Quick Take

From simple sweets to complex confections, create dazzling desserts with this beautifully illustrated chocolate cookbook from a baking "legend" ( New Yorker ).Maida Heatter is one of the most trusted and beloved cookbook authors of all time. Her recipes, each a modern classic, have inspired extraordinary bakers such as Dorie Greenspan, Christina Tosi, and David Lebovitz, whose foreword introduces the joy of baking with Maida to a new generation.Throughout Maida's nearly 50-year career as a "genius" of baking ( New York Times ), one thing was her passion for chocolate. She created hundreds of recipes for chocolate cakes, puddings, pies, cookies, and more. Now, Chocolate Is Forever collects her very best, most irresistibly chocolatey delights-including The World's Best Hot Fudge Sauce.Developed for foolproof baking by anyone, each of these nearly 100 recipes is written with Maida's warm but no-nonsense instructions and carries her guarantee that it will work perfectly every time. With recipes ranging from simple cupcakes and fudgy brownies to decadent flourless cakes, this book is a must-have in every chocolate-lover's kitchen.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Chocolate Is Forever: Classic Cakes, Cookies, Pastries, Pies, Puddings, Candies, Confections, and More

Introduction

"Chocolate Is Forever: Classic Cakes, Cookies, Pastries, Pies, Puddings, Candies, Confections, and More" by Maida Heatter is a delightful cookbook that celebrates the art of baking with chocolate. This beautifully illustrated book collects Heatter's best chocolate recipes, ranging from simple sweets to complex confections. With her warm but no-nonsense instructions and a guarantee of foolproof results, Heatter has created a must-have cookbook for every chocolate lover's kitchen. In this article, we will explore the book's content, author Maida Heatter's background, readers' opinions, and the reasons why this book stands out among others.

About Maida Heatter

Maida Heatter was an American pastry chef and cookbook author who specialized in baking and desserts. With her expertise and passion for chocolate, Heatter created hundreds of recipes that have inspired countless bakers. Her cookbooks have received numerous accolades, including three James Beard Foundation Awards. Heatter was inducted into the Who's Who of Food & Beverage in America in 1988 and the Chocolatier Magazine Hall of Fame. Her legacy lives on through her delicious chocolate creations and the joy she brought to bakers around the world.

Analysis of Views

Comprehensive Recipes: Readers appreciate the wide range of recipes in "Chocolate Is Forever." From simple cupcakes and fudgy brownies to decadent flourless cakes, this book offers something for every chocolate enthusiast. The recipes are well-tested and ensure successful results every time.
Technique Tips: Heatter includes valuable tips and techniques throughout the book to help bakers achieve optimal results. These tips cover everything from selecting ingredients and equipment to baking methods and storage. They are especially helpful for beginners or those looking to improve their baking skills.
Engaging Stories: Readers enjoy the personal stories behind some of the cakes featured in the book. The anecdotes add a touch of charm and make the recipes more relatable. For example, the story behind the Robert Redford cake adds a sense of nostalgia and intrigue.
Versatility of Recipes: The variety of chocolate-based recipes in this book is a major draw for readers. From cookies and bars to pastries, pies, puddings, and candies, there is something for every occasion. The inclusion of drinks and confections adds even more depth to the collection.
Easy-to-Follow Instructions: Heatter's instructions are clear and easy to understand. The step-by-step guidance ensures that even novice bakers can successfully recreate these delicious chocolate creations. The book's layout makes it easy to navigate and find specific recipes based on occasion or preference.

Reasons for Recommendation

Expertise of Maida Heatter: Maida Heatter's expertise as a pastry chef and her passion for chocolate shine through in this book. Her extensive experience in baking and desserts is evident in the quality of the recipes and the attention to detail in her instructions.
Wide Range of Recipes: The inclusion of a diverse range of chocolate-based recipes makes this book a valuable addition to any kitchen library. From classic cakes to unique confections, readers can explore different styles and techniques while enjoying the delicious flavors of chocolate.
Comprehensive Tips and Techniques: Heatter's tips and techniques provide valuable insights for both beginners and experienced bakers. These tips cover everything from selecting ingredients to achieving optimal results, making this book a valuable resource for anyone interested in baking with chocolate.
Engaging Stories and Personal Touch: The personal stories behind some of the cakes featured in the book add a touch of charm and make the recipes more relatable. Readers appreciate the sense of nostalgia and intrigue that these stories bring to the experience of baking with chocolate.
Versatility and Flexibility: The versatility of the recipes in "Chocolate Is Forever" allows readers to experiment with different flavors, textures, and presentations. Whether it's a special occasion or a casual gathering, there is a chocolate creation to suit every occasion.

Conclusion

"Chocolate Is Forever: Classic Cakes, Cookies, Pastries, Pies, Puddings, Candies, Confections, and More" by Maida Heatter is a must-have cookbook for anyone who loves chocolate and baking. With its comprehensive recipes, expertise from a pastry chef legend, engaging stories, versatility of options, and comprehensive tips and techniques, this book offers something for everyone who wants to indulge in delicious chocolate creations. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced baker, this cookbook will inspire you to explore new flavors, techniques, and ideas while creating mouthwatering chocolate treats that will satisfy your cravings and delight your taste buds.