Death by Chocolate: The Last Word on a Consuming Passion
Chocophiles will sigh in anticipation of glimpsing the dreamy dark desserts pictured in this sleekly illustrated work. Captured in shades of cocoa chiaroscuro to deep espresso are easy-to-make standards such as chocolate pots de creme and chocolate mousse. But the ultimate pleasure of chocolate for chef Desaulniers ( The Trellis Cookbook ) lies in the layering of flavors. The richest, most decadent desserts involve melding flavors of hazelnut, pistachio, pecans, espresso, raspberry, rum, brandy and other ingredients--even humble peanut butter--with chocolate. Chapters are organized by degree of obsession, from "Singular Sensations" and "Simply Chocolate" to the final chapter, "Chocolate Dementia." Yet one doesn't have to be crazed to tackle these recipes. Desaulniers shows, in simple steps (right down to the equipment list), how to murder one's diet with a dose of "Chocolate Demise," "Chocolate Devastation" or "Double Mocha Madness." Clear instructions, exquisite color photographs, the author's refreshing sense of humor and his gentility in acknowledging contributions from other pastry chefs combine to elevate this cookbook over many others specializing in chocolate.Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.