While other chefs paid dues on restaurant lines and at cooking schools, Brooks Headley was in the back of a tour van as a drummer in much-loved punk bands that never made a penny. Headley creates unorthodox recipes that echo his unconventional background: fruit is king, vegetables are championed, acidity is key and simplicity is the goal. The 97 recipes included here range from verjus melon candy to tofu chocolate creme brulée, showcasing Headley’s perspective on ingredients and methodology. Brooks Headley’s Fancy Desserts is an essential, inventive addition to the shelf of both home cooks and professional chefs.