This recipe book on on Jewish bread is great. At times there are some in depth explanations of for some recipes, but these are before the recipes and the recipes themselves are very easy to follow. What makes this book great is that the history of the recipes is included and and there are unique stories about the recipe contributors. If you are a novice, the books begins with bread baking basics that apply to all the recipes. Each recipe is detailed in the time it takes to make the recipe, and the equipment needed, and the level of difficulty. I have made both easy recipes and more difficult and they have both turned out great. The whole family seems to gather in the kitchen when the bread is baking. I made two of the recipes for a gathering for Purim of over 40 people and the Challah was a hit. People commented that it looked so perfect it couldn't have been home-made. What makes this book beautiful is that it really brings home the blessing of bread and how God has always provided for our needs. I love the history involved with this book.

A wonderfully written book with clear directions. I just love the stories and traditions

I have been making challah for years but this book was informative and very helpful. When I received a new kitchen aid for Christmas my DH also gave me this book. I had already accessed recipes from this on[...] but I wanted the whole collection. Recipes rated for difficulty ranging from beginner to expert and challahs are listed by less sweet to sweetest. There are also recipes for yeast cakes, rye and sourdough and some recipes specially for yom tovim.

There were many tricks and techniques included. I learned simple ways to improve my challah, including how to prevent burning and how to braid better. This is a great book for both beginners and pro's.

I made a babka for New Year's Eve that was a hit with everyone too!

This is an excellent book in every way (see other reviews). Do yourself and your family a favor and make this easy, delicious, beautiful challah. If you follow the simple tips for "retarding" the process, you don't need to make a big day of it; you can fit baking into the busiest schedule without exhausting yourself, and it will transform your Shabbat table, or family dinner. Just try it!

I bought this book primarily for Glezer's information on soudough. If you are interested in starting your own culture, this book (combined with a precise digital scale) will get you the results you want. The instructions on starting and maintaining a culture are somewhat more detailed than in Artisan Baking Across America. The recipes are well written and, as with Artisan Baking, very reliable. Overall, a great book!