Melissa Forti is <em>The Italian Baker</em>. In her tea room in an idyllic medieval town near Tuscany, she bakes beautiful cakes that combine Italian traditions with her own modern twists. This book is a collection of tarts, cakes, loaves, biscuits, and coffee-time treats born out of Melissa's signature style of baking. Every recipe is a treat, taking in popular Italian ingredients like olive oil, mascarpone, almonds, and fresh fruit. Melissa gives perennial favorites like carrot cake, brownies, chocolate cake, and cheesecake a fresh, Italian makeover. Every cake and cookie tells a story, reflecting Melissa's travels, her passion for good food, and the love of her Italian heritage.