B will cast a S-P-E-L-L on middle-grade readers in this funny, fast-paced series!Eleven year-old Beatrix, B for short, is a witch with a quirky talent. When she spells out words, magic spells take shape!B's dad's job at Enchanted Chocolates has always been a great thing -- who doesn't like free candy and special tours of a chocolate factory? But when something goes wrong with the new batch of treats, there's nothing sweet about it! Everyone seems to be losing their magic touch -- can B whip up a solution, or could this spell the E-N-D of witches?

This book provides an overview of the science and technology of chocolate manufacture from cocoa production, through the manufacturing processes, to the sensory, nutrition and health aspects of chocolate consumption. It covers cocoa cultivation and production with special attention paid to cocoa bean composition, genotypic variations in the bean, post-harvest pre-treatments, fermentation and drying processes, and the biochemical basis of these operations. The scientific principles behind industrial chocolate manufacture are outlined with detailed explanations of the various stages of chocolate manufacturing including mixing, refining, conching and tempering. Other topics covered include the chemistry of flavour formation and development during cocoa processing and chocolate manufacture; volatile flavour compounds and their characteristics and identification; sensory descriptions and character; and flavour release and perception in chocolate. The nutritional and health benefits of cocoa and chocolate consumption are also addressed. There is a focus throughout on those factors that influence the flavour and quality characteristics of the finished chocolate and that provide scope for process optimization and improvement. The book is designed to be a desk reference for all those engaged in the business of making and using chocolate worldwide; confectionery and chocolate scientists in industry and academia; students and practising food scientists and technologists; nutritionists and other health professionals; and libraries of institutions where food science is studied and researched. an overview of the science behind chocolate manufacture covers the whole process from cocoa production, through manufacturing, to the nutrition and health aspects of chocolate consumption focuses on factors that influence chocolate flavour and quality, and that provide scope for process optimization and improvement.

The most stylish, approachable, and mouth-watering chocolate cookbook ever, from award-winning chocolatier Fran Bigelow In 1982, Fran Bigelow proudly opened the doors to Fran’s Chocolates, a boutique storefront styled after European chocolate salons, where she could showcase the pure flavors of the exquisite confections she had spent years perfecting. Chocolate lovers in Seattle immediately beat a path to Madison Street to taste desserts as wonderful as anything in Paris or Belgium. Over the past two decades, Fran Bigelow has grown into a world-class chocolatier, operating two elegant shops that enjoy cult status in Seattle and beyond, by way of her mail-order and Internet business. Now, in her debut cookbook, Fran reveals the magic behind her addictive creations: how she manipulates a few ingredients—butter, cream, eggs, sugar, salt, vanilla, and nuts—to create sublime textures and highlight pure flavors in her elegant modern desserts. The seventy-five recipes included here range from extravagant celebration cakes and holiday specialties (White Chocolate Torte or Souffléd Chocolate Mocha Roll); to European style fruit and nut tarts (Chocolate Cherry Tart or Milk Chocolate Crème Fraîche Tart), soufflés, cheesecakes (White Chocolate Brie Cheesecake, a Fran specialty), homemade ice creams (Dark Chocolate and Ginger Bombe), and extraordinary renditions of American classics, including brownies, chocolate cookies, the ultimate hot fudge sauce, and a chocolate milkshake that will instantly transport you back to childhood. Fran also tells you everything you need to know about chocolate, from the different styles of chocolate-making employed in Europe, South America, and the U.S. (and how each result in different flavors), to deciphering labels (which ingredients enhance meltability, for example), and how the amount of cocoa in different brands and styles of chocolate influences the final taste of a dessert. You will learn how to taste a truffle—preferably in two bites—and the language of chocolate “signs,” the squiggles atop candies. Recipes for some of Fran’s award-winning confections are also included here: chocolate cherries and nut clusters; chocolate stuffed fruits; easy cocoa-dusted truffles; and more ambitious dipped truffles featuring liqueurs, coffee, vanilla, and other chocolate-friendly ingredients; and chocolate fondue, a perfect party dessert for children and adults alike. Whether you are a cocoa connoisseur or devotee of the cacao bean with cravings that won’t quit,Pure Chocolateis a must-have for any chocolate aficionado.

Chocolate is not just a food, it is a passion. But how does the unprepossessing cocoa bean make the transformation from tree to truffle?

Today's special: A slice of insight and a scoop of wisdom, with some laughter on the side Deanna Davis is no stranger to tough times. Like the rest of us, she's faced her share of heartache, self-doubt, and professional obstacles among other challenges. In this inspiring new guide, she mixes together all the best ingredients-good humor, a dollop of wisdom, and powerful insights from the worlds of Positive Psychology and neuroscience-to serve up practical strategies for transforming your life, no matter how warmed-over everything around you (and inside you) might seem. With humor, honesty, and a down-to-earth, relatable style, Davis shares stories and insights that address the issues real women face every day-from balancing family needs with personal and professional ones, and stealing a few moments of quiet every now and then, to getting through the rough patches that every relationship sometimes throws us. Celebrating the importance of mindful living, the power of friendships, and the undeniable benefits of a good laugh (and, every now and then, a good cry), this is just the satisfying read we need for these tough times.

New York Times bestselling author Ron Douglas serves more than 200 copycat dessert recipes from your family’s favorite restaurants! More than a million home chefs across the country have enjoyed America’s Most Wanted Recipes, More of America’s Most Wanted Recipes, and America’s Most Wanted Recipes Without the Guilt, in which author Ron Douglas uncovers the best of the best recipes from hundreds of popular restaurants, including Applebee’s, Arby’s, Baskin- Robbins, The Cheesecake Factory, Chili’s, IHOP, and more. Within the pages of his fantastic cookbook series, they’ve found the answer to that daily, nagging question: What can I cook at home that will taste just as good and be just as much of a treat as eating out? America’s Most Wanted Recipes Just Desserts features more copycat recipes, this time for the sweetest treats from some of the most deliciously decadent menus available. Ron has perfected his versions of recipes from more than seventy-five different billion-dollar establishments. Think Applebee’s Deadly Chocolate Sin, The Cheesecake Factory’s Banana Cream Cheesecake, and Cracker Barrel’s Banana Pudding. Just Desserts will cover what Ron’s rapidly growing fan base craves: inexpensive, easy, and delicious dishes that the whole family can enjoy. Perfect for satisfying sweet tooths—at home and minus the cost of eating out. Holidays, birthday parties, and impromptu dinner parties will be even more fun to prepare and more memorable. Sweet!

Don’t diet, don’t sacrifice, and don’t waste money or time on expensive weight-loss foods. In fact, you can start dropping pounds today while eating all your favorite foods—from pizza and pasta to burgers, and even dessert. From the editors of the bestselling series Eat This, Not That! comes a unique diet program that strips away added sugars and melts fat—from your belly first. The trick: a series of simple swaps that will ensure you’re eating the very best options from your favorite restaurants and grocery store brands. Discover how easy it is to indulge your way to a flat belly while protecting your brain and striking a blow against heart disease, diabetes, and more.