Buddy Valastro, the owner of Carlo's Bake Shop and star of the television show "Cake Boss," offers instructions on baking and decorating cakes, as well as over 100 of his most popular recipes for pies, cookies, pastries, cupcakes, and special occasion cakes for every holiday. Also features memories of Valstro's family over the years, 650 step-by-step color photographs, tips, and sidebars.

Includes index.

Getting started : a tour of the kitchen -- Equipment -- Notes on ingredients -- The zone and how to get there -- Basic baking techniques -- Cookies -- Pastries -- Pies and tarts -- Cakes and cupcakes -- Basic cake recipes -- Frostings and fillings.