Cookbook review: Joy the Baker Over Easy: Sweet and Savory Recipes for Leisurely Days

Joy Wilson is the force behind the beloved blog Joy the Baker. A self-taught baker, she is admittedly obsessed with sugar, cream, and butter. Wilson turned her obsession into a career as a cake decorator for Ben &

Jerry's, and stints in bakeries in Los Angeles. Over Easy, Wilson's third book, is an homage to brunch. She gives us copious options, some sweet, most savory, including some fabulous recipes for day drinking.

With Mother's Day, the mother of all brunch days, right around the corner, the timing for the release of this book is impeccable. With 125 recipes, Over Easy has the goods for you to put together your mother's perfect morning. Adventurous mom? Try the Cajun souffle and praline bacon. Mom heading to yoga? There's an amazing cashew, cinnamon, banana, cocoa nib smoothie.

There is an entire chapter on brunch sandwiches, including bacon, brie, and apple grilled cheese, and one the world's finest flavor pairings: fried chicken and maple waffle sandwiches.

There are so many recipes I am ready to try. Among them: hearts of palm fries, banana bread granola, watermelon-mint sangria, and honey ginger sweet tea. Brunch ideas abound.

Pancakes are probably the quintessential Mother's Day offering for breakfast in bed. Simple to put together, easy to carry up the steps, and who doesn't like pancakes? Over Easy's happy birthday pancakes are cake-inspired, laced with sprinkles (or jimmies; you decide) and topped with whipped cream, perfect for celebrating pretty much anything, especially mom. For a savory option, try the pea and goat cheese tortilla, which is just different enough to make it a special brunch. And don't forget the flower in a vase and a handmade card on the tray. Moms really do love that kind of thing more than you might ever know.