Don't talk to me about pastry. It's  part art, part science and (I contend) part luck.

   My mother made the world's best pastry and told me flatly that I wasn't likely to follow in her footsteps, or so it seemed. She was right again. That said, what's dinner without dessert? (Unfinished.)

   I have only a modest collection of books dealing with dessert, but the following have definite star quality.  

1. In the Sweet Kitchen, by Regan Daley. This woman makes a dynamite white carrot cake with parsnips. Love it! 

2. Canadian Living's Desserts by Elizabeth Baird. Elizabeth, a friend of many years, is a natural cook. Her books are eminently reliable and her recipe for pecan brittle is a killer! Then there's Four Berry Summer Pudding, for healthy eating, if you care.

3. Sweety Pies by Patty Pinner. The stories are as good as the recipes, and I love the pix. This one goes with me to a desert island.

4. Desserts, by Bonnie Stern. First published in 1988, it wears well. Rhubarb cobbler to die for, if you need a recipe, and the individual hot chocolate souffles with coffee sauce are heaven in a dish. No contest.

5. Chez Panisse Desserts by Lindsey Remolif Shere. Whenever I'm on one of my semi-occasional diets, I read this for the sheer pleasure of thinking about sweets. It's a good partner for another favourite, Chez Panisse Fruits, by Alice Waters.