The Essence of Chocolate: Recipes for Baking and Cooking with Fine Chocolate

by Robert Steinberg, John Scharffenberger

The first cookbook from America's premier chocolate makers, filled with recipes, kitchen tips, and dazzling photographs

As Americans have become fascinated by chocolate, and especially high-quality chocolate, one name has risen above the rest: Scharffen Berger. Founded in 1996 by Robert Steinberg, a physician and amateur chef, and John Scharffenberger, an award-winning vintner, the company's confections have won a following among food professionals and home cooks alike. Now, in their first cookbook, the duo shares their passion with the world.

The Essence of Chocolate features more than one hundred spectacular -- and often simple -- recipes drawn from the Scharffen Berger files and from two dozen top pastry chefs. It is divided into three sections: "Intensely Chocolate," which includes such decadent treats as That Chocolate Cake, in which the sumptuous flavor of chocolate is the star; "Essentially Chocolate," with lighter chocolate desserts like White Velvet Cake with Milk Chocolate Ganache or Brown Butter Blondies; and "A Hint of Chocolate," with recipes that use chocolate's spicier qualities to their best effect, like Vegetarian Chili and John's Cocoa Rub. And all will work magnificently with any high-quality chocolate. Filled with helpful tips, sumptuous photographs, and the story of how chocolate is really made, here is a book that is every bit as seductive as its subject.

Robert Steinberg had been practicing medicine for twenty years when he went to France in 1994 to explore chocolate making, then returned to his own kitchen to create the first versions of what would be Scharffen Berger chocolate. He lives in San Francisco and until recently practicedat the San Francisco Free Clinic. John Scharffenberger founded Scharffenberger Cellars, one of the premier sparkling wine manufacturers in the United States. He sold his interest in the winery, and in 1996 he and Steinberg founded Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker. Scharffenberger lives in Berkeley and Mendocino County.

Genres: Cookbooks, Cooking, Food

384 pages, Hardcover

First published November 14, 2006

Reviews

[Robert Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars is a rarity from me, but frankly, I cannot find a fault or suggest an improvement for this chocolate compendium. This is far more than just a collection of recipes. It is just about as complete a book on the subject of cocoa and chocolate as can be imagined. The authors describe how they started their business, meet the growers, choose the cocoa and process it.

If you know he difference between "Molinillo" and "Monilia" and how they relate to chocolate, then this is for you. If you don't know, then you can find them in the Glossary of Terms.

Interspersed throughout are interesting "Legends & Lore" pages, describing myths of cocoa relating to historical figures, such as Montezuma, Maria Theresa and King Louis XIV. Did you know that brownies are named after tiny elfin characters from Palmer Cox’s popular cartoons and poems?

The recipes are divided into 3 sections. The first 2 are desserts. The third being savory, and it is here that the book really sets itself apart. Every recipe is a winner.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is truly a beautiful book. The photos, the story(ies) that is shared and how can delicious chocolate recipes not be beautiful too?

I picked up the book because a few recipes caught my eye quickly, and the authors explanation of who/why the recipe is included in the book makes each and every recipe intriguing right away. But, the stories shared with gorgeous photos has every reason for you to want to pick this book up to. I wasn't inclined to "read" the stories at first because I thought it was just going to be "propaganda" to use Scharfen Berger chocolate. The stories are about an amazing journey/reflective life period that led to the start of Schargen Berger chocolate.

I know all my baking chocoholic friends will not only appreciate this book but will fall in love with it and I have marked it as the gift I must give to all of them on their birthdays.

[Margaret Dayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chocolate is simply wonderful and presented clearly for enthusiasts to devour. This handy book covers everything easily and has great recipe ideas to keep you enchanted.

[Heatherterrybell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book!! So interesting. I didn’t know much about chocolate making but it was just great. Loved the recipes too.

[Liquidlasagna · Rating 4 out of 5]

judge the book by the chocolate cake recipe

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is fuel for the fire for anyone else having a love affair with chocolate. I loved the story of chocolate and learning how these 2 guys in CA started a chocolate production company. They were very dedicated. The recipes looked wonderful, too.

My disappointment came when I learned stuff about what happened to the company later. Sharffen Berger chocolate was bought by Nestle, and I understand that they're not that unique anymore. I should have seen the writing on the wall, Mr. Sharffenberger had already built a wine production company from the ground up and then sold it.

I guess I had a harder time believing the passion for chocolate they described in the book after learning that they didn't continue with it.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Besides the obvious attributes of delicious recipes and beautiful photography, the story Robert Steinberg tells of his journey from doctor to co-founder to Scharffen Berger Chocolates, which company was instrumental in US chocolate boom. To me, this was surprisingly touching and informative. He talked about this longing for something "to do" when he was no longer able to be a doctor and his discovery and appreciation of chocolate was enhanced when he learned the vocabulary of appreciation. That resonated with me.

While looking up the spelling of the chocolate company, I was saddened to find out Steinberg has died

[Jennifer Steinhoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know what you're thinking: She's reading a cookbook. Does that even count? Well, this was my favorite type of cookbook, it gave you recipes, but it also explained the history of the ingredients, how they're made, and so much more about Chocolate -- Urban ledgends, history of names (do you know why it's called Devil's Food Cake? I do), important events, and how chocolate affects people today (and not just pmsing women!) I highly recommend this book and I have a new appreciation for the wonderful product that comes from the blending of cocoa nibs and cocoa butter.

[Rachael Lauritzen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mmmmmm..... A very fine chocolate cookbook. The PB&C cookies are to die for--and you might just have a heart attack from all the butter, but you would die happy. Alice Medrich's Bittersweet is better for sheer volume (and quality) of recipes, but this is a fine addition to your cookbook shelf. Or you could just frame the cover art.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are into chocolates and would love to know more about it (from how it came about to the legends and lore of related stuff like Gianduja and Devil's food), you are in for a treat. This book is highly informative and with recipes contributed by various renowned chefs,makes it a must-have.

Complete the education with a chocolate factory tour!

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

For the chocolate pecan tart recipe alone!

[Talia]

If you love chocolate as much as me you should read this book and follow it's recipes, they are honestly to die for!

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

luv these recipes!!!!!

<3 that chocolate cake

i'm eating a cocoa ice pop now!

[TammyJo Eckhart · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can find my full review here: http://thechocolatecult.blogspot.com/...

[Evalyn]

Signed Edition

[Rebekah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful pictures. Inspiring recipes- simple and creative.

[Kim · Rating 1 out of 5]

Hoity-toity.

[Beka · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of information about chocolate making with some very good recipes.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Couldn't keep it long enough to try any recipes, but interesting history of chocolate and of the company.

[Mariah · Rating 3 out of 5]

so much chocolate! Also so much I didn't know about cocoa.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

met the man, read the book, ate the chocolate. what more can i say??

[Marissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Love This Book!
I can't whit to try all the recipes.

My Rating 10/10.