When I first read the beginning of the synopsis The School of Essential Ingredients on Amazon:

Lillian’s father deserts his wife and young daughter literally, and then her mother deserts her figuratively — disappearing deeply into the solace of books as a coping mechanism

I read it as “Lillian’s father desserts his wife…and then her mother desserts her figuratively,” I guess because the context of cooking set up the wrong frame for me. It sounded like such a cheerful book, my way, this family making pies and sundaes for each other.

I’m not sure if it’s cheeful, but it is apparently sensual and lush, as well as tender and hopeful. Author Erica Baumeister will be at Wide World Books and Maps tonight (Tuesday, Feb 3rd) at 7 pm perhaps reading from her book, perhaps talking about her book, perhaps signing her book, but definitely “celebrating the pleasurable places food can take us.”