Nominated four times for the James Beard Pastry Chef of the Year Award and named one of the country’s top 10 pastry chefs by both Chocolatier and Pastry Art and Design magazines, Ann Amernick is one of the nation’s most accomplished dessert makers. Now, in this deliciously inspiring cookbook, she shares nearly 100 recipes for distinctive desserts that are sophisticated yet homey, from Chocolate Raspberry Torte and Caramel Nut Cake to Double Coconut Custard Cups and an Apple Marmalade Sandwich. The innovative recipes are accompanied by expert advice on the hows and whys of pastry making, including basic techniques, information on ingredients, and helpful tips on everything from freezing leftovers to maintaining bakery tools.

Ann Amernick (Washington, DC) is co-owner and executive pastry chef at the Palena restaurant in Washington, D.C., which was named one of the nation’s best restaurants by Gourmet magazine in 2004. She served as assistant pastry chef at the White House, worked as pastry chef at Jean-Louis at the Watergate, and is the author of several previous cookbooks.