Chef Bruno Feldeisen, a celebrated name in the culinary world, has delivered a true treat for food enthusiasts with his cookbook The Bacon, Butter, Bourbon & Chocolate Cookbook: Chef Bruno’s Favorite Ingredients. In this work, he brings together four of his favorite ingredients in one delectable collection, transforming simple kitchen staples into mouthwatering dishes that radiate indulgence and creativity.
Feldeisen, a two-time James Beard Award nominee and television personality (famous for his role as a judge on The Great Canadian Baking Show), offers a blend of gourmet and comfort food with a touch of nostalgia. His book is an invitation to dive into a world where these four rich ingredients are the stars. While many might see bacon, butter, bourbon, and chocolate as indulgences reserved for rare treats, Feldeisen turns them into something more—an essential part of your everyday cooking repertoire. https://www.instagram.com/brunofeldeisen/
The central premise of the book is simple: use a few key ingredients to elevate dishes to the next level. Bacon, butter, bourbon, and chocolate may seem like guilty pleasures, but they are more than that in Chef Bruno’s hands. He emphasizes the importance of bold flavors, combining them in ways that are creative yet approachable. The instructions are clear and concise, ensuring that readers feel comfortable trying even the more ambitious recipes.
The recipes span a range of categories—everything from appetizers to desserts. Feldeisen’s unique approach shines in dishes like Warm Peach and Bourbon Cobbler, which takes a classic dessert to new heights with a generous splash of bourbon. Then there’s the Chocolate Espresso Eclairs, a treat that balances decadence and simplicity in perfect harmony. Bruno even includes a special treat for your furry family members with his Whole Wheat Bacon Doggy Bone recipe. Everyone’s happy!
Feldeisen’s creativity comes through in dishes like Cocoa and Molasses Baby Back Ribs—an unexpected yet delightful fusion that highlights how chocolate isn’t just for dessert. These dishes are thoughtful without being overly complicated, showing the reader that gourmet doesn’t have to mean difficult. The book’s layout is visually appealing, with stunning photographs of the finished dishes. Thanks to photographer Henry M Wu, the visual appeal of each dish leaves you inspired. https://www.instagram.com/henrymwu/
Chef Bruno’s passion for cooking is evident in every page. His writing style is warm, engaging, and personable, giving the reader a sense of being guided by an expert who genuinely enjoys sharing his love for these ingredients. He doesn’t just present recipes; he tells stories—about his childhood memories, his experiences in professional kitchens, and his ongoing love affair with bacon, butter, bourbon, and chocolate.
There’s also a playfulness to his approach, evident in how he encourages experimentation and customization. He often suggests substitutions or ways to tweak the recipes to suit personal preferences, which adds an inclusive feel to the cookbook. Having to choose one recipe to share with you became a difficult exercise when all four categories were calling your name. But in the keeping with Chef’s playfulness, we thought you’d like to try his Bacon and Cashew Brittle in our Recipe section. Change up the nuts for different crunchy flavours and these will make great additions to your next charcuterie board.
This cookbook is perfect for those who appreciate indulgent ingredients and want to explore new ways of using them. It would make a great addition to any foodie’s collection, especially for those who enjoy pushing the boundaries of traditional flavors. If you’re looking for a gift for the aspiring chef in your life—or if you simply love the idea of cooking with rich, bold ingredients—The Bacon, Butter, Bourbon & Chocolate Cookbook is a fantastic choice. Purchase this scrumptious book at https://www.whitecap.ca/Detail/1770503331 or win it in our Giveaway section.
Overall, Chef Bruno Feldeisen has crafted a fun, inspiring, and utterly delicious cookbook. The Bacon, Butter, Bourbon & Chocolate Cookbook is more than just a collection of recipes; it’s an exploration of flavor, texture, and indulgence. Chef Bruno shows us that these beloved ingredients can be much more than occasional treats—they can be the foundation for unforgettable meals. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want to treat yourself to something extraordinary, this cookbook offers endless inspiration.
Recipe and photograph reprinted with permission from The Bacon Butter, Bourbon & Chocolate Cookbook by Bruno Feldeisen, published by Whitecap Books, © 2024. Photography by Henry M Wu. https://www.whitecap.ca/Detail/1770503331
