Chocolate A Love Story

Publisher's Summary. 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.

Review. If you have ever had the pleasure of enjoying a chocolate melting heart cake (or other famous chocolate dessert) at one of the many Max Brenner Chocolate restaurants, then this cookbook is for you. And if you have not yet experienced the sinful decadence of a Max Brenner dessert, then this cookbook is for you too!

Chocolate: A Love Story is divided into ten recipe sections: Morning Chocolate Variations; Comforting Pastries; Chocolate Cream Cake Creations; Chocolate Pies; Concentrated Chocolate (including the recipe for the chocolate melting heart cake); Street Food and Gourmet Chocolate in Harmony; Chocolate Mousses, Custards, Creams, and More; Some Fun Chocolate Games; The Chocolate Cookie Jar; and Straightforward Chocolate Drinks. These sections encompass virtually every conceivable use of chocolate. Generally speaking, the ingredients are readily available in the supermarket and the preparation process appears straightforward. My only criticism is that the recipes do not specify the quality of chocolate to be used e.g. 70% dark chocolate, etc. I assume that for the best results the highest quality chocolate should be used, but a little more guidance would have been helpful.

The oversize book also features artistic drawings and photography, and would make a great coffee table book. For your guests’ comfort, however, I would advise keeping some high quality chocolates around or, better yet, serving a Brenner recipe, because it is impossible to peruse through Chocolate: A Love Story without craving chocolate!

Chocolate: A Love Story would make a great addition to any baker’s or chocolate lover’s cookbook collection!


Publisher: Little, Brown and Company, Hachette Book Group, (Nov 2, 2009), 144 pages
Advance Review copy provided courtesy of the Publisher.