Aleksandra Crapanzano (Eat. Cook. L.A.) reveals the secret to delicious, adaptable cakes in Gâteau: The Surprising Simplicity of French Cakes. Elaborate, time-intensive confections may be the hallmark of French baking, but French home cooks rely on simple recipes and trusted techniques, adding variations to suit the season and pantry. Crapanzano fills Gâteau with more than 100 recipes, accompanied by Cassandre Montoriol's soft, almost whimsical illustrations and short narratives that invite readers into the author's life. Classics such as Bûche de Noël au Chocolat (Chocolate Yule Log) tempt those with a sweet tooth, but these gâteaux encourage broader thinking with nuts, fruits and even savory options such as Madeleines aux Noix, Poire et Roquefort (Walnut, Pear and Roquefort Madeleines). Gâteau is perfect for bakers looking to elegantly sweeten their days without special tools or fussy ingredients. --Suzanne Krohn, librarian and freelance reviewer