After divulging the intriguing histories behind 50 iconic desserts, master pastry chef Pierre Hermé shares his tried-and-tested recipes for the great classics of French pastry and other definitive desserts from around the worldâ and then he reveals how to reinvent them. Rose-scented almond paste and a compote of raspberries and lychees fill Herméâ s croissants; his Saint Honoré cake combines green tea, chestnuts, and passion fruit; and caramelized mango adorns his foie gras crÿme brûlée.The luscious photographs and 100 recipes featured in Pierre Hermé Pastries flaunt Herméâ s mastery of technique and the talent for combining textures and flavors that have earned him the reputation as one of the worldâ s most skilled and inventive pastry chefs.Praise for Pierre Hermé Pastries:"There are cookbooks, and there are coffee table books. Pierre Hermé Pastries (Stewart, Tabori & Chang; $50) is more the latter than the former, though that shouldnâ t detract from its value to those who are captivated, maybe even obsessed, by beautiful desserts." â Washington Post"The photographs are stunning. The recipes are the stuff of custard-rich dreams." â Publishers Weekly"This is a cookbook that a passionate pastry lover will want, not only to replicate Hermé's own recipes but to be inspired by, as well. And for anyone who loves a good story to go along with the food, you'll appreciate reading about the history behind each recipe." â Epicurious.comâœRead it cover to cover, and you'll have a very good idea of how French pastry got to where it is today . . . Intense cookbook porn ahead: donâ t say you weren't warned.â? â Eater.comâœSimply put: Pastries is the most gorgeous book of 2012.â?â Eater.com