As a young pâtisserie chef, Eric was taught how to make chocolate and he went on to train as an apprentice chocolatier. He has since been fascinated by this ingredient, making it his mission to master the techniques of molding, blending, shaping and baking with chocolate. Now you can share Eric's passion as he reveals his tried-and-tested techniques with this new selection of chocolate-based recipes, from quick bakes, cakes and simple sauces to show-stopping party pieces and after dinner treats, all with easy-to-follow methods and helpful tips.With foolproof recipes and gorgeous photography by Kate Whitaker, this is a must-have cookbook for chocolate-lovers everywhere.
Eric Lanlard, veteran of Baking Mad and Glamour Puds television series, has compiled an indulgent compendium for his most loved baking ingredient: chocolate. Lanlard’s fascination with chocolate is firmly rooted in his childhood, and his enthusiasm for the precious commodity is infectious.
The book begins with A Brief History of Chocolate: a concise insight into its ancient beginnings (uses varied widely from aphrodisiac to currency). The following introductory chapters, Know Your Chocolate and Working with Chocolate, cover essential techniques for selecting, storing and manipulating chocolate.
Having covered the basics, Lanlard gets down to some serious baking; the recipes are split across four chapters, with clear instructions (handy lines split the recipes into sections for easy reading), insightful tips and tantalising photographs from Kate Whitaker.
From the Bakery covers humble buns, nibbles and bling cakes. My favourites are the decedent Salted Butter Caramel Cake and nutty Chocolate and Pistachio Biscotti.
Desserts & Puddings is comprised of show-stopping recipes that are guaranteed to impress, Chocolate and Banana Tarte Tatin is surprisingly easy and deeply satisfying, whilst the White Chocolate and Passion Fruit Cheesecake is bursting with flavour and colour.
Truffles & Treats is packed with chocolates and sweats from the traditional to more experimental (see Lapsang-Souchong Pralines) that, wrapped up in a smart box or jar, would make fantastic presents. Lanlard finishes off the book with Drinks, Spreads & Sauces, which features the ancient Spicy ‘Aztec’ Hot Chocolate, laced with nutmeg and cinnamon, it is the perfect restorative at the end of long day, and rich enough to satisfy even the most ardent chocoholic.
No matter how much I have eaten, I can always find room for chocolate. Lanlard’s Chocolat is an inspiring collection from a Master Pâtissier.