Growing up in the south, good southern cooking was a major part of our lives.  My grandmother was often cooking and was always baking "somethin' sweet," to have with our Sunday dinner (after church) or a "sweet bread" to have with her daily morning cup of Maxwell House coffee.  I come by my love of sweets honestly, both my mother and grandmother had "a sweet tooth."  But, I grew up on cakes and breads...jelly cakes, chocolate cakes, and nut and raisin breads for example, pies and tarts came much later.  I have always taken a great deal of joy and satisfaction in baking special treats.  I hope you enjoy eating them as much as I enjoy preparing them for you.