On Mon, 6 Jun 2011 19:51:28 +0000 (UTC), /dev/phaeton
> wrote:

>Hey everyone,
>
>I've asked this group for cookbook recommendations in the past, and I've
>always gotten great suggestions. Every book I've purchased that was
>recommended here was awesome and exactly what I was looking for. So
>thanks!
>
>Now, I'm going to ask for another. My girlfriend (bless'erheart) has
>been getting into baking recently and really enjoys it. Regular breads,
>specialty breads, pastries, cookies, pies, etc. She has expressed a
>desire for a sort of 'definitive guide' to baking. One that isn't just a
>collection of recipes, but goes into the history, science and principle
>of ingredients, techniques and methods. Kind of like how Irma Rombauer
>gets into the details in Joy of Cooking, but scoped to baking. It would
>be great if the book also had a gluten-free section (she has some
>roommates with gluten allergies) but this isn't a requirement. That can
>be another book for another day.
>
>What say r.f.c for a book or selection of books that cover baking to this
>degree?
>
>Thanks,
>
>-J
The King Arthur Flour Baker's Companion
Good book, covers every thing you requested and if you like the style,
there are a couple of companion books. I don't remember if there is
gluten free.
Janet US