Cake

Illustrator and author Kalman (And the Pursuit of Happiness) and Scott-Goodman (The Beach House Cookbook) charmingly write about the importance of cake in daily life. Kalman documents the role of cake in her family’s life, whether it’s cake to mend a heartbreak or what Kalman calls the talking cure cake, which is not a specific cake but rather whatever confection was present as she sat on her elderly aunt’s terrace discussing life’s large and small challenges. Recipes are simple and include tempting standards, such as a yellow layer cake with salt caramel glaze, lemon pound cake with lemon glaze, and chocolate layer cake with chocolate frosting. There are also some creative cakes, such as a pistachio and almond pound cake, a layered pavlova with fresh berries, and a honey cake. Home cooks can quickly flip through, pick a recipe, and, while the cake is baking, quietly revel in the colorful illustrations. The joyful illustrations and homey recipes beautifully celebrate the comfort of cake. (Apr.)