A 4.5 star read.

Credibility/research: 9, the author is clear that she's constructed recipes around her own experience as a Chinese American, exploring both traditional Chinese bakery recipes and her own modern American twist on them. Her explanation of why things work, ingredient-wise and technique-wise, lends an authority to the recipes.

Authenticity/uniqueness: 9, I've read a lot of cookbooks, including a lot of baking books, but I can count on one finger the number of Chinese American baking cookbooks I've come across. It was particularly charming because I've eaten several of these things, but never even considered trying to make any myself. And now I feel empowered to do so!

Writing: 8, the author has an aspirational, excited tone throughout the book, which makes everything sound easily made. I would've liked to see some flexibility for ingredient substitution and shortcuts for technique (the likelihood that I'll have to stop mid-bake to lie down is high, so I'm always concerned about whether there are pause points I can take, or work-ahead shortcuts or anything to make it easier on myself).

Personal Impact: 7, aside from being a great resource should I ever feel well enough to try my hand (at mooncakes, in particular- a dish I've been trying to sample for years but never been able to acquire), I don't think there's a lasting impact takeaway for me. That's partly because I lack the food nostalgia and cultural connection the author discusses (which I'm sure make her recipes more impactful for others of similar experience). And partly because, if I'm honest, I'm rather intimidated by most of these recipes.

Intrigue: 9, I blitzed through the book in two days. The balance of sweet (but not too sweet!) and savory recipes had me craving dim sum, and frustrated at the lack of Chinese bakery anywhere near me. If I was in full health, I have no doubt I'd be trying to make some steamed buns, mooncakes, and palmiers.

Logic/informativeness: 9, the recipes were laid out thoughtfully and I appreciated the inclusion of why specific flours worked best for specific things (like the crystal shrimp dumplings). I'm always appreciative of an education along with my food titillation, and the photos were delightful as well.

Enjoyment: 8, if nothing else, I really do need to try making milk bread. It seems to be the corner stone of most Chinese baking. And I appreciated the small cultural context statements about northern China vs southern China palate differences, level of sweetness preference (as opposed to French or Southern baking, for contrast), and the inclusion of personal stories about other Chinese bakeries in San Francisco, Chicago, etc.

*I received a copy of this book for review from NetGalley. This in no way influenced my review.

Let me tell you that I love pastries. This book was really good. I've made many recipes and will be making them. With the detailed images and the proper directions this book can be you best friend in the kitchen!

This is a 'wow' cookbook. The recipes have all turned out great. Initially I wasnt that interested,as I am not a fan of asian sweets... BUT the savory selections are numerious.. and those I have absolutely loved. I definately recommend this book

I really enjoyed this cookbook because I learned so much. Now I feel like I have a new appreciation for (and can bake some of!) the treats I love choosing from the case at the Asian market down the street. Author Kristina Cho’s stories about each creation and her attention to detail are appealing and comforting as I begin to plan what to attempt baking first. I was pleasantly surprised by the inclusion of savory meals and drinks as well. The photography is beautiful and inspiring. All in all, this cookbook is a keeper and I’m excited to expand my baking repertoire this year with this guide in hand.

Oh, I just want to bake my way through all the recipes!
The book contains many beautiful pictures and carefully written out recipes. I couldn't try any of them myself yet but from what I see they seem to make sense and thought through. I also like how you can make the master dough and use it for a range of different recipes with actually quite different outcomes - so you just have to put in the work in once for a big batch and then freeze the part of the dough you won't use immediately, super convenient!
I'll update my review once I get to try some recipes ;).

This is the second Asian baking book that I’ve read, and I’m happy that I did! I love that the author writes about Chinese bakeries but also includes personal stories. The introduction very useful for people still new to Chinese cuisine and baking, as everything about ingredients, equipment and Chinese café culture is very well written and easy to understand without feeling lost. This book is definitely for people who enjoy making doughs, as most recipes require making some kind of dough or pastry. This may sound intimidating, but the instructions are very clear and there are many tips provided. There are both sweet and savory recipes in the books, so there is something for everyone, and I also really enjoyed the inclusion of sips (drinks) and the suggestion of creating “pink boxes”, which are boxes full of treats you make to gift to other people. In my opinion the only downside of this book is that you will need some special equipment that are used only for specific kinds of recipes that may be difficult to find or expensive for some people, but of course that depends on where you live (and there are some workarounds). All in all, I really enjoyed this book and I’m excited to try many of the recipes in it. I would definitely recommend it to any home bakers who want to try their hand at Chinese baking. Thanks to Harper Horizon and NetGalley for providing me with a copy.

A wonderful series of Chinese baking recipes. The guides on ingredients, equipment, and shopping at Asian grocery stores are appreciated since many readers might be less familiar with what’s required for these recipes. The instructions are detailed and clear, and photos abound. Highly recommended if you want to try your hand at Chinese baking.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Okay so I requested this book basically immediately after reading WINNIE ZENG UNLEASHES A LEGEND, so, there’s my readalike and recommendation. This is a very cozy baking book that emphasizes sharing Chinese American stories through a Chinese American lens; mixing illustrations with photography, each with just the right amount. It focuses a lot on making bready-type dishes, rather than just starting with sweet stuff, which is important and necessary. There’s a lot of illustration and instruction about technique, including best recommendations. I really enjoyed leafing through this book. Five stars. Full list of recipes available on my blog.

Delicious. Clear and easy to follow. I think every single recipe had a photo of what you were making, so I really appreciated that.

Mooncakes and Milk Bread: what a good title. I absolutely love looking at all the amazing photos. As someone who has a Chinese/Cantonese background (but was born in Australia). This cookbook gave me so much serotonin. It provided me with a different perspective on Chinese food history and culture in America. I really enjoyed Kristina’s anecdotes throughout the book.

This cookbook has a little bit of everything you’ll expect from Chinese Bakery: traditional, fusion, and new renditions of the classics. And some recipes I haven’t seen in a while or completely forgotten. And some I haven't seen before! I’m eager to attempt (some of) them, but I’ll be sticking to simpler recipes, e.g., Hong Kong style French toast.

I love going to the Asian market to get so many specialty items and now I am able to make so many of my favorites on my own. Like The Mother of All Milk Bread, it is so fluffy and sweet that I love eating it as a delious treat. Another dough that is in the book is the Fluffy Steam Bun Dough for boa buns. My husband just loves the Boa Buns and no longer do I have to go to the store and buy them. A new thing for me is the Moo Shu Wrappers. This is not something I have ever heard of and now it is favorite. So would recommend if you love Asian foods

Thank you Netgalley and publisher for this book.
Loved the book and stories behind the recipes. Photos were one of the best parts of the book.

I am excited to try the recipes in this book. I do find that the e-book is not user friendly tho. The index references recipes, but there is no table of contents to allow the reader to easily jump to chapters. It's a scrolling guessing game. Other than that I love the setup. The pictures are a nice, touch too!

Thank you Netgalley.
A BREAD for every occasion!! Even though I am vegetarian, this book was a good read.
The pictures were very helpful and recipes are easy to follow.
I cannot wait to make some of these recipes!!

The recipes in this book took me back to the days of strolling through Chinatown and dining at dim sum restaurants. Kristina details savory, sweet, and drink recipes throughout her delightful and colorful book. I appreciate the well-written instructions for the novice baker. There are colorful photographs that detail intricate steps.

I would use the recipes in this book to accompany our pre-k bread study along with introducing students to Asian cuisine during our multi-cultural study.

Thank you to Kristina Cho, the publisher, and NetGalley for this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

The recipes in this book were so easy to follow. I especially appreciated the guides on different ways to fold milk bread as that's something I really struggle with.

Additionally, I veganised some of the recipes with soy milk and had great success!

This cookbook is absolutely fantastic. It has so many recipes to choose from. The instructions are fabulous and the pictures make everything look delicious. I could hardly decide where to start. I definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for exceptional mooncakes and milk bread recipes.

Such a beautiful recipe book!! It is filled with so much heart. I love all the photos, the detailed step by step directions and all the informative information. This truly stands out from other recipe books I own!

Very nice cookbook! Nice to focus exclusively on the baked goods section. Good photos and recipes! Will recommend to others.

Reading this book made me hungry. The pictures are great, and I look forward to trying these recipes. The book was enjoyable and educational.

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.