2009 October 29

Chocolate A Love Story: A Book Review

Title: Chocolate A Love Story
Author: Max Brenner
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Publication Date: November 2, 2009
Hardcover: 144 pages
ISBN: 9780316056625
Genre: Cookbook

Synopsis from the Publisher:

With gigantic vats of churning chocolate, desserts like their famous chocolate pizza, and 12 varieties of hot chocolate served in custom mugs, Max Brenner, Chocolate by the Bald Man has turned their line of hip, colorful themed restaurants into an international sensation.. Chocolate: A Love Story is a vibrant new cookbook that includes 65 original recipes narrated in the quirky, captivating voice of Max Brenner, the restaurant’s visionary founder and “bald man.” Bold original illustrations inspired by Art Deco poster graphics, full-color photographs, easy-to-follow, delicious recipes, and a serving of Max’s unique vision for spreading “chocolate culture” around the world make this book a must for every chocolate lover.

My review:

By no means am I even remotely considered a chef, which is to say, as far as my baking skills are concerned, fine baking occurs when I have to add oil, water and egg. Yet when I was offered the chance to review Chocolate: A Love Story, by Max Brenner I could not refuse. I love chocolate and figured there was only a remote chance that I would not like the recipes made available in the cookbook This is a book review, so I must be honest, I knew I would not be baking from this book, rather my husband would be, thankfully he was as delighted as I by the recipes. Max Brenner offers up 65 delicious recipes from his private collection along with musing about many of the recipes. The book stays true in its retro theme, the recipes are well written, clear, concise, and even a non-baker such as myself recognizes the ingredients. The recipes are as delicious as they sound and not at all time consuming. This cookbook is certain to delight any chocolate lover.

About the author:

Max Brenner is a confectioner, businessman, and above all, a passionate lover of chocolate. He began his career as an apprentice throughout Europe, where he worked in the best kitchens alongside renowned pastry chefs. It was in Europe that his love for chocolate evolved into passion, leading him to open a small chocolate workshop in his homeland of Israel. Many years later, Max Brenner: Chocolate by the Bald Man is now a thriving international brand, committed to spreading Max’s vision of Chocolate Culture to the world.

I received a free copy of Chocolate: A Love Story by Max Brenner from Hachette as part of the tour. Receiving a free copy in no way reflected my review of aforementioned novel.

Rambling From An Un- Caffeinated Brain

I do realise how late it is, 10:27am to be exact, but dear readers, I chose to sleep awhile longer after my teens left for school. One of my migraine medicines makes me hungry and tired, it offers little pain relief, yet I do eat and sleep well.
So, I am waiting not so patiently for my late morning coffee. So what is on my mind? Let me pick what little is left of my foggy brain this morning.

Sheldon seems to be finished with his growth spurt, which means a lot less food and more vegetables. He appears happy and healthy.
The boys are finished with the cross country season. My oldest runs daily, the twins do not. Thing 1 is involved in the school Theatre while Thing 2 is interested in the Foreign Language Clubs and Animal Outreach.
Why do children cost more with each year? Better yet, why was this fact not mentioned in the parenting books?
My oldest will be going on another summer survival camp in the Smokey Mountains this summer. Those trips are not cheap, but oddly he adores them. I say oddly because, except for running, he detests being outside. *shrug*
The colours of all the Autumn leaves are breathtaking and I cannot wait to jump in the large piles. I do so enjoy the crunch of the falling leaves.
I am eternally grateful to have a husband who loves me and all my numerous flaws.
Books, naturally I must mention books! Someone asked why my ratings where fairly high (except one book, and it was not a bad rating nor a bad book, just not for me). The answer is simple, I am picky. I know if it is a romance novel, I probably will not care for it, as was the case with the lowest rating I ever gave (which was not low). It was a well written book and I am certain many other readers will enjoy it.
A “gee whiz” fact about me…holidays do not stress me out. We have the lowest key holidays possible and I cannot imagine it any other way. Bring on Thanksgiving and Christmas, I am ready!
For those of you with cooler air and snow, please send it my way. I am very, very fond of both.

Thankfully, it is coffee time. May everyone have a beautiful, fun, and happy Thursday!