The secret to baking fanciful French desserts is not exhaustive time and effort but rather a savoir-faire that embodies the Parisian lifestyle of effortlessness and simplicity. In Gâteau, James Beard Award-winning food columnist Aleksandra Crapanzano provides the blueprints to baking more than 100 tasty, traditional French cakes, from lavender lemon weekend cake to rich vanilla Génoise, and often includes some delectable variations to suit your taste buds (and pantry). Recipes are divided by section—from cakes with fruit to "the chic, delicious, and playful"—and each boasts charming illustrations, a lively introduction, the necessary ingredients, and, of course, effortless directions. Soon, you'll be "popping a gâteau in the oven without anyone even noticing" for birthdays, lunch boxes, book clubs, and last-minute gatherings. (HC)