Former Chez Panisse pastry chef and cookbook author David Lebovitz compiled this compact but far-reaching guide to all things chocolate.
"Chocolate, in my biased opinion, is the most universally provoking and addictive flavor," Lebovitz explains, describing his book as "a gift to all chocolate lovers," an informed tour of the world of chocolates and chocolate-making that includes cooking tips and recipes.
Lebovitz's tour includes an introduction to cacao beans and where they are grown, a primer on the different types of chocolates from couverture to white chocolate, some comments on the healthy benefits of chocolate, and some suggestions on choosing a chocolatier. He devotes a full chapter to the chocolates in Paris, which he claims has more fantastic chocolate boutiques than any other city in the world.
The recipes include riffs on the classic brownie and Lebovitz's signature Rocky Road as well as Chocolat Tarte de Rue Tatin, Triple-Chocolate Parfait and Black-Bottom Cupcakes. There are 30 recipes in all preceeding a resource section of chocolatier websites.
Selected Recipes
Chocolate, Cherry and Buttermilk Scones
Chocolate Shortbread Hearts
Bouchons
Wittamer Hot Chocolate
Deep Dark Chocolate Truffles
Chocolate Fitness Cake
Chocolate Souffle Cake
Orange and Rum Chocolate Mousse Cake
Blue Chip Chocolate Chip Cookies
Double Chocolate Espresso and Cashew Cookies
Congo Bars
Cocoa-Marzipan Pound Cake
Chocolate, Cheery and Vanilla Cake with Truffle Frosting
Chocolate Sauerkraut Cake with Chocolate Glaze
Mocha Pudding Cake
Individual Hot Chocolate Cakes with White Chocolate Sauce