DESSERTS FROM THE FAMOUS LOVELESS CAFE

Delve into the sinfully delicious world of sweets and treats from Nashville’s signature dining spot.

“Southern hospitality begins and ends with dessert” in Huntsman’s (Sky High: Irresistible Triple-Layer Cakes, 2007) sophomore foray into the world of cookbook writing. From her Arkansas Sweetly Spiced Apple Crumb Pie straight to the Brownie Bread Pudding, the author’s table of contents alone is pure sweetness for sugar aficionados—and the book does not disappoint in its execution. Readers are carried back to a simpler time of back-porch community picnics and “throngs of family and friends for untold summer socials” where the “queens of cobblers” reigned. Like learning to bake with your great grandmother, Huntsman guides readers step-by-step through some of the most treasured dessert recipes of the South. The book is clean and unfussy, and the author's recipes can provide absolutely lip-smacking results for those brave enough to tackle such intimidating feats as latticed pie crusts and melting chocolate. Alternately, those looking to dispose of last night's leftovers should hold off until they've got their hands on the recipe for Huntsman's Chocolate Mashed Potato Cake. The author also includes helpful baking tips, such as what to do when you’ve run out of self-rising flour, “a Southern staple,” and how to get “truly professional results” when cutting bars and brownies. Not only are the recipes mouthwatering, they usher in the warm sentimental goodness that can only result from home-baked joy.