This book covers everything you need to know about chocolate: how to choose it; melt it; cook with it; drink it; and, above all, how to enjoy it. It is the fascinating history of the humble cocoa bean and how it is transformed into a wide variety of chocolate products. It contains over 200 exquisite chocoholic recipes, from Mexican Hot Chocolate to Chocolate Profiteroles and everything in between. It is illustrated with a wealth of archive material, specially commissioned photography of the world’s best chocolate products, and irresistible recipe images. It is a must-have volume for chocoholics everywhere. Chocolate is one of the most luxurious, indulgent foods in existence. This book explains how the Aztecs introduced the cocoa bean to the European explores of the sixteenth century, and why we crave chocolate, what it consists of, and its therapeutic qualities. There are over 200 of the most luscious delights imaginable, such as Black Forest Gateau, Mississippi Mud Pie and Chocolate Chestnut Roulade. Step-by-step techniques show how to temper, melt, drizzle, pipe, marble, curl, scroll, coat, grate and decorate with chocolate. There is also a chapter on sauces, frostings and icings. All you ever wanted to know about chocolate is contained within this essential volume.