La Maison du Chocolat: Transcendent Desserts by the Legendary Chocolatier (Hardcover)

~ Robert Linxe (Author), Michele Carles (Photographer)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Fans of high-end chocolate delights have long flocked to Robert Linxe's La Maison du Chocolat, a Paris-based confection-boutique "chain." La Maison du Chocolat, blissfully photo-illustrated in color, offers readers an introduction to Linxe's art and craft, plus 65 recipes for a wide range of treats, from candies and cakes to creams, mousses, soufflés, and more. Though not difficult in themselves, the recipes are sometimes flawed (baking sheets, for example, are called for when baking pans are required, and dimensions for these are frequently omitted). Experienced bakers can fill in the blanks, but the rest of us will probably do best to enjoy the book as a record of one man's passion and its mouthwatering realization.

Beginning with a paean to Linxe's artisanal skill--he's been called the sorcerer of ganache--the book then provides an investigation of chocolate bean types, each of which has its own role in the chocolate-making process, plus a glimpse at Linxe's exacting candy-making process. The recipes come next, and include such temptations as Chocolate-Almond Cake with Lemon Cream, Extra-Rich Brownies, Chocolate Raspberry Mousse, and Bittersweet Chocolate-Nut Candy. A chapter on frozen desserts and beverages, which includes a definitive hot chocolate recipe, follows, as does a section on basic preparations and techniques, like tempering. Interspersed throughout are introductions to the extraordinary (and wonderfully named) Linxe confections, such as the chocolate-mint Zagora. These further disable readers already wobbly from the chocolate euphoria Linxe's candies--and now his book--provide. --Arthur Boehm

Product Description

Every exquisite delicacy created by the world-renowned La Maison du Chocolat is unrivaled chocolate perfection. Made only of the purest, freshest ingredients, legendary chocolatier Robert Linxe's mouthwatering confections are noble, artistic creations that capture the essence of chocolate in its truest form and exalt its taste in every memorable, undiluted bite.

Now, for the first time ever, Linxe reveals his bewitching chocolate dessert recipes and chocolate-making knowledge in this sumptuously photographed volume. Here, he shares his philosophy, his vision as artisan-creator, his high standards of quality, his use of the purest ingredients, and his chocolate innovations and secrets. With 65 recipes-all beloved classics with the remarkable Linxe touch-from the ultimate chocolate profiterole to the most tender chocolate cake-this impressive volume is the definitive word on the subject and an irresistible treat for cooks, brides-to-be, and the millions of chocophiles worldwide.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Rizzoli (February 3, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0847823431
• ISBN-13: 978-0847823437
• Product Dimensions: 11.5 x 9.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #542,319 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars a beautiful book but......, May 8, 2001

By	glouise (Upstate New York United States) - See all my reviews

An absolutly gorgerous book. I think I am a little greedy in that I was expecting more from this book. I believe there are around 60 recipes. Some are divine, some were the standards found in many books and some I don't think were worth putting in(like chocolate dipped dried fruit). There are numerous lush pictures and poetic discriptions of candies made at La Maison Du Chocolat but no actual recipes or guidelines for candy making. Although I may sound critical, the book is truly beautiful and one can sense the author's passion for his art.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Temptation by Choclate, March 31, 2001

By A Customer

This is one of the most magnificently illustrated books I have ever seen. It makes you want to either run out and buy a box of the best choclates or whip up some of the decadent brownies. Although the recipes may seem intimidating for a beginner, most of them can be easily accomplised by the home baker. The chocolate almond cake is divine. So is the chocolate rasberry mousse. My only problem with this book was that there was no section with information about chocolate and the different kinds available and their particular features.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars "A bit egotistical, but a worthy gift", February 18, 2005

By	Keith (Michigan, USA) - See all my reviews

I agree with reviwers' comments on the photography - exceptional shots of works of art. I have been working with pastry and food for 12 years, and recommend this book as an excellent gift for someone. Constructively speaking however, it is not perfect. There are typographical errors, most trivial, several in recipes (not trivial). I thought the format a bit too much 'coffee table', and the fonts used too small and hard to read for some small neasures. The small fonts also wasted paper - large sections of blank paper in the pages. Regardless, the recipes are excellent and flavorful - don't be afraid to use the chocolate you have available. As a companion book, take a look at 'Belgian Chocolates' by Roger Geerts (1990). They are a great set!