Gordon’s Los Angeles-based Valerie Confections distributes nationwide through specialty retailers; her hallmark is smart and creative twists on familiar treats.

In Sweet, cherry pie is enlivened by the inclusion of vanilla bean, apricot galettes are enriched with a basil-scented cream, and a sour cream pound cake is made extra fragrant with the addition of tangerine zest and juice. There’s also a substantial chapter on candies.

Appealingly, given her flair for improvisation, Gordon provides a wealth of suggestions for experimenting on your own with components from her book. Just think about what you might do with a cassis ganache.

Hardcover. Color photographs throughout.