Description:
Chocoholics beware; All About Chocolate will likely make you drool all over the pages until you can get your next fix of cocoa heaven. This is a mini-encyclopedia of chocolate history, terminology, trivia, and, of course, rich, chocolatey recipes. Initially taking the form of a dictionary, the book contains A-to-Z listings of chocolate expressions and general chocolate lore. Did you know, for example, that nacional is a variety of the forastero cacao bean found in Ecuador? When cultivated, it produces a wonderfully delicate type of cocoa. The book traces chocolate history right back to the 7th century, when the Maya migrated to the Yucatan peninsula in Mexico and established the first cacao plantations. We are then whisked through several centuries of chocolate evolution right up to modern times, when chocolate is undoubtedly one of the Western world's most craved treats. Happily for us, chocolate may even have some proven health benefits! Yes, really! That feeling of well-being when nibbling on a succulent piece of chocolate is more than mental. Endorphins contained within chocolate transmit feelings of euphoria to the brain--making everything seem good with the world. Plus, cocoa butter contains no cholesterol, so although chocolate isn't exactly slimming, it at least contains the right kind of fat! Enlightening us about chocolate festivals, chocolate factories, chocolate schools, chocolate organizations, and with recipes for Hot Fudge Sauce, Chocolate Pound Cake, French Chocolate Macaroons, and many more, All About Chocolate is a sweet delight. --Naomi Gesinger
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