Simply Sweet Nostalgic Bakes: 55 Elegant Takes on Comfort Classics

This book is such a lovely treat to look through, with an old-fashioned, Victorian aesthetic. Each bake is beautifully photographed reminiscent of an English Tea Party. The recipes are upscale versions of classics, such as Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Baklava or Blackberry and Fig Bread and Butter Pudding. Really they seem quite elaborate and decadent, so much so that you may at first feel intimidated to attempt these. Happily, once you get going you will find the recipes are straightforward and easy to follow; many helpfully include instructional photos as well. My young tween daughter, always up for (giving me) a challenge, decided we needed to make the Take Me Back Wagon Wheel Slice. This is a dessert I am not familiar with and consists of layers of shortbread, jam, marshmallow, and chocolate. All those layers seemed a bit overwhelming at first but the recipe actually came together in about an hour, mostly accomplished by my daughter. It was quite delicious; I can understand why this is a classic in the author’s memory! There are cakes, cookies, even ice creams, and recipes range from simple to elaborate, so you are sure to find something just right for every taste and occasion.