In Decadent Desserts: Recipes from Ch'teau Vaux-le-Vicomte, Countess Crisitina de Vogüé invites us into the splendor of her home at the ch'teau and divulges sixty-three recipes from her exclusive collection. Personally selected from family recipe books and the ch'teaus archives, passed along by close friends, or inspired by her international travels, these decadent desserts are the perfect finale to an elegant meal. From Grandmothers Chocolate G'teau to S t ra w b e r ry T i ra m i s u , and from Lady Cawdors Orange Soufflé to Floating Islands with Pink Pralines and Green Tea Custard, these recipes from a seasoned hostess are suited to every occasion, from afternoon tea to holiday feasts. The book opens with the history of the ch'teau, whose impressive architecture and idyllic gardens were the inspiration fo r Versailles. Stunning original photograp hy s h owcases the finished desserts in the atmospheric interior spaces and shaded gardens of Vaux- le- Vicomte. F rom the ch'teaus lush brocade upholstery and fine crisp linens to its crystal tableware and silver place settings, this volume is rich in the details that define French style, and it offers a multitude of serving ideas. Dessert lovers and all those inspired by traditional French decoration and style will appreciate this unique volume.

Countess Cristina de Vogüé is the daughter of an Italian diplomat and a Russian mother. When she married the heir to Vaux-le-Vicomte, she applied her talent as a hostess not only to family receptions, but also to the château’s restaurant and gift shop. Thomas Dhellemmes’ photographs were featured in The Seven Sins of Chocolate, which won the 2004 Gourmand Cookbook Award. Delphine de Montalier, food stylist, has written several recipe books and contributes to Elle à Table, Saveur, and Glamour. Véronique Villaret, a photo stylist for interiors magazines, also designs fabrics. Château Vaux-le-Vicomte was the setting for films including Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette and the James Bond Moonraker.