This richly detailed still life centers on a culinary scene with an array of elegant pastries and confections. The composition features multiple domed desserts dusted with powdered sugar, arranged on decorative plates and stands. In the foreground, raw meat or ham in pink hues rests on what appears to be a preparation surface. The background is a deep black, creating dramatic contrast with the pale pastries and white garments. Dried botanical elements add vertical interest on the left side. The lighting is theatrical, highlighting the textures of the sugar-dusted pastries and emphasizing their rounded forms. The title "Sweet Alchemy" references the transformative nature of pastry-making, where simple ingredients become elaborate confections through skilled craftsmanship.