Publisher's Weekly Review

In her first cookbook, bethcakes blogger Branch takes on classic Southern confections, offering both traditional recipes and updated twists. More than 85 recipes in chapters of "Customary Cakes," "Cheesecakes," "Pies and Tarts," "No-Bake Goodies," and "Other Southern Favorites" feature tried-and-true Southern ingredients (that is, generous amounts of butter and shortening, sour cream, caramel, pecans, and sweet potatoes) and plenty of whiskey-based glazes, soaks, and creams to slather over the baked goods. There's a caramel layered coconut cake, a mint julep-inspired cupcake with boozy bourbon frosting, and skillet cornbread cake with maple-bourbon frosting. Red velvet cake appears as moon pies (the "south's favorite sandwich cookie") and as a caramel-cream cheese-frosted layer cake. Imaginative twists include peanut butter chess pie and a bourbon sweet potato pie with streusel topping. There are plenty of pudding and no-churn ice creams as well. Branch dedicates her cookbook to her grandmother, and her beautiful confections include the family stories that inspired them. Suited equally for beginning and experienced bakers, Branch's cookbook will be a boon for sweets lovers. (Aug.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.