Delve into the sinfully delicious world of sweets and treats from Nashville's signature dining spot."Southern hospitality begins and ends with dessert" in Huntsman's (Sky High: Irresistible Triple-Layer Cakes, 2007) sophomore foray into the world of cookbook writing. From her Arkansas Sweetly Spiced Apple Crumb Pie straight to the Brownie Bread Pudding, the author's table of contents alone is pure sweetness for sugar aficionadosand the book does not disappoint in its execution. Readers are carried back to a simpler time of back-porch community picnics and "throngs of family and friends for untold summer socials" where the "queens of cobblers" reigned. Like learning to bake with your great grandmother, Huntsman guides readers step-by-step through some of the most treasured dessert recipes of the South. The book is clean and unfussy, and the author's recipes can provide absolutely lip-smacking results for those brave enough to tackle such intimidating feats as latticed pie crusts and melting chocolate. Alternately, those looking to dispose of last night's leftovers should hold off until they've got their hands on the recipe for Huntsman's Chocolate Mashed Potato Cake. The author also includes helpful baking tips, such as what to do when you've run out of self-rising flour, "a Southern staple," and how to get "truly professional results" when cutting bars and brownies.Not only are the recipes mouthwatering, they usher in the warm sentimental goodness that can only result from home-baked joy.]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

The Loveless Cafe and its iconic neon sign have drawn hungry Southern travelers and Nashville natives to fill up on fried chicken and near-perfect biscuits since 1951. Prior to hiring pastry chef Hunstman (coauthor, Sky High: Irresistible Triple-Layer Cakes) in 2004, however, it wasn't particularly well known for desserts. Even non-Southerners will recognize treats like Coconut Pie and Red Velvet Cake and will quickly come to understand the appeal of, e.g., Harpeth Valley Hummingbird Cake, Chess Pie, and Bananas Foster Shortcake. The book is organized into chapters roughly by type of dessert, and each section includes callouts with special tips on such things as making a lattice pie crust. The recipes are straightforward, though many include pointers to other recipes in the book, making them look easier than they are. VERDICT This is a great introduction to classic Southern desserts, though some readers may be put off by Hunstman's shortcuts and modern updates.-Laura Krier, California Digital Lib., Oakland (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.