Death by Chocolate: The Last Word on a Consuming Passion (Hardcover)

~ (Author), Michael Grand (Photographer)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Chocophiles will sigh in anticipation of glimpsing the dreamy dark desserts pictured in this sleekly illustrated work. Captured in shades of cocoa chiaroscuro to deep espresso are easy-to-make standards such as chocolate pots de creme and chocolate mousse. But the ultimate pleasure of chocolate for chef Desaulniers ( The Trellis Cookbook ) lies in the layering of flavors. The richest, most decadent desserts involve melding flavors of hazelnut, pistachio, pecans, espresso, raspberry, rum, brandy and other ingredients--even humble peanut butter--with chocolate. Chapters are organized by degree of obsession, from "Singular Sensations" and "Simply Chocolate" to the final chapter, "Chocolate Dementia." Yet one doesn't have to be crazed to tackle these recipes. Desaulniers shows, in simple steps (right down to the equipment list), how to murder one's diet with a dose of "Chocolate Demise," "Chocolate Devastation" or "Double Mocha Madness." Clear instructions, exquisite color photographs, the author's refreshing sense of humor and his gentility in acknowledging contributions from other pastry chefs combine to elevate this cookbook over many others specializing in chocolate.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description

This book is about obsession, cravings, and licit indulgences. It is about deliriously delicious, silkily sensuous, soul-stirring chocolate desserts, about Rabelaisian pleasures, and fantasies come true.

These seductive cakes, elegant ice creams, lustrous sauces, mouthwatering truffles, divine wafers, and unbelievably satisfying brownies are all from the kitchen of Marcel Desaulniers, a truly inspired chef.

At the Trellis Restaurant, in Colonial Williamsburg, Marcel Desaulniers has created a unique and innovative cuisine. One of the joys of the Trellis is its extraordinary desserts: Chocolate Phantasmagoria, White and Dark Chocolate Dacquoise, and Death by Chocolate — to name just a few. The recipes for these and other magnificent desserts are now revealed, detailed with foolproof, step-by-step instructions. Following the author's invaluable advice, the home cook can successfully create even the most elaborate of these chocolate wonders.

From a unique Chocolate Chip Cookie that will make all others pale by comparison to Simply the Best Chocolate Brownie, from Ebony and Ivory Chocolate Truffles to White Chocolate Ice Cream, from Double Mocha Madness to a fantastic Chocolate Wedding Cake, the kaleidoscopic glories of Marcel Desaulniers' chocolate repertoire are presented here in full color, each as delightful to make as it is to eat. This is a book for endless pleasure.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: Rizzoli International Publications; illustrated edition edition (May 15, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0847815641
• ISBN-13: 978-0847815647
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 10.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #356,679 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great presentation, not necessarily chocolate only, March 28, 2000

By	Eric J. Wu (cambridge, ma USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Book covers: chocolate fillings and toppings, cookies, truffles, mousse (non egg), lots of ice creams, brownies, tarts, souffles, layer cakes, and some fancy ways to put them together at the end.

I think this is a great book, maybe tied with 2nd among the chocolate books I own (behind cocolat, with Chocolate Bible, and better than int. cho. cookbook) Has a section on equipment but not ingredients.The presentation is absolutely beautiful, great photography and presentation of recipes. Recipes are written in a clear and easy to read manner. Nice little history and/or understanding of each recipe with each recipe. Lots of nice pictures illustrating technique There are actually a lot of barely-chocolate recipes in here, so keep that in mind. The recipes are definitely varied. Maybe the only thing is this book isn't quite as long as some of the others out there (just 143 pages). But that's sort of nitpicking.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Did Marcel Make a Deal with the Devil?, May 20, 2004

By	H. Grove "owling6683" (Maryland, USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Given the sumptuousness of the desserts found in this cookbook, the photo of slim, trim author Marcel Desaulniers found on the back cover flap simply astounds. What's that old saying? Never trust a skinny chef? Well Marcel must have diabolical connections, because after trying this cookbook I trust him completely when it comes to the kitchen!

When I first bought this cookbook I was in a lamentable phase where chocolate just seemed to be "too much" if it wasn't tempered with other flavors. Despite that I found much to love in this cookbook: Sliced Blood Oranges with White Chocolate Sauce and Caramel Banana Chocolate Chip Ice Cream are fabulous. Fresh Berry Tulip with White Chocolate "Ice Cream" is spectacular, strewn with strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries. Chilled Orange Cappuccino Cream with Grated Chocolate could melt you straight into a puddle. No matter what your dessert fetish, you'll find something for it here.

Each recipe comes with a delectable photo that will leave you reeling with choices. Do we make the Dark Chocolate and Pumpkin Cheesecake this weekend? Or the Tipsy Chocolate Pecan Crunch Ice Cream? We'd make both if it weren't for the fact that these are *not* light dishes by any stretch of the imagination.

At first the recipes may look daunting. Don't let this worry you, though. While some of these recipes are indeed complex, many of them are simple. And most of the long pages of directions are a result of the author's wish to detail every step with precision so that you *don't* get too confused or overwhelmed. Few of the recipes call for unusual ingredients (the blood orange recipe is one of them), and any equipment from the lists that you don't have you can probably substitute for (although it really helps to have a stand mixer).

Besides, how can you possibly resist recipes with names like: Danielle's Temptation. Caramel Rum Delerium Ice Cream Cake. Chocolate Demise. Chocolate Devastation. Chocolate Phantasmagoria (yum!). Double Mocha Madness. And of course, Death by Chocolate.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An indulgence for the eyes and palate, August 22, 1997

By A Customer

Marcel Desaulniers is self-described as being consumed and possibly driven by his passion for chocolate -- a trait that endears him to many. "Death By Chocolate" is an indulgence for all your senses. It's pages are filled with scintillating photographs of desserts so enticing it is difficult to decide where to begin. In addition to the beautiful photography, he has included chef's tips in sidebars to give presentation and storage helps. His recipes are indeed readable and easy to follow and once you finish a recipe, hold on for an intense chocolate experience. I got a headache after consuming one too many of "Granny Twichell's Cupcakes." If you are a true chocaholic you will understand the positive significance of that statement. This book is a necessity in my kitchen