The Essence of Chocolate!!!

I was asked to review a cookbook by John Scharffenberger and Robert Steinberg called The Essence of Chocolate>. This book rocks!!! I sat down to read it as soon as I got it. It is the kind of cookbook I love to have that not only has excellent recipes, but also has lots of information about chocolate like how it is made, where it comes from and different ways of cooking with it. This book is a definite keeper and I know I will be making many of the recipes that they have provided. The recipes vary from decadent sweets to savory meals that contain hints of chocolate. There is one recipe called "Baked Hot Chocolate" that I am dying to try. I am sort of waiting to make it when my baby sister comes to town because I KNOW she will like it!

I made the Banana Caramel Cake last night and it was soooo good! The caramel sauce on top hits the spot! It had a crunchy outside and a moist inside. It was awesome. I loved the mixed flavors of the banana, chocolate & caramel. It was a definite repeat. I know I should have taken a picture of a cut piece but,alas, it didn't last long enough to take the picture.


Tonight I made the "White Velvet Chocolate Cake" It wasn't what I expected, but it was pretty good. The ganache tasted excellent and I think I could have eaten the whole bowl instead of frosting the cake with it! My picture isn't the best because since I got rid of all of my dishes to be replaced this weekend with new ones and I had to put it on that "fine styrofoam china".


If you have been wondering whether or not to get this book my advice to you would be to get it and get it quickly! I especially recommend it to all of you chocoholics out there. It rocks!