Welcome!

I am thrilled to announce that my book The Art & Soul of Baking won the IACP award for book of the year in the baking category!  What an honor! The book was also one of the top three baking books chosen as finalists for a James Beard award. It's been an exciting year, and the acclaim and awards the book has garnered have been quite heartening. I've heard from people all over the country - from first-time bakers to professionals - who tell me this book has changed their baking lives. Many thanks to all of you, for your enthusiasm and kind words have truly touched me. In fact, notes from young people inspired me to write a baking book especially for them.

I have a new book coming out in Fall 2009, titled Baking Kids Love. My 11 year-old daughter and I worked on it together, so it holds a special place in my heart. The techniques are simple enough for children, but the fun recipes and bold flavors will appeal to the kid in everyone. The cover is so playful, it makes me want to head straight to the kitchen and bake up a party.

I'm craving deep, dark chocolate right now, and a chocolate soufflé is just what the doctor ordered. It's quick, impressive, and surprisingly easy to make - you can even prepare it a day ahead! If you'd like a step-by-step video tutorial on chocolate soufflé, head on over to Gourmet.com (free registration) and watch me in their test kitchen making soufflé magic. They chose my book from among thousands for their Cookbook Club feature in the October 2008 issue of Gourmet Magazine - now that was sweet!

For more dessert tips and recipes, check out the baking blog I wrote for Sur La Table last fall, celebrating the release of my book. And if you want some tricks-of-the-trade for making flaky pie dough and/or you're a die-hard pumpkin pie fan, take a look at video on making pie crust and pumpkin pie.

This website will be expanded shortly, with recipes, answers to your most frequently asked questions, and links to help fuel your passion for baking. Thanks for visiting!