Paramount Desserts ~ Christine Manfield

Paramount Desserts is by far and away the best dessert book I have come across, and I have read a few in my time. Published back in 1997, the book was years ahead of decent similar offerings, and even now has a fresh and contemporary feel that is rare in a cookbook of this age. Manfield is not only an outstanding and acclaimed Australian chef, but is able to translate her sometimes complex creations into offerings that are likely to stretch but are not necessarily beyond the good home cook. The combination of both these talents has yielded this rare treat.


Some books I've found are strictly for the kitchen, however this is definitely not one of them. This is the kind of cookbook you can sit around and read over and over again for inspiration, and then leave on the coffee table for your visitors to drool over. It is imaginative and nostalgic all at once, and recipes like the Brandied cherry jellies with coconut bavarois and chocolate wafers with it's cherry ripe inspired flavours a perfect example, and similarly the Chocolate jaffa mousse cake with orange caramel will stir the memories. The recipes are accessible as well, not beyond cooks patient enough to give them a go. The Baked rhubarb and hazelnut macaroon crumble remains one of the most memorable winter desserts I've enjoyed.

Whether you want to go for an architectural offering of Lime and coconut sago puddings with red papaya and coconut wafers, or you're feeling the pride with some Freedom sorbet slice, there is something in this book for everyone. And my favorites, the flavours that excite me - absolutely the Lemon verbena ice-cream with praline toffee wafers and for cooler nights the Candied cumquat sponge puddings with orange custard. Mmmmm.

Recommended for each and every one of you. Go out and find this book and buy it - now!

- Kath