nThe sumptuous debut cookbook from celebrated baker, activist, and pastry it girl Natasha Pickowicz n Natasha Pickowicz is a creative force in the world of baking. Her pastries are uniquely delicious and surprising. Shes picked up three James Beard Award nominations for her time as a professional pastry chef. Her buzzy bake sales for Planned Parenthood and other nonprofits have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars. Now she shares her recipes and baking know-how in a debut cookbook brimming with the energy, passion, joy, knowledge, and spirit of generosity that define her work. n n The recipes are fresh and uncomplicated, drawing on the authors Chinese and Californian heritage. She pairs nectarine and miso in a tarte tatin and makes a layer cake with olive oil, mascarpone, and fennel. Black cardamom gets tucked into pecan sticky buns, and galettes go savory with kabocha squash. n n And shes a born teacher. Of course pastry requires a real focus on detail and technique, but the author is here at every step with invaluable tips: underbeat meringue; boil your plum stones to extract even more plum flavor; look for first-press yuzu juice; for the flakiest pie dough, first freeze your butter, then use a grater to get perfect shreds. n nMore Than Cake means baking to bring people together. It calls on you to prioritize pleasure. As the author writes, Dessert is beyond simple calories and nutrition. . . . It spreads delight in a way that no other kind of dish can. This is something I think people really need--its not optional. Its a philosophy to live by. nn