"CUTIE PIES FOR KIDS," by Jennifer Adams, Gibbs Smith, $14.95, 64 pages
"Cutie Pies for Kids" is an amazing little book filled with big ideas for new ways to dress up pretty little pies, pies that tempt the palate and the party woman deep inside all of us.
The tiny pastries that, in some cases, are cookies and puddings more than pies are fun to make, fun to look at and fun to eat from the "Whoopie Pies" to "Somethin' Fishy."
And, best of all, children can easily help put these concoctions together, building their self-esteem along with their kitchen skills.
They'll learn to measure, stir and pour as well as think outside the muffin tin. The recipes are clearly written, and it looks entirely possible to make the home results match the pretty picture (not always the case in recipe books).
These look to me like little pies just waiting for an excuse to party while I know they probably have way more sugar and fat than most of us should be consuming on a routine basis.
But for the occasional indulgence or the seasonal festivity, these cutie desserts look like the perfect answer to a decorating and refreshment dilemma.
"Pirate's Limey," for instance, would make for a light, summery treat at a youngster's birthday party, kind of a miniature Key lime pie experience.
"Very Blueberry" tarts only take two ingredients and a tiny star cooky cutter.
"Strawberry Kisses" is a treat upon a sugar cookie.
"Construction Cookie Dough" is mostly chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream, softened and laid upon a graham cracker crumb crust.
"Somethin' Fishy" is softened sherbet with graham cracker goldfish mixed in.
The "S'more, Please" pie is again a combination of only two ingredients on top of a graham cracker crust and topped with little toasted marshmallows.
"Cran-Cherry" may take the young cook a bit more time as he or she weaves the lattice pattern over the filling, but the result is so fun.
How about the "Country Caramel Apple Crumble" with a brown sugar and cinnamon topping? Yum.
This book could become habit-forming just because the pictures are beautiful and enticing, not just for kids but for the adults in the household as well.
Personally, I'm off to make some "Peachy Keen" while fresh peaches are still in season.
IF YOU GO
What: Jennifer Adams book signing
When: Saturday, Oct. 8, 2 p.m.
Where: The King's English, 1511 S. 1500 East, Salt Lake City
Web: kingsenglish.com
Sharon Haddock is a professional writer with 30 years experience, 17 at the Deseret News. Her personal blog is at sharonhaddock.blogspot.com.
Email: haddoc@desnews.com