What's quick, easy, and sure to bring on the smiles? Muffins, of course! For recipes that are sweet, savory, or just over the top, look no further than "The Ultimate Muffin Book". From classics like Berry and Corn Muffins to new favorites like Margarita and savory Quiche Lorraine Muffins, Bruce Weinstein and Mark Scarbrough once again take an American fun-food classic to new heights by offering more than 600 recipes and variations for absolutely every muffin imaginable. Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, anyone? Or luscious Hazelnut? Or what about Pizza Muffins for kids of all ages? Low-fat, nonfat, gluten-free, dense, and decadent - they're all here, as well as baking tips, an ingredients guide, and a witty history of how the muffin came to be an American institution. Muffins. Is there a better way to make everyone in your life smile?

The author is a culinary scientist, food writer and certified cooking teacher with a strong science and research background (Ph.D., McGill University, Montreal). He is the author of eight published food-related books: a six-book series for young readers Cooking throughout American History and The African-American Kitchen (all seven by The Rosen Publishing Group) and Start and Run a Catering Business (Self-Counsel Press), numerous articles, including in magazines such as Bride's, Odyssey, Better Nutrition, Home Cooking, The Fisherman and Bowhunter; and newspaper food sections, including Chicago Tribune, Christian Science Monitor, San Francisco Chronicle. The author emphasizes basic cooking knowledge by explaining the hows and whys of food and cooking through kitchen-level physics and chemistry that enables readers to be better and more efficient cooks.