Just in time for the colder weather comes a fabulous collection of the ultimate, decadent hot beverage. When the chill hits, nothing warms you like hot chocolate and if you thought there was only one way to make it, think again. In this collection, you'll find traditional old fashioned recipes for this perennial winter favorite, along with creative nouvelle variations you've never even dreamed of. (Hint: Your spice cabinet will get a good workout with some of these recipes, with surprisingly delicious results - try these recipes, you'll like them - chocolate is an amazingly versatile ingredient).

The entire family will love this book as there are kid friendly versions of this classic drink, gourmet versions that will appeal to culinary adventurers, as well as adults only alcoholic versions of hot chocolate. The author has searched the country (and the globe) for some of the best gourmet hot chocolate recipes available from the best chocolatiers. As well as recipes you'll find a short history of chocolate, plus tutorial chapters that each you everything you could possibly need to know (and then some) about hot drinking chocolate, as well as tons of innovative hot chocolate recipes, and a short chapter of goodies to go with your hot chocolate (cookies, pastries and other sweet treats).

If you are into gourmet coffees or teas, then hot chocolate is surely the next hot beverage frontier and you owe yourself a copy of this beautiful book. The book also makes a nice holiday gift or addition to a gift basket with some quality chocolate, spices and other ingredients hot chocolate connoisseurs can use to put its pages to good use.

Recipe Chapters Include:

• Sources and Origins: Ancestral Hot Chocolates - The Pieces of Antiquity, and The Mestizo Legacy
• Brave Old World - European Classics
• Haute Chocolate -- Modern Variations
• For Adults Only - Spiked Hot Chocolates
• Second Childhood - Nostalgic Hot Chocolates
• Convivial Companions - Hot Chocolate Pairings

Sample Recipes:
See the Related Recipes box below for sample recipes from this book.