The greatest book on Earth? Probably. I went to the library and checked-out On Food and Cooking by Harold McGee. As soon as I started flipping through the pages I knew I would be on Amazon purchasing it soon. Anyone that is interested in cooking needs to buy this book and anyone that isn't, still needs to buy it. I am an intense cookbook collector and this book actually explains what's in my cookbooks --- the food! It's almost like a food dictionary, but it's much more. Not only does it define different foods, but it also delves into the cooking processes and how to achieve maximum flavor. I plan on reading it cover-to-cover, but what I really love is that I can also open the book to any page and start reading. McGee keeps everything short and to the point, while maintaining the scientific information --- not so scientific that the reader will be bored to tears though. :)
My favorite section (at the moment) is on herbs and spices. It is un-be-lieve-able. McGee includes tables explaining the flavor elements of each spice, giving the reader the opportunity to properly mix and match spices. I've probably read this section at least four times by now and it's permanently bookmarked. McGee included a similar section about fruits, which discusses flavor, optimal storage temperatures and so much more. There is information about sauces, gravy, thickeners, syrups, tea and coffee (the list goes on and on) all of which have scientific, historical, cooking information and more.
Trust me, it's worth the money and then some.
(I think this is a glowing review. McGee, if you are reading this, please send me a signed copy. :) hehe)
5 comments:
One of my other blogger friends reviewed this cookbook not long ago and loved it as much as you did. I'll have to put this on my wishlist, it sounds like interesting before bed reading! :o) And I hope you get that signed copy, lol!
Oh gosh, now I'll never be satisfied until I have a peek at this book! Looks like my visit to the bookstore will be sooner that I thought! Thanks for letting us know about this!
Good for you Elsa! I loved to cook too and will have to give this cookbook a look.
Adding this to my wishlist! I love the idea of having guidelines for mixing spices - beats my current method which is opening jars and smelling the different spices to see which seems like a good match! :)
That book sounds awesome. I believe I have heard it mentioned a few places before, but this post is most convincing and I will go place it on hold at my library right NOW.
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