Desserts

* Maida Heatter’s Book of Great Desserts, Maida Heatter, Knopf, 1974. paperback, Warner Books, 1977.

* Maida Heatter’s Book of Great Cookies, Knopf, 1977.

* Maida Heatter’s Book of Great Chocolate Desserts, Knopf, 1980.

The publisher has not been at all modest in dubbing all three of these books as “great” in their title. And he has been accurate, for Maida Heatter is an inspired and dedicated cook who knows what she is about, principally in the field of desserts and cookies. One of my favorite stories has to do with the first volume outlined here. Maida had tested with patience and great care over a long period of time all the desserts contained in that volume. Shortly before publication, a stove repairman arrived in her kitchen and announced that the thermostat was faulty and that the oven temperature was twenty or so degrees less than it should have been. With infinite care she returned to the kitchen and retested every recipe second time around to ensure their accuracy. I cringe in contemplation of that ordeal! These books are of the essence for anyone with a sweet tooth.