The original item was published from February 27, 2021 1:11 PM to March 2, 2021 4:14 PM
Two of the greatest pleasures in life . . .
Today’s book suggestions all center on a single theme: chocolate. Whereas this post is a little late for Valentine’s Day, there’s never a bad time for chocolate, or is there? Below you’ll find recipe books, a nonfiction tour de force on chocolate’s social and cultural significance, a humorous illustrated book by Sandra Boynton, and a delicious novel by Joanne Harris. Read on to see if any of these books suit your reading tastes.
Chocolate Epiphany: Exceptional Cookies, Cakes and
Confections for Everyone
by Francois Payard
James Beard Award winning Pastry Chef Francois Payard shares some of his favorite and more accessible recipes in this luscious book about chocolate desserts. The author grew up in France in a family of pastry chefs and was helping his grandfather roll truffles in cocoa powder at the age of four. The recipes in the book are full of French flair, but there are some surprises like a milk chocolate parfait topped with stove-popped popcorn doused in melted chocolate or chocolate-peanut butter cinnamon laced churros. The book contains beautiful photos, detailed instructions, and helpful hints for home baking success.
Find it in the library catalog Here
Chocolate Chocolate
by Lisa Yockelson
If fancy pants French recipes aren’t your thing, but you sincerely love chocolate and want a cookbook with an astounding two-hundred chocolate-themed recipes, Chocolate Chocolate by Lisa Yockelson will surely inspire you. This book has a homey vibe and contains easy to follow directions, appetizing photographs and lots of variety: Chocolate Fudge Scones, Toffee Triangles, Layered Brownie Squares, Boston Cream Cakelettes, Pecan Caramel Chocolate Chip Cake, frostings, cookies, and even recipes for homemade marshmallows. If you’re cooking with chocolate, this book is not to be missed.
Find it in the library Here
Chocolate: The Consuming Passion
by Sandra Boynton
This is a silly book, and even though it frolics with Sandra Boynton’s charming illustrated characters, it’s not designed for young children. However, if you’d enjoy a light, humorous read about all things chocolate, geared especially towards “chocoholics,” check out what beloved author/illustrator Sandra Boynton has to say on the subject.
Warning: book contains language that may be offensive to white chocolate lovers.
Find it in the library catalog Here
Chocolate: A Bitterweet Saga of Dark and Light
by Mort Rosenblum
Journalist Mort Rosenblum, winner of the prestigious James Beard Award for writing, describes himself as “an amateur food lover and professional traveler.” In this nonfiction book, Chocolate: a bittersweet saga of dark and light, Rosenblum writes about the subject of chocolate combining cultural, historical, and culinary perspectives. It reads a bit like a travel book.
Find it in the library catalog Here
Chocolat: a novel
by Joanne Harris
Vivianne Rocher and her young daughter Anouk are newcomers to the small French village of Lansquenet. They rent an old abandoned bakery transforming the building into a quaint Chocolaterie shop. The inhabitants of the small village are skeptical at first, and the local priest is the biggest critic, but Vivianne knows just the right chocolate treat for what ails each of her customers.
Find it in the library catalog Here
Also available in digital format:
Montana Library2Go eBook
Read more about the author and her other works Here
Joanne Harris’ novel was made into a film starring Juliette Binoche and Johnny Depp.
Find it in DVD and Blu-ray Here
Are you craving more books featuring chocolate and other sweet confections? If you search for “chocolate” on the Hoopla website, you’ll find over forty eBooks to peruse. Check it out Here
The Lewis & Clark Library Staff are always interested in your book suggestions. What fascinating book have you read lately that you'd share with a friend? (It doesn't need to be about chocolate!) Leave a comment below or give us a call at the library and tell us about it.