The New Taste of Chocolate: A Cultural & Natural History of Cacao with Recipes
“Few people in the world know as much about chocolate as Maricel Presilla, or write as passionately about it. Her pioneering book, The New Taste of Chocolate, is the first to document the fascinating diversity of cacao varieties and their influence on chocolate quality. It also describes and celebrates the full arc of chocolate’s evolution, from pre-Columbian times to the twenty-first century. This book will be a revelation and delight to anyone who loves chocolate.”—Harold McGee, author ofOn Food and Cooking  “The New Taste of Chocolate is fascinating and genuinely original. Based on unique, personal knowledge, Maricel’s book will serve as a primary research source and change the way chocolate lovers think about and taste chocolate.”—Robert Steinberg and John Scharffenberger, co-founders of Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker, Inc.  “It’s not a coincidence that chocolate and gold are sold in bars. Chocolate lovers who treasure history and recipes will find this book as valuable as it is delicious.”—Flo Braker, author ofSweet Miniatures  “Maricel presents a colorful, textured, and in-depth view of the past, present, and possible future of cacao. We are also allowed a taste of the diversity that was once part of the palate of flavors used by the chocolate industry of old and insight into why some of these may be lost forever.”—Gary Guittard, president of Guittard Chocolate Company  “After reading Maricel’s book and recognizing the sophisticated and complex journey from cacao in the field to the wonderful quality chocolate available to consumers, you will have a whole new appreciation for chocolate. Maricel offers detailed insight into the nuances of chocolate. A ‘must read’ for all chocoholics.”—Emily Luchetti  “The New Taste of Chocolate is a loving tribute to cacao and the unsung heroes who have nurtured it for centuries, miraculously transforming it from bean to bar to the latest chocolate creation. Maricel’s meticulously researched book deserves a place of honor in every serious chocolate lover’s library.”—Elaine González, author ofThe Art of Chocolate