These are cakes that children request for their birthdays, the whoopee pies and tray bakes that are the first thing to go at cake sales, the shortcake that celebrates strawberry season, and the pies and cobblers that accompany the apple harvest. When a friend who is sick with the flu needs cheering, a dense, not too sweet ginger bread lifts the spirits. Rough week at work? Creamy, raisiny rice pudding soothes jangled nerves. And when a child is going through an I hate cake phase, surprise her with a frozen chocolate mint ice cream cake. With 40 cookie creations, 42 pretty pies, 36 fruity crisps and cobblers, and puddings, meringues, squares, slumps, bombs, and buckles galore, the possibilities for sweet satisfaction are endless. Bakers will also find just right recipes for the crusts, frostings, toppings, and accompaniments that add so much to dessert classics. Little known food anecdotes and historical tidbits drawn from three centuries of cookery books round out this addictive dessert collection. It's just the thing for every baker.