Nothing says thank you more simply--or more generously--than the gift of something freshly baked from the oven. With Sweet Gratitude, Judith Sutton inspires readers to head to the kitchen instead of the mall anytime they are moved to acknowledge the important people in their lives or to express feelings of gratitude and caring.

So whether it's the postman who gets a fistful of Brown Sugar Shortbreads (easily made in minutes) as thanks for delivering bundles of vacation mail or the plumber who gets a Two-Ginger Gingerbread for making a New Year's Eve house call, there's something here for anyone and any occasion. Take the billowy white Coconut Layer Cake to a favorite godchild's wessing shower or bring over a batch of decorated cupcakes to a busy mom when it's her turn to provide the classroom treats. At exam time, a box of caramel-toppped cookies or fudgy brownies can encourage a late-night student, while Really Chocolate Chocolate Pudding is just the thing when only comfort food will do.

Featured alongside scores of cookies, brownies, and bars, cakes, creamy tarts, mousses, and a candy or two are notes about ingredients and techniques, tips for keeping, storing, and even packing and shipping treats; as well as creative suggestions for variations, garnishing and saving, and freezing and making ahead. Fifty colorful and whimsical watercolors make the book itself a beautiful and practical gift--even to oneself.