THE SWEET LIFE
KATE ZUCKERMAN
ISBN # 10: 0-8212-5744-7
ISBN # 13: 978-0-8212-5744-9
October 2006
Bulfinch Press, Hatchette Book Group USA
1271 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020
Hardcover
$35.00
224 pages
Cookbook
Rating: 5 Cups
Chanterelle is a much-lauded restaurant in New York City that has been mentioned in many movies and television programs. Kate Zuckerman is the pastry chef for Chanterelle. The fact that she is willing to share her much beloved recipes is remarkable. There are many different types of treats presented in this book. Everything a dessert connoisseur can think of, from cookies and puddings, to soufflés is represented more than admirably.
The book begins with an insightful introduction that provides a bit of the chef’s history. Following the introduction is a listing of ingredients, tools, terms, and procedures with which many may be previously unfamiliar. Tarts are the first desserts addressed and the tart section gives an in depth look at chocolate, including the many types of chocolate and how it is grown. The mouth-watering cake section is next. After that comes the cookie recipes, including one for crispy chewy chocolate chip cookies that I can assure you taste incredible.
The portion that describes recipes for custards, puddings, crèmes and mousses, contains tips on how to cook caramel successfully. Many cooks are terrified to attempt making soufflés at home, yet Ms. Zuckerman presents recipes and directions that make them seem entirely possible to create. Guidelines are included with easily understood recipes for ice creams, sorbets, and other frozen desserts. There are also sections that give recipes for roasted fruits and fruit soups, as well as delicious looking chocolates and candies. Finally, the book ends with sauces and accompaniments used to complete some of the recipes.
Cookbooks can be a challenge to evaluate as taste is an individual matter. However, the desserts presented here are so magnificent I cannot imagine anyone who would not like most of them. The Sweet Life contains recipes so sublime as to send anyone trying the results into raptures of gourmet delight. An added bonus is that Ms. Zuckerman has included specific directions for any cooking processes that are needed, as well as a list of places to find unusual ingredients, which enhances the likelihood that anyone wishing to do so will be able to create them. This book would make a wonderful gift for anyone who loves to cook who also appreciates fine cuisine.
Susan
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance
Reviewer for Karen Find Out About New Books
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