618372 Fri May 08 12:38:08 -0700 2009 15 31 Home Cooking 0 4666749 What are the most entertaining and useful books you've found ... popular and recent ... that help a person hone cooking techniques via an understanding of food physics/science? Fri May 08 12:38:08 -0700 2009 40486 Cinnamon 1 4666759 On Food and Cooking by Harold Mcgee, a 2004 or later edition. It's pretty much the standard. Fri May 08 12:42:01 -0700 2009 4666749 285579 Botch 2 4714000 Although many wouldn't find it "entertaining" it is a standard reference book of food science for the kitchen. One I wouldn't want to be without. Mon May 25 18:25:09 -0700 2009 4666759 89493 scubadoo97 1 4666760 Its not a gourmet book by any means, but Alton Brown's "I'm Just Here for the Food" was pretty entertaining. Fri May 08 12:42:03 -0700 2009 4666749 69120 jacobp 1 4666766 Have you looked at Cookwise by Shirley Corriher? Might fit the bill. Fri May 08 12:43:02 -0700 2009 4666749 127625 fern 2 4666784 I was also going to suggest Cookwise -- it's well-written and an interesting read, in addition to having good recipes. Fri May 08 12:47:09 -0700 2009 4666766 11028 DanaB 3 4666837 Shirley just published Bakewise. I haven't read it yet but if it's anything like Cookwise, it's perfect for the baking enthusiast. Fri May 08 12:58:06 -0700 2009 4666784 13683 Dee S 4 4712823 Bakewise was recently given the James Beard award for cookbooks. I have both of Shirley's books and I also recommend Harold McGhee's book. Mon May 25 09:28:52 -0700 2009 4666837 22220 Kelli2006 2 4712244 Yes. Cookwise was given to my former sister-in-law as she requested a no-nonsense, beginners book.She said it opened up the world of cooking. Mon May 25 02:10:17 -0700 2009 4666766 10516 MplsM ary 2 4713797 Yes indeed! Cookwise and Bakewise! They're readable and incredibly informative. Mon May 25 16:50:15 -0700 2009 4666766 17969 rainey 1 4712167 "What Einstein Told His Cook" by Robert Wolke explains many things, and now has a second volume. Sun May 24 23:49:46 -0700 2009 4666749 322300 Michelly 1 4712664 I second Alton Brown's "I'm Just Here For The Food". It's the science behind the techniques, with Master recipes that can be adapted to any "gourmet" usage. Also the companion book "I'm Just Here For More Food" does the same things for baking techniques. Mon May 25 08:09:21 -0700 2009 4666749 225234 KiltedCook 2 4713655 I third Alton Brown's two books, and be sure to watch his show "Good Eats"! Mon May 25 15:51:28 -0700 2009 4712664 322300 Michelly 3 4714020 Love that show. A little manic, but entertaining and useful. Mon May 25 18:33:45 -0700 2009 4713655 40486 Cinnamon 4 4716342 But the mania is great! I mean, I never would have thought of coring a pear with a drill gun! And since his show is so entertaining, even my 10-yr. old watches it, so she learns what to do and WHY, just like me. Tue May 26 14:01:58 -0700 2009 4714020 322300 Michelly 1 4717119 For a Vegetarian or a Plant lover: "Anatomy of a Dish" Tue May 26 18:43:00 -0700 2009 4666749 164007 Bryn