Last-Minute Gift Idea

I’ve been a fan of Dorie Greespan’s since I discovered her classic, Baking: From My Home to Yours, back in 2006. Her recipes are simple, straightforward and most importantly, delicious (her oatmeal nutmeg scones are my go-to for weekend brunch, and her Perfect Party Cake is just that); and her writing is lovely and entertaining. You just want to make her recipes.Her latest, Baking Chez Moi, is technically not that differently titled than the one I’ve got, though this one, as you might expect, highlights recipes from her Paris home. Like her other books, it’s as much a great read as it is an instruction book, and features great seasonal recipes like Alsatian Christmas cake and a Carrot-Tangerine cake I’d love to tackle over the holidays. Or better yet, have someone make for me after I pass along this book as their Christmas present.Baking Chez Moi: Recipes from My Paris Home to Your Home Anywhere, by Dorie Greespan, $50, available at Chapters/Indigo across the West.