Beat It and Bite It!: Daring and Divine Chocolaty Desserts

Gr 4–6—Ten to 12 recipes per volume, most of which represent truly innovative takes on classic desserts. Readers will learn how to make staples like bread pudding, mochi, shortbread, crepes, paletas, and more, all with alluring flavors and textures. Once young chefs have tried pound cake with Sriracha frosting, pear cheesecake, or chicken skin candy, they may also find themselves examining other ingredients in their cabinets for their hidden dessert potential. Vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free recipes are included. There are a few real missteps throughout the set—a skipped recipe step or two and/or text that doesn't match the accompanying photo—that may trip up inexperienced bakers, but it might be worth overlooking these errors to give students access to such appealing recipes as "Flamin Hot Cheetos Ice Cream Sandwiches," "Fruity Custard Dim Sum," or "Tres Leches Cake."