Japanese Patisserie by James Campbell {book review}

Exploring the beautiful and delicious fusion of East meets West

When one thinks of patisserie you think French or Belgian, but it isn't unknown in Korea and Japan. After taking a trip out there to experience the food and culture and the combination of the two James has been obsessed with Japan and experimenting with Japanese ingredients. James Campbell combined his passion for classic French patisserie and contemporary Japanese flavors and it shows in this book!

He takes us through the ingredients and equipment that we should consider if we are going attempt his recipes with the added bonus of a flavour wheel. The ingredients list isn't that long and is all stuff we can easily source these days in our supermarkets! The equipment list is even shorter and are more extra things to give the recipes the extra touch. Not only does he give us the basic recipes of choux and sweet shortcrust pastry and creme patisserie, but he also gives us some basic techniques before moving on to his sweet treats!

The first chapter gives us small cakes and individual patisserie for treats like - Matcha, Pink Peppercorn & Wild Strawberry Madeleines, Tonka Bean, Milk Chocolate & Raspberry desserts, Lemon & Yuzu Eclairs, and Glazed Buttermilk Scones with Kumquat & Kinkan Marmalade.

The next chapter covers Sweet Tarts and he introduces us to recipe such as - Matcha Creme Brûlée Tarts with Fresh Raspberries & White Chocolate Cream, Yuzu Meringue Pies with Sesame Tuiles, and Miso & Butterscotch Tarts.

Smoked Chocolate Pave with Yuzu Ganache, Miso & Peanut Butter Crunch and Matcha, White Chocolate & Cherry Trench with Hazelnut Sponge are just a few of the recipes in the following chapter of Large Cakes & Gateaux.

It couldn't get any better with the next chapter of Desserts filled with recipes like Layered Panna Cotta with Sake Jelly Fruit Compote & Cherry Blossom, Vanilla Panna Cotta with Boozy Cherry Jelly & Matcha Micro Sponge. 

Cookies & Confectionery is the title of the next chapter and it doesn't disappoint with recipes for Sweet Miso, Sato Nishiki Cherry & Yuzu Fruit Macarons, Matcha 'Kit Kat', and Hot Sake Jelly Shots with Ginger Spherification.

Last but not least is a chapter dedicated to Savouries! Gyoza Chicken Wings Karate-Style, Hirata Steamed Pork Buns, and Panko Doughnuts stuffed with Pork Katsu are just a few of the amazing recipes he has shared with us!

This is just a small look into this exciting culinary journey! As the sub title says it's a "beautiful and delicious fusion of East meets West" and it isn't wrong. There are the traditional classic treats we all know and love with inspiring Japanese flavours. If you are looking for something new and different I would tell you to grab yourself a copy of James' book!

*I was given a copy of Japanese Patisserie: Exploring the beautiful and delicious fusion of East meets West by James Campbell to review by the publisher, Ryland Peters & Small. Retails at £16.99 and available now from your local book retailers or online! All opinions are my own, I was not given any other compensation nor was I asked to give a positive review, please see my contact/policy page for more information.