Photo: Alison Gootee

When I was growing up in Melbourne, Australia, seeing my mum or grandmum baking in the kitchen meant good things were in store: a wooden spoon to lick; a warm, comforting smell filling the house; and, soon, something wonderful to eat. Best of all was the time I spent with them there, watching the oven, waiting for that treat. To me, baking brings the generations together like nothing else.

These days, I like to bake desserts from childhood—like cherry pie. I add a splash (or two) of Amaretto to mine; the liqueur's almond flavor highlights the sweet fruit. I've also picked up some dessert ideas as a grown-up, like apricot-raspberry cobbler with a fluffy biscuit topping, which puts to deft use summer's bounty of stone fruit, and my gooey chocolate-caramel macadamia nut clusters, which are remarkably easy to whip up. (And as good as they sound, I assure you they taste even better.)

I'm a relatively healthy eater, but I believe that we all ought to indulge once in a while. Just the other day I told my wife, Lindsay, that I want to start making dessert more often—because when my son, Hudson, knows it's on the way, the sense of anticipation in the house is pretty fantastic. I hope someday he remembers a childhood filled with sweet scents coming from the kitchen, and his dad waiting for him there, watching the oven, with a standing offer to lick the spoon.

Photo: Alison Gootee

Cherry-Amaretto Pie Recipe
A combination of cherries, Amaretto and cinnamon yield the ultimate comfort dessert for any time of the year.

Get the recipe: Cherry-Amaretto Pie

Photo: Alison Gootee

Apricot-Raspberry Cobbler Recipe
This sweet and tart cobbler will complement a round of summer cocktails at your next get-together.

Get the recipe: Apricot-Raspberry Cobbler

Photo: Alison Gootee

Chocolate-Caramel Macadamia Clusters Recipe
Whip up these spectacular, 5-ingredient macadamia clusters, which you can easily pack for your next picnic.

Get the recipe: Chocolate-Caramel Macadamia Clusters