Essence of Chocolate: Recipes from Scharffen Berger Chocolate Makers and Cooking with Fine Chocolate
Author: John Scharffenberger
The first cookbook from America's premier chocolate makers, filled with recipes, kitchen tips, and dazzling photographs
As Americans have become fascinated by chocolate, and especially high-quality chocolate, one name has risen above the rest: Scharffen Berger. Founded in 1996 by Robert Steinberg, a physician and amateur chef, and John Scharffenberger, an award-winning vintner, the company's confections have won a following among food professionals and home cooks alike. Now, in their first cookbook, the duo shares their passion with the world.
The Essence of Chocolate features more than one hundred spectacular -- and often simple -- recipes drawn from the Scharffen Berger files and from two dozen top pastry chefs. It is divided into three sections: "Intensely Chocolate," which includes such decadent treats as That Chocolate Cake, in which the sumptuous flavor of chocolate is the star; "Essentially Chocolate," with lighter chocolate desserts like White Velvet Cake with Milk Chocolate Ganache or Brown Butter Blondies; and "A Hint of Chocolate," with recipes that use chocolate's spicier qualities to their best effect, like Vegetarian Chili and John's Cocoa Rub. And all will work magnificently with any high-quality chocolate. Filled with helpful tips, sumptuous photographs, and the story of how chocolate is really made, here is a book that is every bit as seductive as its subject.
Robert Steinberg had been practicing medicine for twenty years when he went to France in 1994 to explore chocolate making, then returned to his own kitchen to create the first versions of what would be Scharffen Berger chocolate. He lives in San Francisco and until recently practicedat the San Francisco Free Clinic. John Scharffenberger founded Scharffenberger Cellars, one of the premier sparkling wine manufacturers in the United States. He sold his interest in the winery, and in 1996 he and Steinberg founded Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker. Scharffenberger lives in Berkeley and Mendocino County.
USA Today
Chocoholics will find this book as tasty as a dish of chocolate mousse . . . The authors are the California chocolatiers noted for Scharffen Berger, one of the world's premium dark chocolates.
Publishers Weekly
In their first cookbook, the founders of Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker are clear from the start: chocolate is their passion. Every section of their book reflects that, from the recipes drawn from the Scharffen Berger Company and various pastry chefs to the detailed sections on how chocolate is made and where its future lies. The first of three sections, "Intensely Chocolate," features divine classics like That Chocolate Cake, Chocolate Chocolate Cupcakes, and Chocolate Mousse. The "Essentially Chocolate" part takes a lighter approach with Souffl , Chocolate Ginger Pots de Cr me, and Chocolate Biscotti. In "A Hint of Chocolate," the most interesting section, chocolate is added to basics such as breads, muffins and waffles, as well as savory dishes like Chile Marinated Flank Steak (made with cocoa powder) and Tortilla Soup (with bittersweet chocolate). Throughout the book are "Legends & Lore," delightful one-page chocolate trivia facts (such as how Devil's Food got its name), and "Quick Fix" pages, with instructions on fast and easy chocolate treats like chocolate-dipped potato chips and pretzels. Beautifully simple photographs complement the elegant recipes. (Nov.) Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.
Interesting book: Corporate and Foundation Fund Raising or Lowell
Williams-Sonoma Mastering: Grilling & Barbecuing
Author: Williams Sonoma
Texas Beef Brisket, Grilled Tuna with Red Pepper Relish, Classic Grilled Chicken with Barbecue Sauce -- these and many other crowd-pleasers are among the dozens of popular grilling and barbecuing recipes you will learn to prepare, without trepidation, with this book.
Williams-Sonoma Mastering Grilling offers a complete cooking course in a single volume. In the opening pages, you will find out about grill types and grilling methods; which meats, fish, poultry, and vegetables cook best on the grill; and what your flavoring options are, from fiery spice rubs and moisture-boosting marinades to herb-flecked compound butters and cool salsas. The basic recipes and key techniques follow, delivering dozens of indispensable culinary building blocks, such as how to build a hot charcoal fire and how to test foods for doneness. Trouble-shooting tips show you what can go wrong and how to fix it without having to start all over again.
The recipes lead you step-by-step through the intricacies of grilling over direct and indirect heat and reveal the secrets of slow smoking. The many variations in each chapter encourage you to continue practicing your newfound skills, building your grilling repertory and your confidence at the same time. Last, an illustrated guide to equipment and a glossary of ingredients will help you stock your outdoor kitchen with all the essentials.
In these pages, you will find more than fifty classic recipes that show you, in both pictures and words, how every dish you grill should look and taste from beginning to end. Whether you are an aspiring novice or a skilled backyard cook, this book will help you turn every grilled meal into a specialoccasion.
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