Biographical note:

Kamran Siddiqi is a food writer, recipe developer, and food photographer. He blogs at the Sophisticated Gourmet and is a full-time student in New Jersey.

Main description:

Kamran Siddiqi, the talented young blogger behind the Sophisticated Gourmet, delivers simple yet sophisticated recipes in his first book—a collection of more than 75 of his favorite homemade baked sweets. Designed to entice young bakers with his infectious passion for baking (and sugar in all its glorious forms), the pages are filled with classic favorites like Cream Scones and Chocolate Cake, as well as lesser-known indulgences such as Arabian Nights Baklava and Pistachio Polvorones. With his trademark clear-cut instructions and glorious photographs of each and every treat, Hand Made is perfect for aspiring home cooks with an eye for the elevated taste and beauty of all things hand made.

Review quote:

"This sweet debut from Kamran Siddiqi covers everything from morning pastries through after-dinner desserts, rustic, and encompassing the flavors I crave. With beautiful photographs, Kamran has captured the essence of home baking, detailing every luscious, buttery crust and crumb. You'll be tempted to lick each and every page."-- David Lebovitz, author of My Paris Kitchen