Carol already included local author Denise Gee’s cookbook Sweet On Texas: Lovable Confections From The Lone Star State on her (rather awesome) “12 Days of Food Gifts” gift guide, but after perusing a copy myself, I had to give it a shout out as well.

As Carol notes, Gee collaborated with her photographer husband, Robert Peacock, on this book about Texas desserts, featuring “the must-know, must-eat recipes, and must-meet desserts garnished with stories about local Texas bakeries, the youngest pastry chef you’ve ever met, and how to organize a Southern cookie swap.”

Recipes for such delectables as “Texas Big Hairs” (although I’m not a meringue fan, so I’d swap it for some whipped cream) and Threadgills’ pecan pie (pictured below) make this the ideal gift for every sweet tooth-sporting Texan on your list.

But Carol I’m with you. I’m keeping a copy for myself.