When we interview young pastry chefs across the country, we always ask them who inspired them and whose desserts continue to inspire them. From coast to coast, we hear Sherry Yard’s name from traditional and experimental chefs alike. In her latest book, you see why: Yard’s desserts are consistently heartwarming, simple and pretty. The book is divided chronologically so that as you read it, you’re reliving, with Yard, her career as a pastry chef – beginning in Brooklyn where she was inspired by her family and moving through New York, London, San Francisco, and beyond. As Yard picks up inspiration (and technique) through her travels, her beautifully composed desserts evolve: in Hollywood she shares her various Oscar desserts, immaculate chocolate boxes with a golden statue perched on top. But it’s not all for show – the book is also filled with personal recipes for dog treats, raspberry soufflés, and straightforward black and white cookies.