Sweet Chic: Stylish Treats to Dress Up for Any Occasion

Rachel Schifter Thebault

Ballantine Books,  October 2010

DESSERT DRESSED TO THE NINES

Today's baker faces a great challenge: With little time and a limited repertoire, she often needs to whip up a delicious dessert that's dressed to impress. Rachel Schifter Thebault, founder and head confectioner of Tribeca Treats in New York City, knows all about making a sweet statement. Combining a confectioner's expertise with fashion sense, she shares a scrumptious cache of popular dessert recipes that can be accessorized to fit any occasion.

What's more, transforming a basic dessert into a masterpiece brimming with personality and flair can be easy, quick, and fun. In the same way you'd plan an outfit, Sweet Chic pieces together a Devil's Food Cake -- the little black dress of delights -- with such irresistible accessories as Caramel Buttercream (think knee-high boots) for ultimate decadence, turns Vanilla Cookies (the crisp oxford shirt) into Strawberry “Shortcakes” ideal for casual or dressy occasions, and blends brownies (the cashmere sweater of confectionery) with a swirl of mint for a showstopping number.

Gorgeous and appetizing color photos throughout reveal how a change of icing here and a substitute topping there can take a simple dessert from Sunday brunch to a date-night treat. Mix and match more than seventy recipes for cookies, cakes, and confections, including Peanut Butter and Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies, Brownie Sundae Parfait, Mini S'mores Cupcakes, Wasabi-Black Sesame Truffles, and so much more.

Whether you're a novice baker hoping to master the basics or an experienced one looking to add a little versatility to your existing creations, Sweet Chic is a clever and practical guide for memorable desserts, a one-sweet-fits-all way to make a tantalizing impression.

Hardcover | ISBN: 9780345516558 | Publication Date: October 2010

Reviews:
"Rachel Thebault . . . has reimagined the humble Oreo as an indulgence that is spectacular as an afternoon snack or as the end to an elegant meal."
-- Food & Wine

"I'm telling you, Sweet Chic is so inspiring. It will make you want to break free of tradition and bake things you're excited about. You don't have to stress yourself out to make something fabulous -- you have all the tools you need right here. Hooray!"
-- ISAAC MIZRAHI, from the Foreword

"Thebault is on a mission to do for desserts what Coco Chanel did for the little black dress: re-create, reinvent, and pull it all together with exquisite details."
-- Leite's Culinaria