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GIVEAWAY & REVIEW: Cake Boss by Buddy Valastro

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Description

In this heartfelt memoir, master baker and star of the #1 hit TLC show, Buddy Valastro tells his inspiring story—and recounts his family’s warm memories from a lifetime of living, loving, and cake making.

Television viewers have fallen in love with Buddy Valastro, master cake maker, and his funny and fiery family, proprietors of Carlo’s Bakery in Hoboken, New Jersey, on the smash hit TLC series Cake Boss. Now, to coincide with Carlo’s 100th anniversary, cake designer extraordinaire Buddy Valastro brings together his passion for baking and his high-energy family stories in the pages of this charming, heartwarming book—complete with 25 recipes and tips that will make every reader the “cake boss” of their own kitchen.

            Buddy’s beautifully designed cakes are the stuff of legend—and so is the remarkable story of his father, a beloved pillar of the community and himself a talented baker who set the stage for his family’s rise to the pinnacle of their industry. Cake Boss recounts the story of Buddy’s life and of his family’s bakeshop, originally established in 1910 and now a Hoboken, New Jersey, landmark and culinary tourist destination. Here also are twenty-five recipes for Carlo’s Bakery’s most sought-after pastries, pies, cupcakes, and cakes, an irresistible combination of time-tested old-world recipes and modern creations, all founded on a rock-solid “old-school” baking foundation and classic techniques.

            This is the incredible true story of how Carlo’s Bakery came to be, how one hard-working family realized their patriarch’s dream of making their beloved bake shop a household name. The special bond and loving dynamic of the Valastro clan make this an uncommonly touching and truly inspiring memoir.

About the Author

Buddy Valastro is the star of the hit TLC show Cake Boss and owner/master baker of Carlo’s Bake Shop in Hoboken, New Jersey, and author of the bestseller, CAKE BOSS: Stories and Recipes from Mia Famiglia. His award-winning designs have been featured numerous times in various bridal and baking magazines. His cakes have also been featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show, Today, Good Morning America, and The View.

Details

  • Hardcover: 272 pages
  • Publisher: Free Press (November 2, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1439183511
  • ISBN-13: 978-1439183519

SOURCE: PUBLISHER

MY THOUGHTS
LOVED IT

I adore the Cake Boss show on television, so this book is a natural extension.  This is more than another cook book, it is recipes intertwined with his family history and life. This memoir is the cake and the recipes are the frosting.  I loved the detail about his life and learning more about his mother.  She is the spark of that show and I love how she rides Buddy.  I was a little disappointed that she didn’t force Buddy to finish high school, but some kids aren’t cut out for school.  Buy the book for the recipes and enjoy the story!

    WANT TO WIN A COPY OF THIS BOOK?

    Contest is open to anyone with a US mailing address (no PO Boxes)

    Contest ends on 11.30.10 Winner will be chosen by Random.org on 12.1.10
    Winner will have 48 hours to respond to email or a new winner will be chosen.
    This giveaway is sponsored by Free Press / Simon and Schuster and one book will be available.
    Only one winner per household address!

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      Comments

      4. Buddy’s website was interesting. I think it’s great to be a fourth generation anything these days and he sure showed his commitment to the shop by starting with pots and pans at age 11.
        JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

      13. I LOVE Cakeboss and Buddy!!! I find it awesome that Buddy is only 3 years older than me and that he started his career at age 11.

        Thanks for the giveaway!
        Mollydedwards AT yahoo DOT com

      19. I used to be a pastry chef and my kids and I adore his show. I clicked on the link you had and it took me to Avi Steinberg’s page? I did enter Buddy’s site in search and found he started helping out when he was 11 in the bakery. Great giveaway!

      32. I had no idea that he was only 17 yearsold when his father died and he took over the bakery.

        CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

      41. misskallie2000

        An email has been sent to the lucky person named above (first part of their email address in case my note ends up in spam). The winner(s) has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.
        Thanks to all who entered.