Even before I opened "Dolci!: American Baking with an Italian Accent," my husband was all in on this new cookbook. He was listing off recipes in an enthusiastic voice usually reserved for reading car magazines. From desserts like Mocha Orange Whoopie Pies to cocktails like the Amaro Root Beer Float, to the Aperol Spritz Cake that combines both, he was enchanted.

It wasn't hard to see why. Baker Renato Poliafito has embraced his Italian-American roots with perfect flair. He has taken all-American classics like Rice Krispie Treats and given them a major Italian upgrade by adding mascarpone, espresso powder, chocolate and rum. His Italian Krispie Treats are a tasty homage to the popular dessert tiramisu. They are a real pick-me-up palate pleaser.