Seven Sins of Chocolate by Laurent Schott
This is an oversize, somewhat cumbersome cookbook, so some patrons may be reluctant to check it out, but it is well worth it! The recipes at first glance all seem complicated, and some no doubt are, but others are more doable for an average baker. Each chapter is dedicated to one of the seven deadly sins — for instance, Gluttony, accompanied by this quote from Saint Augustine: “Lord! Who has not eaten a little more than is strictly necessary?” Recipes include Chocolate and Poached Pear Tart, Twelfth Night Cake, and Viennese Chocolate Sables, but also Chocolate-nut Cookies and Brownies. I found a recipe for Chocolate Orange Tuiles that I made for an event. If you need a recipe for a special occasion treat, or as a gift, give this book a try. The photography in the book is beautiful, too.