[Warning: hard core foodie crush ahead.] Yes, it's true - I have a huge foodie crush on Alice Medrich.  The woman is credited with bringing dark chocolate truffles to North America (see her book Bittersweet for the deets); how could I not love her? When I heard about her latest book - Chewy Gooey Crispy Crunchy, Melt-in-Your-Mouth Cookies - I knew I would fall in love. [caption id="attachment_1266" align="aligncenter" width="383" caption="Chewy Gooey Crispy Crunchy Melt-in-Your-Mouth Cookies by Alice Medrich"] [/caption] To me, dessert has always meant a healthy helping of chocolate. Luckily, Medrich feels the same way: there are a ton of fabulous cookies recipes in this book that feature chocolate. Think Cocoa Tuiles, Bittersweet Orange Decadence Cookies, and more than a half dozen brownie recipes. However, the book will keep the non-chocolate lovers more than happy with buttery, nutty, airy options that have no chocolate. You'll find the classics here, of course. Biscotti, lace cookies, Florentines, macaroons, linzer bars and meringues, but also unique twists (Sticky Pecan Bites, which I HAVE to try - think of wee little sticky buns, cookie-sized) and international inspirations like Meneinas, made with orange blossom water and tangerine zest. Literally, there are dozens of recipes guaranteed to make your mouth water and your New Year's resolutions waver. But wait! You'll also find a fabulous selection of cookies to appeal to your health-loving side. Yes, I said healthier cookies. One of Medrich's signature elements in her cookbooks is the references she provides, and this book doesn't disappoint - particularly useful is the Smart Search page (pg. 365 in the book) which provides lists of cookies from the book which are Wheat Free, Dairy Free, Cookies with Whole Grains,  and even a list of recipes which you can eat for 2 points or less on the Weight Watchers diet. See? You can have cookies and stick to that New Year's resolution. If there's one thing that might make the less experienced baker pause before buying, it would be the lack of photos provided. While there are some truly gorgeous photographs, I'd say that less than 10% of the recipes have photos available. I can tell you from experience, however, that her recipes are so well tested and described that I had little trouble making anything from this book. If I had to choose only ONE cookie cookbook to keep on my shelves (not that I could ever imagine being able to do so), Chewy Gooey Crispy Crunchy would be It. Hands down. Stay tuned 'til next week, when I'll be posting pictures and a recipe from this book!