Continued: Flour

Chang's friendly approach prevails on every page. In her headnote to the Blueberry-Lemon Pie recipe, she gives bakers permission to cut into the warm pie, even if it runs all over the place. So we gave that recipe a test drive, sliced into it while it was still warm, and she's absolutely spot on.

The net effect of the airy tone, precise instruction, clean layout, and appealing photos is a great reduction in standard baking anxiety—even when you come to fancier fare like Pedro Ximinez Sherry Parfait with Tea-Soaked Autumn Fruits. Chang also gives a few nods to healthy recipes, with low-fat vegan cake and Heart-Healthy Dried Fruit Scones.

GIVE THIS BOOK TO: The homey baker, not the perfectionists. —Tiffany Vickers Davis