group of recipes highlight (a combination of Sweet, Salty, Sour, and Bitter), to the spectacular photos, and elegant fonts. Admittedly the binding is unusual for this level of cookbook -- I don't know the technical term for it. it is flexible; it does not have a hard cover, but the cover is protective. The pages seem firmly sewn into the binding so that the book can open all the way and lie flat. I can't stop reading through this book. It will be challenging to select only one recipe to try first. And even harder not to book a plane ticket to fly to try Chef Licker's creations in person.
Modern Edible Asian Influenced Masterpieces
I saw via instagram that there were only a couple copies (literally) of this book left on amazon so I instantly moved it from my wish list to buying it and that was a great move. It stands out among my hundreds of cookbooks - it's that kind of book. This one is phenomenal. I sincerely appreciated Jason Licker's introduction into what influenced him and how he created so many unique and incredible recipes. It's personal and inspirational. There are so many aspects of his outlook on life that I completely agree with. Traveling and experiencing the world - especially through the great uniter of food - is truly living life to the fullest. Being willing to make mistakes and learning from them is the essence of greatness and he definitely encourages people to take those steps. While I unfortunately don't have time to dedicate my entire life to pastry, I am very excited to take his guide and push my boundaries while also sourcing some specialty flavors. Thanks for making this gorgeous book and working so hard to perfect your artistry, Jason. Your skill and love is magical and leap from the pages. Good luck securing your own copy!
Great Book, new ideas
This book has some great ideas, and some great photography. I might not make everything, but I will incorporate some of it in my own creations. I have already tried a few things for a group dinner and they were great. Contains advanced techniques and ingredients, glucose, invert sugar, chocolate sprayer, etc... expect chef level results if you put the effort in. Everything I needed so far is available on amazon.
Absolute perfection
This is hands down the most beautiful pastry book I own. It's put together well. The photographs are gorgeous. It's elegant, but simple, unique and intriguing! I can not reccomend the book enough. I've already made one full dessert from the book, and it's the most balanced dessert I've ever eaten.
much like riding in a plane
From the moment the book arrives at your doorstep, the journey into the pastry world of Jason Licker goes from 0 to Mach 5 with a turn of the first page. Boom! But don't let that fool you into thinking this book has a lot of complicated techniques and recipes. The entire journey through the book is a relative experience, much like riding in a plane, minus the turbulence. With every recipe is a story, and with every story, one can picture how Jason's experiences and travels eventually materialized into said recipe. The physical manifestations of these recipes are depicted in beautiful photographs by photographer Jason Lang and leave no crucial detail out. The recipes themselves are easy to follow (get a gram scale!) and don't leave you trying to guess what goes on in between steps.
The heartfelt forewords and prologue are the perfect introduction to the bold flavors
Lickerland is a must have! The heartfelt forewords and prologue are the perfect introduction to the bold flavors, delicate nuances and passion that exudes from each recipe and beautiful image. The journey that Chef Jason shares is exciting and vibrant. I can't wait for my book to be dusted in matcha powder, stained with yuzu and covered in chocolate laden fingerprints. I'm definitely starting with the Cherry-Yuzu Chiffon Cake. If you have a love for pastry, this needs to be the next addition to your kitchen!
A great addition to my collection
I love this book and this chef. His flavors are out of the box and creative, which helps me think out of the box also. Great investment, definitely worth adding to your collection
Beautiful yet complicated
The desserts are innovative and beautiful, but they are complicated and require special ingredients and tools. This book is not for the everyday/home cook. Valrhona, for example, is used frequently throughout the book and is quite expensive. I look forward to buying this book again when I have the time and money.
brilliant photography. Absolutely worth the purchase and read
Outstanding pastry work, brilliant photography. Absolutely worth the purchase and read.
Stunning and creative recipes, stunning photography
Absolutely love the book. The writing is heartfelt and honest, the recipes and photography are magnificent. Jason is a brilliant chef and I can’t wait to see his next book!
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