ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

If cookbooks were movies, the closing credits would rival those of Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings. So many hands helped at every stage—from conception to the final book. I owe each of you more gratitude than there are grains of sugar in my pantry. Let’s have a big, butter-smeared round of applause for the following people who worked behind the scenes:

My mother, father, sisters, brothers-in-law, niece, and numerous friends who tasted recipes and provided feedback without letting me get away with “good enough.” Thanks for falling on that sword.

Lisa O’Connell, for suggesting I write down my thoughts about food, which started this whole pastry ball rolling. You lost a playwright, but you gained a grateful friend. And a lifetime supply of cookies.

My intrepid agent, Brandi Bowles. You saw I had what I didn’t believe I possessed—a book deep inside me. Without you, I’d be pie filling without the crust.

Monica Bhide, for your insight and encouragement when I wasn’t sure. You were. And that made all the difference.

Kirsten Hanson, for being the first editor to sign me on. Your calm advice, guidance, and warm personality kept the manuscript on track. Thanks for encouraging me to embrace exuberance and for understanding the need to fingerpaint in your best party dress.

Elissa Altman, for making this book far better than I ever imagined possible. Your thoughtful edits and careful observations made me a better, more joyous writer.

Amy King and the Rodale design team, for making the layout worthy of Elissa’s rock-star editorial skills.

Ryan Szulc, for your artistry, skill, unfailing good humor, consummate professionalism, and Zen working atmosphere despite shooting during a record-breaking heat wave. Your photography brought me to happy tears more than once. To Madeleine Johari, for bringing your perfect, well-researched props and gorgeous model hands. Noah Witenoff, for your eye-catching food styling and ability to make me laugh even when the humidity was melting the food. Jill Snider, for baking, baking, baking and making it look just as I intended. Matt Gibson, for your irrepressible cheerfulness and nonstop offers of caffeine. I can’t imagine working with a better team.

My recipe testers, who opened your kitchens, cranked up your ovens, and provided solid, helpful, bar-raising feedback on every recipe. Chocolate-smeared kisses go out to: Cheryl Arkison, Kathryn Bennett, Monica Bhide, Anita Bridge, Jacqui Cohen, Lori Desormeaux, Sarah Fischer, Barb Freda, Wendy Gacparski, Karen Gelbart, Jay Godfrey, Judith Godfrey, Lisa Waterman Gray, Dan Kelley, Theresa Kolisnyk, Myriam Léger, Don Lesser, Kathe Lieber, Linda Lucero, Lisa MacColl, Jennifer Mackenzie, Sandra McHugh, Caroline Mitchell, Lisa O’Connell, Anja Sonnenberg, Debbie Spadafore, Linda Tambunan, Stephanie Tjelios, Marijke Vroomen-Durning, and Lana Watkins.

Julie Van Rosendaal, for sharing your addictive recipe for Raincoast Crisps without hesitation. Your generosity and friendship are an inspiration. Calgary is lucky to have you.

My husband, Andrew, who for 6 months lived on test recipes with only the occasional steak and glass of scotch as relief. You never complained. You only encouraged. And every day proved I was smart to have married you.