20 Ways to Become a Better Cook

Let's call Dominique Ansel: The Secret Recipes ($35) by Dominique Ansel what it is: a lovely, inspirational coffee-table cookbook. (There's nothing wrong with that.) Sure, there are some beginner- and intermediate-level recipes, but many are so intense and time-consuming that they're best made by a team of bakers. Hats off to you, if you attempt the epic Cronut recipe at home!

Recipes we can't wait to try:

• Meringue-topped hot chocolate
• Cannelé de Bordeaux
• Chocolate pecan cookies
• Mini madeleines
• Marshmallow chicks
• Apple tarte tatin
• Pink Champagne macarons