In general, and especially now, the holidays can truly be taxing, for multitude of reasons. As a self-taught baker, I remember the pressure around the holiday baking, the confusion around the desserts and all of the preparations, and not to mention the uncertainty of how it will turn out once baked and out of the oven. So today, I always write with people’s feeling and reactions in mind; making sure that I bring a touch of encouragement to their busy baking day. If everything else is complicated, at least the dessert does not have to be.