The Sweet Spot: Dialing Back Sugar and Amping Up Flavor

The former White House pastry chef for Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama presents a healthy, delicious collection of dessert recipes. 
 
Treat sugar like salt. This is the mantra of Bill Yosses, a former White House pastry chef, and his secret to baking indulgent yet wholesome desserts that truly satisfy. After being tasked by First Lady Michelle Obama to create healthier treats for her family, he discovered that when he dialed back the sugar in his recipes, his desserts were not only healthier on paper, but they actually tasted better too. In The Sweet Spot, Bill upends the notion of “healthy” desserts and shares an inspiring collection of delectable sweets that reveal the magic that happens when you bake with less sugar.  By using it as a flavor enhancer, you can showcase the natural sweetness and unique flavors of your other ingredients, and when you incorporate better, more flavorful add-ins like nut flours, essential oils, herbs, and spices, you’ll be satisfied even if there’s a smaller portion on your plate. From Kabocha Persimmon Pie and Matcha Green Tea Roll with Blackberry Pastry Cream, to Lemon Kaffir Semifreddo and Popped Quinoa Chocolate Cookies, Bill’s treats show us that desserts don’t have to be a source of penance to be exquisite and indulgent. Complete with a professional baker’s tricks of the trade to ensure your confections are as gorgeous as they are delicious, The Sweet Spot is a must-have for anyone looking to up their dessert game. Once you start baking Bill’s way, you’ll be able to have your cake…and eat it too!

Bill Yosses was the White House Executive Pastry Chef from 2007 to 2014, where he was closely involved with First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! campaign. Prior to his time at the White House, Yosses was the executive pastry chef at The Dressing Room, Tavern on the Green, and Bouley Restaurant. He has given lectures on science and cooking at Harvard University and is the founder and chair of the Kitchen Garden Laboratory, which uses science to teach children about healthy cooking. He is the winner of the 2013 James Beard Who’s Who Award. 

Peter Kaminsky is the author of more than two dozen books, including Elements of Taste, Pig Perfect, and 7 Fires. He has contributed food stories to The New York Times, New York magazine, Food & Wine, Travel & Leisure, and Condé Nast Traveler.