Texas Tortes

<p>With layer upon layer of rich dense cake and delicate buttercream subtly flavored with fruit chocolate or nuts classic European tortes crown the pinnacle of Old World baking. Make them with the freshest produce of the fields and orchards of Texas-oranges peaches pecans raspberries blueberries plums apricots figs strawberries and kiwis-and you will discover the New World's ultimate desserts.</p> <p>In this cookbook Master Baker Arthur L. Meyer presents forty-three original kitchen-tested recipes for fruit nut and chocolate tortes cassate tarts and pies cheesecakes and other classic European desserts. The recipes take advantage of fresh Texas ingredients and each recipe contains clear easy-to-follow instructions that demystify the processes involved in creating these desserts.</p> <p>In addition to the recipes Meyer guides the home baker through the basic steps in producing tart and cheesecake crusts fillings and icings and other standard components of special desserts. Throughout the book he gives tips on proper techniques and equipment drawn from many years of experience.</p>