Everybody needs a break from counting the calories and here are deliciously wicked recipes designed to bring indulgent contentment to the recipient. Sweet food has an instant appeal that is at once uplifting and deeply satisfying. The home-baked variety has added appeal as we take pleasure in planning the treat, shopping and then mixing the ingredients.

We delight in the sweet fragrance of baking that fills the kitchen, and patiently anticipate the results with high expectations. This wonderful book on comforting sweets and desserts contains more than 70 tried-and-tested recipes, including time-honoured and old-fashioned favourites, which are guaranteed to satisfy the sweetest tooth, give us comfort and recall feelings of nurtured well-being. Included here is everything from tarts, ice creams, trifles, roulades, tortes and crumbles to custards, pies, pastries, cookies, cakes, puddings, mousses, drinks, and sweet breads, all oozing with flavour and guaranteed to satisfy and comfort heart and soul.

Comfort food can be eaten at any time of day or night and the recipes included here range from the very simple instant pick-me-ups to more time-indulgent goodies which you can anticipate and plan for all day. Over 275 step-by-step photographs and finished food shots clearly illustrate the recipes, ensuring you know what you are aiming to achieve and guaranteeing perfect results every time.

Here are recipes for every occasion; they will feed a family on a budget, create a dinner party sensation, make a simple treat for mid-afternoon or an indulgent midnight snack. There are tempting ices like Chilled Chocolate Mousse and Iced Raspberry and Almond Trifle, as well as hartwarming classics such as Spiced Apple Crumble and Baked Bananas with Ice Cream. Whether you enjoy cakes or cookies, pastries or profiteroles, every type of dessert is included and cannot fail to please.

With familiar recipes to tempt the appetite and a stunning photograph of every finished dish, Comforting Desserts is a pleasure to look at and read.