“Tells the tales of some of Florida’s most famous desserts, from Key lime pie to citrus candy to the famous feud cake at Captain Anderson’s Restaurant.” —Panama City News Herald Sweets and the Sunshine State are a match made in heaven. Centuries ago, native Floridians used honey to sweeten dishes, as well as prickly pears and other wild fruits and berries. Spanish explorers introduced citrus to the area, leading to a major industry. Florida pioneers planted sugar cane and sweet potatoes as basic crops. Cane grinding, taffy pulls and homemade ice cream socials were once beloved community events across the state. The state pie of Florida, the Key lime pie, has been an addition to family affairs and restaurant menus since its inception in the late 1800s. From strawberry festivals to Florida flan, author Joy Sheffield Harris uncovers the state’s unique sweets with a taste of sunshine.

From a simple one-story cabin in the piney woods of the Panhandle to a high-rise condo along the glistening waterways, Cracker cooking in Florida has evolved with our tastes and times. When supplies were limited and the workday arduous, black coffee with leftover cornbread might serve as breakfast. Today's bounty and life's relative ease bring mornings with lattes and biscotti, biscuits and sausage gravy. What's on the plate has changed, but our heritage infuses who we are. As we follow the path laid out by gastronomic pioneers, this culinary quest, guided by sixth-generation Cracker Joy Sheffield Harris, will whet your appetite with recipes and sumptuous reflections. Pull up a chair and dig in.

Founded in 1565, St. Augustine is America’s oldest continuously occupied city sitting in the heart of Florida’s First Coast. With narrow brick streets, the oldest masonry fort in the continental US, as well as 42 miles of pristine beaches, St. Augustine is uniquely Southern with European influences. With 100 Things to Do in St. Augustine, Florida, Before You Die as your travel companion, your St. Augustine visit is sure to be an adventure. Did you know that at one time the Spanish, the English, the French, and the Dutch were all fighting for control of St. Augustine? The town was popular before it was even a tourist attraction—and it had nothing to do with the Fountain of Youth that’s said to have magical properties! Enjoy this beautiful place with a quaint downtown that feels like a European village on the other side of the Atlantic. With more than 450 years of history, art, culture—and ghosts—St. Augustine offers a surprise around every corner while also maintaining its place as one of the top Southern towns to visit for anyone who loves the modern culinary movement or the charm of Old Florida. Join author and visitstaugustine.com managing editor Amy Angelilli and see why she’s in love with her adopted city. It will only take a day, but you’ll want to stay for a lifetime.

Pinner mixes her family's down-home maxims with recipes for magical concoctions in this collection of soul food desserts and memories. The book shares more than 100 desserts, from bourbon balls to sweet potato pone and down-home banana ice cream.

From LA's trendy bakery comes the new definitive grain-free baking book that makes eating paleo, gluten-free, and dairy-free diets a lot sweeter for home bakers. From the beginning, Sweet Laurel has been about making sweet things simple. The recipes here are indulgent yet healthful. They use just a few quality ingredients to create delicious desserts that benefit your body; all of these treats are paleo, and many are vegan and raw. From Matcha Sandwich Cookies to Salted Lemon Meringue Pie to Classic German Chocolate Cake, these treats are at once uncomplicated, beautiful, and satisfying, made only with wholesome ingredients such as almonds, coconut, cacao, and dates. Here, too, are basic staple recipes to keep with you, like grain-free vanilla extract and vegan caramel, and fancy finishes, like paleo sprinkles and dairy-free ice cream. Whether you’re looking for simpler recipes, seeking a better approach to dessert, or struggling with an allergy that has prevented you from enjoying sweets, Sweet Laurel will change the way you bake.