It is easy for a pastry chef to fall into a creative rut, so look to a pastry cookbook directory resource for assistance. Cookbooks are the key to creating diversity in your menu. Whether you are the pastry chef of a restaurant or food service institute, it is imperative to your business's success that you offer variety.

With the Internet, it's easier than ever to search for a pastry cookbook provider. Finding the right cookbook for your needs proves slightly more challenging. Cookbooks give you ideas for recipes, but they also help you develop your own unique recipes. In many ways, mastering classic recipes is the best foundation for a chef's training. When searching for pastry cookbook information , remember the following:

1. Pastry chefs of food service institutes should choose from a pastry cookbook list with accommodating yields. Some recipes may not convert well, so make sure the cookbook you choose works for your size establishment.

2. Don't be afraid of including old fashioned recipes in your menu selection. Many tried and true recipes are favorites when prepared well.

3. The cookbooks that you choose should reflect your skill level, your schedule, and your budget.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find an online pastry cookbook or website that offers pastry recipes

The best pastry recipes and cookbook recommendations come from those passionate about the subject. There are people who thrive on finding creative ways to bake cakes and are eager to share online.

I recommend: PastryScoop.com provides pastry news and events, as well as an online forum. Pastry Chef Online is a comprehensive resource that features recipes for professionals and beginners, as well as guide to technique.

Review recipes in each pastry cookbook and make sure the ingredients are easy to find

There's nothing better than a unique recipe with a unique taste. But if producing such a dish requires ingredients that are difficult to get, it may not be worth it. For this reason, you may want to steer away from cookbooks with recipes that require hard-to-find spices, or certain seasonal or regional produce and food items.

I recommend: The Advanced Professional Pastry Chef presents contemporary twists on original pastry recipes. This introduces some delightful combinations, such as mascarpone cheesecake with cassis panna cotta topping, and Meyer lemon tarts with lemon-verbena whipped cream. The Pie and Pastry Bible is a solid introduction to tried-and-true recipes and techniques.

Continue to update and enhance your pastry cookbook collection

You may assume that you have a pretty substantial cookbook collection, but recipes are continuously enhanced and updated. Stay abreast of the newest creations, but don't forget the classics.

I recommend: The Professional Pastry Chef: Fundamentals of Baking and Pastry takes you back to the foundation of pastry baking and covers tips and techniques in every area. Baking and Pastry: Mastering the Art and Craft is a textbook-style cookbook that discusses the baking process, in addition to presenting traditional pastry recipes. The Pie and Pastry Bible presents an eclectic mix of old and new in pastry baking.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Join an association or club for pastry lovers to help find pastry cookbook recommendations, recipes and other information.