In his foreword to this assembly of dark, divine chocolate masterpieces, chef Thomas Keller relates his first experience with the founders of Mast Brothers Chocolate, brothers Rick and Michael Mast--back when they carried out every step in the chocolate-making process, from roasting the beans to forming the bars, in their apartment. He admits to wondering initially if the brothers were just two more "hipster hobbyists" before extolling the reasons he was wrong, including their "authenticity and accountability."
Certainly the recipes in Mast Brothers Chocolate are the real thing, from the intense almost-fudge, almost-brownie experience of the flourless chocolate cake to the smooth simplicity of their homemade chocolate syrup. A few savory recipes take their place among the desserts, as does a chocolate Black Velvet cocktail, skillfully photographed so that the glass appears to emit its own seductive light. Be your favorite chocolate lover's hero with this elegant treat. --Jaclyn Fulwood, youth services manager at Latah County Library District and blogger at Infinite Reads