Absolutely Chocolate: Book Review &
2 Year Blogaversary Giveaway

Absolutely Chocolate

Absolutely Chocolate: Irresistible Excuses To Indulge
From The Authors Of Fine Cooking

Today, dear friends, you are in for a treat. We have a new guest reviewer in our midst. It isn’t Legend. It isn’t Tsunami. It’s Prince Charming – a self-proclaimed chocaholic whose passion for chocolate is second to none!

Prince Charming received this honor because, from the moment he laid eyes on the cookbook, he claimed it for his own. He not only coveted it – he fast fingered it too! The book mysteriously disappeared from my desk shortly after its arrival in my home – resurfacing in my presence only as-needed. Whenever my royal troops tried to retrieve the book – his armies quickly countered. Finally, the Paper Princess issued an edict: Return It or Review It! Prince Charming recognized creme de la creme when he saw it, so chose the latter – thus, a new blogger and book reviewer is born!

So – enjoy the review. Enter the giveaway. Try the recipes and tips we’ll be sharing. And, support our sponsor, the fabulous The Taunton Press, by visiting their website and treating yourself, your family, and your friends to their fabulous books, DVDs, and magazines!

Absolutely Chocolate – Book Review

When I evaluate a cookbook, I have very simple philosophy.  I hope to find one or two recipes I like and possibly some ideas that I can incorporate into my own creations.

I set my standards high. Many books miss the mark. When it comes to Absolutely Chocolate – Irresistible Excuses To Indulge, however, the editors of Fine Cooking have absolutely exceeded my expectations!

When the book arrived, the first thing I did was to scan the recipes. At first, I was so overwhelmed by the sumptuous photography and the incredible selection of chocolate choices, I decided to go slow. I went back to the beginning and read the Introduction and the Tips scattered throughout the book. I am so glad I did! Reading these portions of the book is akin to taking a crash course in the art of chocolate. It helped me to understand some of the errors I have made in the past and gave me the confidence to tackle more challenging recipes in the future.

After reading the Introduction and the Tips, I was eager to try my first recipe. I sweet-talked The Paper Princess into helping me bake:

  • Brown Butter Banana Cake with Chocolate Chips (recipe forthcoming)

The recipe was delicious! The instructions were clear and easy to follow. The cake was unbelievably moist, with just the right balance between the banana and chocolate flavors. I wasn’t the only one who was left pining for more when the cake was done. My wife liked it so much, we made it twice!

Chocolate Chip Butter Pund CakeChocolate Chip Butter Pound Cake
One of 125 Amazing Recipes in Absolutely Chocolate

Being somewhat skeptical about our good fortune right out of the gate, The Paper Princess and I tested two more recipes:

Each creation came out extremely well, producing delectable treats with very good flavors and textures. I should note that most of the recipes don’t call for chocolate chips – most use chocolate – but I chose these three recipes because I had an abundance of chocolate chips on hand.

Based on my experience, I cannot say enough good things about Absolutely Chocolate! I have yet to find a recipe that has not tasted delicious or turned out well. With over 125 amazing recipes to try, the only decision is what to make next!

Overall Rating
Five Stars Out Of Five Stars

 

2 Year Blogaversary Giveaway

It’s hard to believe, but on October 4th, Create With Joy will be two years old! To celebrate, I would like to offer you the chance to win your very own copy of Absolute Chocolate! This contest is open to ALL of my followers – US and International, old and new. Thank you for your support – you are the BEST!

Giveaway Rules

To enter this giveaway, please leave a SEPARATE COMMENT with your NAME and CONTACT INFORMATION for each entry that you complete. I will notify the winner by E-MAIL, so make sure to include this information in your entries!

1. Required: Follow Create With Joy on GFC, Twitter, and/or by E-Mail Subscription. You will receive 1 entry for each method you choose. Please leave your GFC Name, Twitter ID, and/or E-Mail Subscription Address in your entry for verification purposes.

2. Optional: Share this giveaway with your friends! You can do this by sharing it on your blog – on Facebook – or on your favorite Giveaway Links. You will receive 1 entry for each place you share. Be sure to include a verifiable link with each entry.

3. Optional: Share this giveaway on Twitter using the tweet below! You can tweet up to three times a day. You will receive 1 entry per verified tweet.

Please Copy & Paste The Following Tweet For Your Twitter Entries

#Win Absolutely Chocolate via http://bit.ly/rffXyN @createwithjoy1 #Recipes #Chocolate #Parties #Gifts #Contests #Cookbooks

The Fine Print

This giveaway will close on October 8, 2011. The winner will be chosen using a Random Number Generator. Once I have verified that the winner has complied with the contest requirements, I will contact them via e-mail and announce the winner on the blog. I will then forward their contact information to the publicist at The Taunton Press, who is responsible for mailing and distributing the prize.

** BEST OF LUCK TO YOU ALL **


Disclosure Of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book from The Taunton Press for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review, and was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely those of the reviewer.

190 Responses to “Absolutely Chocolate: Book Review &
2 Year Blogaversary Giveaway”

Read below or add a comment...

  1. Grace.B says:

    Hello Joy,

    I love chocolate, I’m a new follower from the saturday smile blog hop !

  2. Lisa says:

    HI! Thanks for the heads up about the giveaway – the book looks awesome. I’m a follower on GFC as “Lisa”! 🙂

  3. Lisa says:

    HI again! I’m also a follower on twitter as @lifefulllaugh! 🙂

  4. Lisa says:

    I tweeted about the giveaway! Hope you get lots of comments! Here is the link – http://twitter.com/#!/LifefullLaugh/status/115283164947165184

  5. Lisa says:

    Okay, last entry, lol! I posted on Facebook about the giveaway too – http://www.facebook.com/lisa.martin.woodruff/posts/278066172221985

  6. Beth Ann Chiles says:

    Awesome give away!!! Looks like a winner! Hopping over to check out The Taunton Press now and tweeting the giveaway so others can share in the fun!!! I am already following via email subscription: beth.chiles@gmail.com!!!

  7. Laura says:

    2 years-Congrats! Also, thanks for linking up for Footloose and Fancy Free:)

  8. Congratulations on the 2 year anniversary. If you are like me, it is hard to believe that you have been blogging for 2 years.

    I saw the picture of the Chocolate Chip Butter Pound Cake in the wee a.m. and it made me so hungry. I could see the chocolate hovering under the surface beckoning to be eaten. I am so willing to accommodate!

    I am your Google Follower

    @TheRedheadRiter

  9. Shared on Facebook

    RedheadRiter on FB
    @TheRedheadRiter on Twitter

  10. Angie says:

    oh my gosh! Love baking with CHOCOLATE!!

    I follow you via GFC… aaramirez3@live.tom via ANGIE

    Thanks for linking up with us on the hop!

    Thanks,
    Angie
    http://www.littleinspiration.com

  11. Angie says:

    I follow you via Twitter.. BlogALI aaramirez3@live.com

  12. amy says:

    I’m your GFC follower. name–Amy Tong

    amy [at] utry [dot] it

  13. amy says:

    Following you on Twitter @utry_it
    amy [at] utry [dot] it

  14. amy says:

    Tweeted about this giveaway and here’s the link: https://twitter.com/#!/uTry_it/status/115586450795413507

    amy [at] utry [dot] it.

    Happy 2 year blogaversary to you! 🙂

  15. Vicky says:

    Happy Blogaversary! I am visiting from the Stop and Stumble and have stumbled this post. If you have a chance and can stumble http://www.messforless.net/2011/09/color-drop-game.html that would be great.

  16. pesonabutizadotcom says:

    Happy Blogaversary 🙂 Btw, the cake look nice and I’m sure it tasted good as well 🙂 Visiting from Alexa Drop Hop and a new follower on GFC 🙂

    Mommy Blogger (pesonabutiza.com) Cheers!

  17. angie says:

    follow on twitter @shopannies
    shopannies@yahoo.com

  18. @_eHope says:

    HaPpY 2nd Blogaverary!!

    i Follow Create With Joy on GFC {faith hope cherrytea}

  19. @_eHope says:

    i follow on twitter =))

  20. Melissa says:

    Hi! I just discovered this wonderful site!

    I would love to win, so I’ll cross my fingers. Thanks for the tasty giveaway!

    I am now a GFC follower (squeaky clean reads)

    ~Melissa
    melissaATsqueakycleanreadsDOTcom

  21. I love anything chocolate~ Happy Blogaversary; its 2 days before my daughters 1st birthday! Enjoy your day!

  22. Congrats on 2 years! I’m a GFC follower – Morsels of Life

  23. gfc follower – gustosa giveaways

    aileen
    gustosagiveaways atymaildotcom

  24. @gustosagiveaway – twitter follower

    aileen
    gustosagiveaways atymaildotcom

  25. email subscriber

    aileen
    gustosagiveaways atymaildotcom

  26. I don’t know if I will enter your giveaway. I am trying to lose weight and this book will not help that.. not a much as I like chocolate! I might do it anyway….
    I am here from Tuesday Train. Please come visit @ http://www.happyfamilyhappykids.blogspot.com

  27. Sounds like a fabulous cookbook – and with my favorite ingredient, too – thanks for sharing your review! 🙂

    Visiting from the HHHop.

    Recent Post:Turn Dinner into a World Adventure

  28. Trudy says:

    Yum.. This cookbook looks so good. I want to win. I followed on GFC
    tzufelt05atyahoodotcom

  29. Trudy says:

    Followed you on Twitter under @boystobooks
    tzufelt05atyahoodotcom

  30. Mandy says:

    I’m following on GFC.

    aandj8804[at]gmail.com

  31. jessica edwards says:

    gfc

  32. Kaye Swain - SandwichINK for the Sandwich Generation says:

    Hi, I’m now following you on Twitter. @SandwichINK. My whole Sandwich Generation family LOVES chocolate so this is definitely an extra fun contest. Thanks 🙂

  33. Aik says:

    I’m a GFC follower. Thanks for this giveaway! 🙂

  34. Michelle says:

    I am a new follower. I would love if you could follow me back 🙂

  35. Happy Blogaversary! I love, love, love all things chocolate! I certainly hope I’m the winner!

    New GFC follower. Great tiveaway!

    Stacey – justsayitoldyouso(at)gmail(dot)com

  36. Mia McGregor says:

    Would love to win this! Following you on GFC

Trackbacks

  1. […] and encouragement these past two years, I am giving away a copy of Taunton Press’s fabulous Absolutely Chocolate Cookbook! Whether you are a chocolate lover, a bakerella, a bibliophile or a gift-seeker – this is one […]

  2. […] With Joy — Absolutely Chocolate ends […]



Leave a Reply to gustosa giveaways Cancel reply

*

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.