My Books




Don’t you just love to curl up with a beautiful book about food? A recipe book? A travel book that highlights the culinary treats of a particular country? I always make sure to leave enough room in my suitcase for at least 3 good books from each country or region I visit when I travel.

On my books page, I share with you the recipe books that I am writing and the best books that I have bought or are currently on my wish list.

I am featuring my new series, BAKING MAGIC. Enjoy!

Cherry Desserts Magic  – Book 1

Cherry Desserts Magic

Cherries, dark and sweet or tangy and tart, add that something special to everyday favorites and special family celebrations. How to bring a baked cheesecake from ho-hum to fabulous? Try the Cherry Lime Cheesecake. Crème Brulée with Cherry Sauce will please the most discriminating palate at your next dinner party. Need a special lunchbox treat? Chocolate Cherry Muffins and Black Forest Cupcakes will delight.

Cookie Magic – Book 2

Book 2 - Baking Magic series

Cookie Magic

Baking cookies is an art. Whether soft and minty, crisp and crunchy, chewy and full of nuts and chocolate, or a delicate sandwich topped with a chocolate glaze, cookies are here to stay.
Cookie Magic is the second in the Baking Magic series. I have included old family favorites such as: Best Ginger Snaps, Novelty Hermits, Cherry Macaroons, Vanilla Crescents, and Linzer Cookies; as well as new treats: White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies, Angel Cookies, Peppernuts, Welsh Cakes, and Spritz Buttons with Marzipan, in this collection of cookie recipes from around the world. The recipes have been tested until approved by our tasters and fellow bakers. Each recipe has detailed step-by-step, easy to follow instructions for both the novice and the experienced baker.
Helene welcomes you to explore the magic of cookies!

Apple Magic – Book 3

Apples! Nature’s perfect fruit! Perfect for eating, baking, sauce and juice-making. The bounty from two very prolific trees were the reason I chose to explore the magical world of apples. Not only are apples the perfect snack to eat out of hand, but to home cooks and chefs the versatility of the apple is a creative bonus. New and old apple varieties and their uses in today’s kitchen are also explored.

What to do with all those apples that are harvested every year, many in our own backyards? I have chosen over 40 favorites and perfected each recipe. Coconut and Apple Coffeecake, Apfel Streuselkuchen aka German Apple Crumb Cake, Chewy Apple Cookies, Authentic Apple Strudel, Apple Tart Tatin, and Perfect Apple Pie are the result of sifting through countless family cookbooks and personal files.

Recipes including Pennsylvania Dutch Apple Bread, Apple Clafoutis, Slow Cooker Apple Butter and Easy Apple Dumplings tempt bakers to try both traditional and new Baking Magic recipes.

I invite you to explore the magic of apples!

Cake Magic, Book 4

Cakes! Light and airy, or rich and buttery; sweet and studded with fresh apricots or dense, deep, dark chocolate layers topped with a smooth and oh so creamy chocolate frosting for a surprise birthday party. These can all be baked in your kitchen.

In a hurry? Need a “from scratch” birthday cake that can be mixed in under 5 minutes? Check out Quick Mix Cakes. How about a Peach Melba Upside Down Pound Cake for dessert? It’s easy! Each recipe has detailed step-by-step, easy to follow directions for both the novice and the experienced baker. Suggestions for fillings, frostings or toppings are also included.

Over 30 recipes range from traditional to international favourites and include Angel Food Cake, Cranberry Swirl Cake, Banana Pecan Cake, Coconut Almond Cake, Chocolate Chip Chiffon Cake, French Chocolate Roll, German Sweet Chocolate Cake, Plum Cake, Yogurt and Zucchini Cake and Nut Torte with Coffee Buttercream Frosting.