“If you’re like me and prefer to have dessert sooner rather than later (alas, life is sweet but short) then Lauren Chattman’s Dessert Express is the book for you (and me!). This superb book is rife with delectations that are quick to prepare and quicker to disappear.”
- Marcel Desaulniers, Author of I’m Dreaming of a Chocolate Christmas

A friend drops in unexpectedly and plans to stay for dinner. Soccer practice is rained out but the kids want to come over for a play date. Nothing completes a meal or wins the hearts of the little ones like a sweet surprise. But who has time to bake? After being caught unawares too many times herself, mother of two and former pastry chef Lauren Chattman vowed that she would never be at a loss for something sweet again. And now, neither will you.

With her new book, DESSERT EXPRESS: 100 Sweet Treats You Can Make in 30 Minutes or Less, Chattman comes to the rescue of busy moms everywhere. In no time and with little effort, Chattman shows how to make mouth-watering delights that will satisfy any customer no matter how big or small.
Her secret?

• Smaller is better, Downsize: Make only what you need for that moment
• It’s getting hot in here, Turn Up the Heat: Focus on baked goods that do well in hotter ovens
• Brrrr! Chill Out: Use ice or a freezer to quickly cool down dishes
• Appliances are your friends, Think Outside the Oven: Make good use of waffle irons, frying pans, and the microwave
• I’ve got that! Use Convenient Ingredients: Use items you already have in your pantry or freezer like chocolate, whipped cream, and cookies

The recipes range from after-school snacks to dinner party showstoppers, so you will be prepared for every occasion. Using unconventional “dessert” ingredients Lauren Chattman promises that her recipes will be anything but boring. Her comforting Butterscotch Pudding gets a dash of sea salt to spice up its flavor and Molten Chocolate Lava Cake has a pinch of cayenne pepper to give it a little kick.

Dessert Express is divided into seven delectable chapters that include favorite honeyed pleasures like cookies, cakes, pastries, puddings, fruit, ice cream and candy. There is enough variety to suit anyone’s palate. Before you know it sugar plums will be dancing in your head and you’ll be indulging on such luscious morsels as:

• Mocha Marshmallow Mousse
• Cinnamon-Scented Mini Bundt Cakes with Peaches & Sour Cream
• Caramel Baked Apples
• Easy Bake German Chocolate Brownie Cakes
• Raspberry and Champagne Ice Cream Floats
• White Chocolate & Green Tea Truffles
• Almond Joy® Bonbons

All of the recipes are simple, short, and definitely sweet. So fulfill that craving that’s been nagging at you all day long by grabbing a copy of DESSERT EXPRESS!

About the Author:
Lauren Chattman apprenticed under Francois Payard at Restaurant Daniel in New York and was the pastry chef at Nick and Toni’s in Easthampton, New York. She co-authored Dessert University (Simon and Schuster, 2004) with former White House pastry chef Roland Mesnier, and her recipes have appeared in Food & Wine, Bon Appetit, The New York Times, and Redbook. She lives in Sag Harbor, New York with her husband and two daughters.

Dessert Express: 100 Sweet Treats You Can Make in 30 Minutes or Less
Lauren Chattman
Publication Date: September 2, 2008
$17.95 U.S./ $21.00 Canada
ISBN-13:978-1-60085-018-9