Libbie Summers sounds like my kinda gal. Her advice at the beginning of the book is be fearless, be inspired, be creative, and most importantly, have fun. The subtitle of this recipe book is Baking With Attitude and I have to say I like anyone that does anything with attitude. It is an approach I don’t see often in recipe books.

As much as I like traditional baking, I am always excited at the prospect of something new and exciting. The blurb promises that Sweet Vicious is all about exploring new taste sensations. The cover alone is nothing like anything I have seen before; a stilettoed housewife brandishing a sharp knife. Add in the hot pink page edges, and you just know this book is going to be fun.

The recipes within are a mixture of sweet and savoury, often both in the same dish. While this isn’t altogether unusual in itself, Summers takes things to another level by not only unusual taste combinations, but also unusual methods. Grilled Cornbread Cake anyone?

After an introduction from the author, the recipes are split into 7 chapters, such as Cakes, Cookies, and Pies. Unlike any other recipe book I have ever read, there is even a chapter on canine goodies. Yes, that’s right. Baked treats for your pooch or a pressie for the dog-lover in your life. I am thinking of trying some of them on my cats. The last recipe chapter is Secret Weapons. A great resource with instructions how to make your own extracts and flavourings. Navigation through the wealth of recipes are aided by a handy a-z index at the back

I am not a fan of the often twee preamble proceeding recipes. In this book, most recipes are accompanied by a small prelude that is not only humorous, but at times laugh out loud funny. They are heart-warming, and a genuine insight into this remarkable woman.

The photos are lovely and vibrant, bright colours leaping off the page to tantalise your senses. I would have liked to have seen a few more as there are a handful of recipes that feature no pictures at all. Most recipes however include, along with the finished product image, several helpful in-progress shots.

As the author is American, it will come as no surprise that all the recipes are in Cup measurements rather than in weight. It’s not my preferred method but as long as you have a set of US cup measurements, you should be fine. There is a page of conversions between imperial/metric volume or weight that will help in some recipes. There are also a few ingredients mentioned that, if you are not in the US, you may have difficulty obtaining, but I think on the most part you could find alternatives.

On the whole, majority of the recipes are doable for bakers of all skill levels. Straight forward and clear instructions will walk you through each step. My favourite recipes are Upside Down Skillet Corn Cake, Bridge and Tunnel Cheesecake, Pull-Apart Boy Bread, and Side-Slap and Tickle Cookies. If you like baking recipes with a twist, then this is the recipe book for you.

Sweet and Vicious: Baking With Attitude is available now from Rizzoli International.