Alton Brown explores the science behind breads, cakes, cookies, pies, and custards, explaining it in his own inimitable style. Recipes cover all the basics, from pie crust to funnel cake to cheese souffle. The book also contains appendices and equipment lists.

Alton Brown is the writer, director, and host of the Food Network show Good Eats, which won a 2007 Peabody Award, and is the expert commentator on Iron Chef America. In 2004 his STC book I'm Just Here For the Food won the James Beard Award for in the reference category. Brown lives in Georgia with his wife and daughter.