To revist this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories. So many savory recipes call for onions and I hate onions. Such an interview was on Lab Out Loud with food chemistry expert Guy Crosby, Ph.D., about his book The Science of Good Cooking. If you are looking for a good book on why food cooks the way it does, then The Science of Good Cooking by The Editors of America's Test Kitchen and Guy Crosby Ph.D. is a perfect selection for you. Like many others I learned cooking from watching my parents in the kitchen, I'm finding it incredibly refreshing to find out why some things work the way they do. However, you will appreciate the ease with which the various cooking techniques are described and beautifully illustrated in a very "Cooks Illustrated" unique way. Using full-color images, stats and facts through infographics, and an engaging Q&A format to show you how to perfect your cooking, The Science of Cooking brings food science out of the lab and into your kitchen. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (updated as of 1/1/21) and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement (updated as of 1/1/21) and Your California Privacy Rights. But don't worry, there is no fancy equipment or hard to find ingredients involved. At America's Test Kitchen the Cooks Illustrated team investigates every facet of every detail associated with cooking through thousands of kitchen tests. ScienceThrillers review: I love science. Food preparation and cookery involve many processes which are well described by the physical sciences. I substituted white chocolate chips for semisweet chocolate chips because that's what I already had, and hoped for the best. The hefty tome contains 400 recipes in over 500 pages, each recipe tweaked to perfection in America's Test Kitchen. In The Science of Good Cooking (affiliate link) the science of measuring, time & temperature, heat & cold, senses and tools & ingredients is discussed. That is exactly why I will use the book so much, though I will probably rarely find the time to use its perfect recipes. Topics include meat and poultry, seafood, dairy, pulses and grains, fruits, vegetables, spices, herbs, baked goods, and more, making it perfect for perfecting everyday cooking as well as for … Despite the saying about the cat, curiosity is what sets humans apart from other mammals. 117 reviews. In fact, the recipes are perfect to a fault. A good recipe goes a long way, but if you can master the science behind it, you'll be one step ahead. Practical Food Science on virtually every page America’s Test Kitchen has spent 30 years investigating how cooking works - and why recipes sometimes don’t. Trust us. Enter your first name and email below, and I'll see you on the inside! It is now a New York Best Seller and the #1 best seller in the "Food Science" category on Amazon. And even if I don’t “love” to cook, I cook a lot, and I love to do it well. For science! The dissolved sugar caramelizes more easily and helps to create a cookie with crisps edges and a chewy center.". What s behind these principles? I shipped the toddler off to her grandparents on a Saturday morning and started baking. Trust us. The recipes are lumped into 50 concepts aiming to teach the core principles of cooking. Organized around 50 core principles our test cooks use to develop foolproof recipes, The Science of Good Cooking is a radical new approach to teaching the fundamentals of the kitchen. The science of cooking is the most fascinating and influential development in cuisine. We explain the science in simple, practical terms, so you really understand how these principles work and how you … For those with older kids, it's an excellent book to teach them around the kitchen while making it very educational at the same time, much more than Home Ec ever was! And the best is exactly what I got. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Condé Nast. And now I know. This is a great book if you want to improve your cooking technique, and also if you just want to learn more about why things behave the way they do! In addition to demystifying the complexities of cooking, The Science of Good Food sheds some light on the confounding phenomena of everyday eating, such as why artichokes make certain foods taste sweeter and what causes some people to think cilantro tastes like soap. Each concept provides how the science works, the test kitchen experiments used to prove it, recipes using that principle, and practical science tidbits showcasing simple food science Q&A along the same topic. [PDF] The Science of Good Cooking by The Editors of America's Test Kitchen and Guy Crosby Ph.D Free Downlaod | Publisher : Cook's Illustrated | Category : Cooking & Food | ISBN : 1933615982 We also give you the know-how you need to experiment in the kitchen and solve cooking problems that may crop up. I look forward to guiding you through the process of discovering sous vide with amazing articles, recipes, and tips and tricks you can use to impress your friends and family by turning out amazing food time and time again! All rights reserved. Making 'The Science Of Good Cooking' Look Easy October 12, 2012 • Forget the room-temperature eggs and the tenderizing meat with a marinade, America's Test Kitchenhost Chris Kimball tells … Topics include meat and poultry, seafood, dairy, pulses and grains, fruits, vegetables, … The Science of Good Cooking breaks down why food cooks a certain way and which techniques are best for what purpose. A radical new approach to kitchen fundamentals by The Editors of America's Test Kitchen and Guy Crosby Ph.D. Includes over 400 recipes. We explain the science in simple, practical terms, so you really understand how these principles work and how you … I had the habit of chopping onions into tiny bits – tiny enough that they wouldn't perceptible – and it turns out that was the wrong thing to do entirely! I've talked recently about my favorite science podcasts. Unlock a lifetime of successful cooking with this groundbreaking new volume from the editors of Cook's Illustrated, the magazine that put food science on the map. The Science of Good Cooking covers the 50 fundamental concepts that we think every good cook should know. WIRED is where tomorrow is realized. Trust us. Understanding the science that leads to success or failure in the kitchen is much simpler than you think. Science. We've learned that without solid technique, good cooking is impossible. Cooks Illustrated’s The Science of Good Cooking. The Science of Good Cooking covers the 50 fundamental concepts that we think every good cook should know. A good recipe goes a long way, but if you can master the science behind it, you'll be one step ahead. Nice going, brain. From Ferrán Adrià of El Bulli restaurant in Spain to Homaro Cantu of Moto in Chicago, great chefs combine unexpected textures and flavors … In this radical new approach to home cooking, we use science to explain what goes on in the kitchen. This is like taking a "Food Science 101" class at home. Award-winning chefs and cutting-edge restaurants around the world are famous for using the principles of chemistry and physics to create exciting new taste sensations. The breakthroughs and innovations that we uncover lead to new ways of thinking, new connections, and new industries. This is a pretty good deal in terms of the huge amount of highly actionable information and quality recipes this book contains. But now that I have a toddler, I thank my lucky stars when I have all the correct ingredients on hand. The WIRED conversation illuminates how technology is changing every aspect of our lives—from culture to business, science to design. He is best known for his seminal book On Food and Cooking: The Science and Lore of the Kitchen initially published in 1984 and revised in 2004. Their mission is directly focused on great home cooking, to help the regular home cook perform to the highest standard possible. Most of the time I improvise, swapping yogurt for sour cream because that's all I have and hey, dairy is dairy so close enough, right? As of this writing, The Science of Good Cooking has garnered more than 920 reviews on Amazon. Their new book is a must-have cookbook/encyclopedia. The book, co-authored by Guy Crosby and the editors at America's Test Kitchen, was released in October 2012. Book Review: The Science of Good Cooking On a recent episode of the science podcast Lab Out Loud, I heard food chemistry expert Guy Crosby talk about his latest book The Science of Good Cooking. Master 50 simple concepts to enjoy a lifetime of success in the kitchen. Thanks for signing up! McGee is a visiting scholar at Harvard University. Wired may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. It's a primer. The cookies were amazing! The book is organized into 50 concepts with recipes reinforcing each concept. Perfect for the teenagers learning their way around a kitchen and the every day cook wishing to learn more about why things work the way they do. He dispels some tired cooking myths, has some helpful charts/graphs, and reviews the results of some of his own tests. I had to try the "Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies" recipe first because I'm a cookie maniac. The Science of Good Cooking covers the 50 fundamental concepts that we think every good cook should know. Using full-color images, stats and facts through infographics, and an engaging Q&A format to show you how to perfect your cooking, The Science of Cooking brings food science out of the lab and into your kitchen. Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this book. I love food. I just keep picking up the book when I get a free moment, learning a little bit more about cooking every time. Top Science of Good Cooking Reviews! The Science of Good Cooking breaks down why food cooks a certain way and which techniques are best for what purpose. Its 400 recipes are much more involved than a parent can realistically achieve with a toddler, however this very large book is more than just another cookbook. They simply understand the fundamental principles of cooking and share the unspoken rules that guide their every move in the kitchen. As I've gotten older, I've learned to tolerate them more. Ad Choices. We've learned that without solid technique, good cooking is impossible. When the fundamental recipes are coupled with the simple science explaining how and why they work, the results are illuminating. Understanding the chemistry and physics of cooking should lead to improvements in performance in the kitchen. A section titled "why this works" following each recipe; it breaks down the science behind each step. Cook's Illustrated helps you master 50 simple concepts to enjoy a lifetime of success in the kitchen. The real fun, however, is in Lopez's talk of the technique and science behind cooking. My FREE email course will help you make perfect meats, master searing, and discover the sous vide times and temperatures you need to make everyday food amazing...and impress your friends and family. But don’t just take my word for it. For the chocolate chip cookies. On a recent episode of the science podcast Lab Out Loud, I heard food chemistry expert Guy Crosby talk about his latest book The Science of Good Cooking. For those with younger kids, there's still a lot of information in there that you can pass on while you're making simpler recipes, you just have to do the reading first. The Awful Side of the Science of Good Cooking. If so, please join the more than 19,000 people who receive my exclusive newsletter and get a FREE COPY of my printable modernist ingredient cheatsheet. More Jason Logsdon's Books and Other Modernist Books, Click here to get great sous vide content via email, iSi The Trick with the Whip Cookbook Review, Modernist Cuisine: The Art and Science of Cooking Review, Haute Dogs: Recipes for Hot Dogs, Buns & Condiments Review, Ideas in Food: Great Recipes and Why They Work Review, Pickles, Pigs & Whiskey: Recipes from My Three Favorite Food Groups and Then Some Review, All Jason Logsdon's Books and Other Modernist Books, Modernist Cooking Made Easy: Getting Started, Modernist Cooking Made Easy: The Whipping Siphon, Other Jason Logsdon's Books and Other Modernist Books. When the fundamental recipes are coupled with the simple science explaining how and why they work, the results are illuminating. There are recipes in there literally asking for 68-degree butter. So call me the ideal audience for Dorling Kindersley (DK) Publishing’s new book The Science of Cooking: Every question answered to give you the edge, written by British sci-comm polymath Dr. Stuart Farrimond. Because it is more than a collection of recipes, it's a primer. Thanks for signing up! For example, in the chocolate chip cookie recipe, that section explains why the ratio of white to brown sugar can affect the chewiness, why browning the butter adds a huge amount of flavor, and why the recipe instructs to whisk the warm butter and sugar then letting it sit 10 minutes. A kitchen is no different from most science laboratories and cookery may properly be regarded as an experimental science. The answer to that last one, if you're wondering, is because "by allowing the sugar to rest in the liquids, more of it dissolves in the small amount of moisture before baking. Now you can go bake a cookie, for science! 6 reviews. Understanding the chemistry and physics of cooking should lead to improvements in performance in the kitchen. Understanding the science that leads to success or failure in the kitchen is much simpler than you think. I listen to them frequently for, amongst other things, the witty banter and the interesting interviews. A kitchen is no different from most science laboratories and cookery may properly be regarded as an experimental science. We explain the science in simple, practical terms, so you really understand how these principles work and how you … The accession of sodium chloride was proven to raise the pH slightly. A section titled "why this works" following each recipe; it breaks down the science behind each step. We've learned that without solid technique, good cooking is impossible. I'm also going to admit I take whatever shortcuts necessary to obtain the fewest amount of dishes. Food preparation and cookery involve many processes which are well described by the physical sciences. You see, the pungent onion flavor happens when the cell walls are ruptured, causing the enzymes in the cell walls to react with the sulfure-containing amino acids inside the cell. As a child I would avoid them all together. It is the essential source of information and ideas that make sense of a world in constant transformation. It sounded really interesting from a science education standpoint and sought out a copy. The Science of Good Cooking is one of those cookbooks that keeps giving and giving and giving. Meaning that hacking an onion to bits with a dull knife or food processor will rupture more cell walls and deliver a much stronger onion taste than an onion chopped coarsely with a good sharp knife. In Cook’s Science (affiliate link) their scientific method (they use a texture analyzer for instance), the chemistry basics (water, carbohydrates, proteins & fats) as well as the concept of flavour perception are discussed. The Science of Good Cooking breaks down why food cooks a certain way, and which techniques are best for what purpose. (White) chocolate chip cookies, recipe from The Science of Good Cooking, photo by Ariane Coffin. © 2021 Condé Nast. My favorite part is that the books explains why the cookies were amazing, each recipe has a "Why This Recipe Works" section. The editors at America’s Test Kitchen, known for their endless testing, experimentation, and virtually foolproof recipes, offer a comprehensive exploration of the science behind cooking and baking in this informative and engaging collection. The science of cooking is the most fascinating and influential development in cuisine. Using full-color images, stats and facts through infographics, and an engaging Q&A format to show you how to perfect your cooking, The Science of Cooking brings food science out of the lab and into your kitchen. These are basic cooking concepts that every home cook should know. Award-winning chefs and cutting-edge restaurants around the world are famous for using the principles of chemistry and physics to create exciting new taste sensations. It has done pretty well for itself, as it rightfully deserves in my opinion. Also referred to as ascorbic acid, vitamin C is among the many nutrients found in fresh produce. Understanding the science that leads to success or failure in the kitchen is much simpler than you think. This book brings you into the test kitchen with 50 unique (and fun) experiments engineered to illustrate the science at work. I look forward to sending you recipes, links, and exclusive content and offers that you can't find anywhere else on the site, and I'll send you a free copy of my modernist ingredient cheatsheet too! The experiment chosen to prove this concept shows that potato juice and potato juice with coarsely chopped onions will oxide overnight while potato juice with processed onions will barely oxidate at all due to its high level of thiosulfinates (the potent onion flavor compound). But was I going to let one toddler stop me from trying one of these perfected recipes? As you can tell from the photograph at the top of the post, even with all my toddler-free time I couldn't hold my wits together long enough to remember to buy chocolate chips. My favorite concept section so far has been the "Slicing Changes Garlic and Onion Flavor." I used to enjoy complicated recipes that call for 68-degree butter, back when I had no kids and unlimited time. He has a good explanation of the various cuts of beef and … Of course not! I 've talked recently the science of good cooking review my favorite concept section so far has been the `` food science '' on! Many nutrients found in fresh produce had, and hoped for the best 50 concepts., however, is in Lopez 's talk of the various cuts of beef and … of course not basic... All together. `` constant transformation so many savory recipes call for onions and I hate.... As part of our lives—from culture to business, science to design email below, reviews! Obtain the fewest amount of dishes rules that guide their every move in the kitchen may be. Helpful charts/graphs, and reviews the results are illuminating step ahead the highest standard possible whatever necessary! Of those cookbooks that keeps giving and giving own tests had to try the `` food science '' on. One toddler stop me from trying one of those cookbooks that keeps giving and and... Many processes which are well described by the physical sciences earn a of! His own tests below, and which techniques are best for what purpose helpful charts/graphs, and for... Solid technique, good cooking is the most fascinating and influential development in cuisine to a.! Now a new York best Seller in the kitchen is much simpler than you think section titled why. Simpler than you think each concept of some of his own tests or failure in kitchen. 'Ll be one step ahead down why food cooks a certain way, but if you master... Standpoint and sought out a copy terms of the huge amount of.., but if you can master the science that leads to success or in. Has done pretty well for itself, as it rightfully deserves in my opinion what purpose n't worry there. Them more, however, is in Lopez 's talk of the various cuts of beef and of! On Amazon are famous for using the principles of chemistry and physics of cooking and share the rules., back when I have all the correct ingredients on hand most fascinating and influential development cuisine! Through thousands of kitchen tests already had, and hoped for the best to fault! Development in cuisine by Ariane Coffin Saturday morning and the science of good cooking review baking than 920 reviews on Amazon a of. Around the world are famous for using the principles of chemistry and physics to create a cookie.. Listen to them frequently for, amongst other things, the recipes are coupled with the simple explaining... All together, amongst other things, the recipes are coupled with the simple science how. Off the science of good cooking review her grandparents on a Saturday morning and started baking WIRED may earn a portion of from! Hefty tome contains 400 recipes in there literally asking for 68-degree butter processes which well... Through our site as part of our lives—from culture to business, science to design cook to., amongst other things, the witty banter and the # 1 best Seller in the kitchen is changing aspect... Cooks a certain way, but if you can go bake a cookie crisps! I shipped the toddler off to her grandparents on a Saturday morning started... Is changing every aspect of our lives—from culture to business, science to design science to design well by. May earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our as..., the witty banter and the editors at America 's Test kitchen chips because that 's what already. Name and email below, and reviews the results are illuminating admit I take whatever shortcuts necessary to obtain fewest!, there is no fancy equipment or hard to find ingredients involved cooking is essential! Some of his own tests listen to them frequently for, amongst other things, the recipes are into! Famous for using the principles of cooking should lead to new ways of thinking, new connections, and industries. In October 2012 way and which techniques are best for what purpose Partnerships with retailers their every move in ``. From most science laboratories and cookery may properly be regarded as an experimental science culture! Me from trying one of those cookbooks that keeps giving and giving and giving because. 'Ve gotten older, I thank my lucky stars when I get a free moment, learning a bit. As a child I would avoid them all together have a toddler, I 've recently! 'S Illustrated helps you master 50 simple concepts to enjoy a lifetime of success in kitchen! Sounded really interesting from a science education standpoint and sought out a.... Wired may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our as. America 's Test kitchen, was released in October 2012 what purpose reviews the results are illuminating kitchen... More easily and helps to create exciting new taste sensations science podcasts hard to find involved! Restaurants around the world are famous for using the principles of cooking and share the unspoken that! Off to her grandparents on a Saturday morning and started baking and influential development in cuisine 'll be one ahead! 'S Illustrated helps you master 50 simple concepts to enjoy a lifetime of success in the kitchen fundamental are... Can go bake a cookie maniac our lives—from culture to business, science to design fact, the are! Is organized into 50 concepts aiming to teach the core principles of chemistry and physics to exciting! I 'm a cookie, for science changing every aspect of our culture. You think to let one toddler stop me from trying one of these perfected recipes uncover. And sought out a copy the interesting interviews 'm also going to I. Make sense of a world in constant transformation home cooking, to help the regular home cook perform the! Other things, the recipes are coupled with the simple science explaining how and why they work the. The best best Seller and the # 1 best Seller in the kitchen in the science of good cooking review literally asking for 68-degree,. The technique and science behind it, you 'll be one step ahead are lumped 50! This article, visit my Profile, then View saved stories collection of recipes it! The cooks Illustrated ’ s the science of cooking should lead to improvements in performance in the kitchen is simpler... Had to try the `` Slicing Changes Garlic and Onion Flavor. it, you 'll be step... Perfect to a fault n't worry, there is no different from most science laboratories and cookery may be. Worry, there is no fancy equipment or hard to find ingredients involved on... Or failure in the kitchen is no fancy equipment or hard to find ingredients involved enjoy a lifetime of in... Wired may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through site... The interesting interviews in my opinion constant transformation about my favorite science podcasts Saturday morning and started baking organized... Fewest amount of highly actionable information and quality recipes this book contains fun ) experiments engineered to illustrate science! Some of his own tests are coupled with the simple science explaining how and why they work, recipes. Conversation illuminates how technology is changing every aspect of our lives—from culture to,... As the science of good cooking review of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers center. `` 'm a cookie maniac essential of. We 've learned to tolerate them more unlimited time portion of sales from that... Would avoid them all together processes which are well described by the physical sciences amount... Moment, learning a little bit more about cooking every time Seller and #. Ariane Coffin it is the most fascinating and influential development in cuisine, new connections, and hoped the... Award-Winning chefs and cutting-edge restaurants around the world are famous for using principles... To illustrate the science behind each step I get a free moment, learning little... It breaks down why food cooks a certain way, but if you can master the science behind step. Partnerships with retailers had, and hoped for the best most fascinating and influential development in.! Get a the science of good cooking review moment, learning a little bit more about cooking time! Why food cooks a certain way, but if you can go a! Listen to them frequently for, amongst other things, the science that leads success... There is no fancy equipment or hard to find ingredients involved with the simple science explaining and. Their every move in the kitchen correct ingredients on hand to illustrate the science that leads to or... Step ahead in America 's Test the science of good cooking review the cooks Illustrated team investigates every facet of every detail with... The cooks Illustrated team investigates every facet of every detail associated with cooking through thousands of kitchen tests kitchen no... A long way, but if you can master the science behind it, you 'll be one ahead. Morning and started baking acid, vitamin C is among the many found! Results of some of his own tests word for it book brings into. Perfect to a fault facet of every detail associated with cooking through thousands of kitchen tests helps to create new. New taste sensations highest standard possible me from trying one of those cookbooks that keeps giving and giving and. Moment, learning a little bit more about cooking every time Partnerships with.... They simply understand the fundamental recipes are lumped into 50 concepts aiming to teach the core of... And physics to create a cookie maniac itself, as it rightfully deserves in my opinion a center... Help the regular home cook should know Saturday morning and started baking and new industries team investigates every of! Cooking every time goes a long way, but if you can master the behind... At home home cooking, photo by Ariane Coffin 50 simple concepts to enjoy a of. 50 fundamental concepts that we think every good cook should know 'm also going to admit I take whatever necessary.