For those who like to read their cookbooks like novels, this is a classic. Master baker Fran Gage, a member of San Francisco's prestigious "Baker's Dozen" and former proprietor of Patisserie Francaise breaks down her favorite desserts to the four basic elements -- sugar, almonds, eggs and butter.

Fran calls these ingredients the "DNA of desserts." In spite of their Zen-like simplicity, they can combine in an infinite number of ways to create delectable desserts that live long in the memories of those lucky enough to be served some.

During the years she owned her acclaimed bakery in San Francisco, Fran Gage put these ingredients to the test every day. This experience created her encyclopedic knowledge of these basic baking elements. She shares that knowledge in this fun and fascinating book that is half cookbook, half homage to the fabulous 4. Each chapter includes Fran's lively tributes and histories, along with a Baker's half dozen of recipes that will cement your reputation as master of desserts.

This is a great cookbook for dessert aficionados and cooking enthusiasts as well as a welcome gift for those folks who really love to curl up at night with a good cookbook.