I first became aware of Minneapolis-based pastry chef Zoë Francois as the co-author of the bestselling book series Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day (which I highly recommend if you, like me, struggle to keep a sourdough starter alive and would like to break into bread-baking with minimum effort and maximum reward). Then I discovered her gorgeous baking Instagram, which showcases fluffy domed pavlovas, vibrant blood orange pies, and dreamy pastel cross-sections of baked Alaskas. With her latest cookbook Zoë Bakes Cookies, a follow-up to Zoë Bakes Cakes, she's turned her attention to the humble cookie, with 75 must-make-now recipes like lemon lavender shortbread, blueberry gooey butter bars, and cocoa Nutella brownies. The book traces a path through Zoë's life, from her Vermont hippie roots to her college cookie company, which is why she's fittingly dubbed it her "Eras tour of cookies." Unfortunately, Zoë's conversation with local author, food stylist, and photographer Aran Goyoaga is sold out, but you can still snag a personalized copy at the book signing afterward. by Julianne Bell