I want to thank, with love and an assortment of treats, the beautiful people who tolerate and help me. To my husband, Raymond. You’re the best. To my Omi, for having been what an Omi should be. To Sandy for being a one-woman army of love and support. To Dad for loving and encouraging strength in your womenfolk. To Laura Nolan for whipping me into shape and nurturing the book. To Kathleen Finneran, a glorious writer and tremendous teacher. To Cheryl Maisel, who I’d want as a friend in any world: Hollywood, pastry, you name it. To Ann and Anne, writers and friends who possess so much talent and encouragement, you made it impossible for me not to finish. To Larry for being Larry. To Weenie for being a soulmate in dessert and beyond. To our amazing crew at Gesine’s and to the best customers … ever. To my family, both stateside and in Germany. To Jesse, Terri & Jeff, Cliff Gilbert-Lurie, Joanne Henderson, Terry Shannon, the Fitzes for digging me out of the snow on a daily basis, the Valentine’s Phantom for keeping magic alive, and to the great state of Vermont.