Growing up, I learned the art of baking from my grandmothers, who both imparted the importance of food and family. One worked at the iconic Bullock’s Wilshire department store and took me to their tea room for afternoon tea and the annual breakfast with the Easter Bunny. The other was a librarian who made the most beautiful wedding and birthday cakes I could imagine as a child. Two very different women who each taught me the skills I continue to use and hone each day.

To my G’ma Betty: I remember all the special birthday cakes you made me when I was younger. I still think the unicorn was my favorite. I hope you realize how much you’ve inspired me and that I hope to make you proud.

To my G’ma Pat: Even though she’s no longer with us, I hope to live up to the cooking legacy she left behind. If one day someone says my apple pie is as good as hers, I think I’ll have made it.

To my husband @: For giving me the not so gentle nudge to finally do this and for always being my official taste tester, even when sometimes the tulips look more like duck feet.

Guilty Temptations is the culmination of twenty-five years of testing, tasting, tweaking, and many trials and errors, sadly to say, not all of which were edible. We hope you enjoy the results as much as we enjoy making you smile.