Just like Izzy on Grey’s Anatomy, when the handsome patient she fell in love with died, she could not stop baking. There were muffins, scones, cakes... nobody could finish them all. And there are many women like this out there. You may be one of them. The author, Ms. Bolger writes in her dedication that: “The stories in my book are inspired by events in my life. Vodka may have been involved while writing them. My intent is to write humorous relatable stories, not to bash men I have encountered... seriously.”

---

Each recipe is accompanied by a long (and somewhat humorous) story of how it came about, which man caused it, and the reason for the breakup. Even if you don’t want to read these stories (though a few will make you chuckle), the recipes are amazing and definitely worth a read.

Happy Baker is very colorful, and there are good pictures of how the recipes should look. There are a series of baking tips, number one being: “Get a cute apron: you have to look your best when trying to get over someone.” However, other tips are a little more helpful, such as, "Roast your nuts, or keep your cookie sheets cool." All puns aside, here are a couple delicious and notable recipes that will bake the pain away!

I’M NOT DUTCH, APPLE CRISP
yes, I’m an independent successful woman
but don’t worry, I wont be offended if you pay for dinner!

ingredients:
4 cups apples, peeled, cored
and sliced in small pieces
(I prefer McIntosh apples)
1 tsp. lemon juice
1-1/2 cups frozen cranberries thawed
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp cinnamon

topping:
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup rolled oats
1/2 tsp salt

method:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees (190 centigrade). Grease an 8- or 9-inch-square baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine apples, lemon juice, cranberries, sugar and cinnamon. Pour into prepared  dish.
3. In a medium bowl, cream together the flour, butter and brown sugar, mix well. Stir in the oats and salt. Sprinkle evenly over fruit mixture.
4. Bake for 40 minutes or until fruit is tender and topping is brown.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BUTTERSCOTCH WAFFLE COOKIES
my mom thinks I’m cool.
you, not so much

ingredients:
2 cups butterscotch chips
1/2 semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup peanuts
6 waffle cones, crushed

method:
1. In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butterscotch and chocolate chips
2. Remove from heat, stir in the peanuts and the crushed waffle cone.
3. Drop by tablespoon onto a cookie sheet. Refrigerate until set.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Happy Baker, a Girl’s Guide to Emotional Baking by Erin Bolger, Harlequin (paperback), $17.95, color