Gourmet Apples and more: From my family kitchen to yours

It is my dream and hope that this baking book will be for all readers

to enjoy. A guide for you to create the perfect sweet treat that you are trying to make for a loved one, a special event (birthday party, bridal shower, graduation, baby shower, etc.), or just to enjoy on a quiet Friday night at home. I believe that the secret of good baking is a good combination of plenty of eggs, milk, butter, cream and lots of love. Yes, my number one ingredient, whether you are baking or cooking, is making it with a lot of passion and love. People, who love to bake and who always have a sweet tooth, are always looking for new recipes.

The love for baking comes from my ancestors. When I started compiling information for my book, I interviewed both of my grandmothers and I discovered so much information about where my family came from. Baking was a passion for my maternal grandfather, Jose. And I remember eating my paternal great-grandmother Rufina's famous sugar cookies and yeast bread.The love for baking goes back as far as when my maternal great-grandfather and grandfather worked at a family bakery from a very young age in zacoalco de Torres, Jalisco Mexico. Also, my aunt Lupe and uncle Chuy onced owned several bakeries in Los Angeles, CA of whom I was always fond of.

Both my parents love to cook and bake as well, and our family events are always surrounded by food. The minute we plan a gathering the first question is always, "What will the menu be?"

I initially got my start in baking when my youngest son turned three years old, and I was planning his birthday party. I was sure that I was going

to be able to dip an apple in caramel and chocolate with no problem. Piece of cake, right?! Well, not so much. There were a few struggles, and I wish I would have had a baking book about gourmet apples for some guidance and inspiration. Since I couldn't find one, I decided to write one! I had a girlfriend once tell me "Beba, (my nickname) I'm here at Michael's store and saw this book of beautiful dessert tables and I thought of you!" Diana Moreno added this little bright idea in my head that one day I will put a book together like the book she saw at Michael's when she thought of me. I was not sure what the book would be about or how I would even begin the process of writing a book since I was so clueless. It all became a reality when I met my mentor, Davina Ferreira, from Alegria Publishing.

About the Author
Maria Teresa Gomez's credits her ancestors for her love of baking. When she started compiling information for her book, she interviewed both her grandmothers and discovered a wealth of information about her family history. The love for cooking and baking was passed down to Maria's two parents who then passed it on to her and her siblings, and whenever the family prepares to gather the first question is, "What will the menu be?" For Maria, it all started when her youngest son was three years old and she was planning his birthday party, only to realize attempting to create desserts that were delicious, professional and celebrated their Mexican culture, was no piece of cake. In her search for guidance and inspiration, she found there was not much available that combined all these aspects, and that is when the seed was planted that one day she would write a book to inspire others to bake, while sharing a little about her family history, which she celebrates throughout her book with love and sweetness.