This beautifully photographed dessert cookbook is loaded with seasonal recipes that look aspirational but are made achievable with detailed directions and how-to tips and hints to make stunning cookies, pies, cakes, and other sweets.

Lindsey Johnson, along with Chase Reynolds Ewald, often find their cooking and baking muse from life in the West. Flavor profiles, ingredients, and artistic decorating ideas are all sparked by the romantic and rustic western mountains. In Wild Sugar: Sweet Treats Inspired by the Mountain West, Johnson teaches you how to create amazing desserts via more than 50 recipes plus additional frostings, fillings, and toppings that are based on seasonal ingredients. These recipes are designed for the home baker, and her detailed instructions along with decorating tips and hints, will have you serving showcase cookies, pies, cakes, and sweets in no time.

While some of the recipes are for special occasions, many are easy to make. Give the Vanilla Shortbread Cookies with Pressed Flowers a try or the Mint Chip Cupcakes. If you are feeling fancy or having a party, the Blackberry Buttermilk Pie with Vanilla Whipped Cream or the Apple Spiced Cake Layered with White Chocolate Ganache and Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting might do the trick.

Johnson's stories and adventures in Wyoming bring additional fun to the cookbook with tales of Christmas tree hunting gone wrong, farm animal antics, huckleberry picking, and baking with kids. She also provides table setting and serving ideas using repurposed items and help from nature.