Finding a recipe book is no problem, but is there anything more like a textbook? Something that starts out with simple a simple meal and get's progressively more difficult? Something that also ties in some sort of teaching point with each recipe? (e.g. something that explains why you're using certain ingredients or a specific method of cooking the meat)


I get that a lot of cooking is just learning what tastes good, but certainly there is some rhyme and reason behind a lot of it and I'd like a book that explains some of it. I'm certain something exists, but has anyone tried one and can vouch for it's usefullness and quality?

 

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I've seen some but can't think of any specific ones. Look for some that are trying to be a bit funny, like "Easy Cooking for Men"


I just kinda learned as I went but I was making meals for my family at 14. I just did things I'd seen before but meat and potatoes really aren't a challenge anyway. Baking is a whole different world that I don't go near. That's where you need some skill.

 

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I found this and it looks promising:

http://www.amazon.com/Cooking-Textbook-Culinary-Fundamentals-only/dp/0131713272/refd_cp_b_1


Probably a bit dry, but it sounds like what I'm looking for...

 

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You could try an Alton Brown cookbook. Or if you have Food Network, his shows are on every night, 10pm CST.

 

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I do like Alton Brown and I concidered it. The style of his show works well for me in terms of learning and entertainment. I glanced through one of his books the other day, though probably not enough for a fair opinion.


It seemed good but appeared to lack the kind of structure I'm looking for. It had islands of topics it covered well, but no systematic approach to start from the beginning and build up...


Edit:


I just stumbled across these two via Google.

http://www.amazon.com/Food-Cooking-Science-Lore-Kitchen/dp/0684800012

http://www.amazon.com/Professional-Chef-Culinary-Institute-America/dp/0764557343#noop


They seem like they might be a better option due to the price, but I'd love to get some opinions. I don't mind spending an extra $40 if there's good reason too.

 

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Trial and error dear ...

A text book can not teach you how to be a good cook, even each stove you use will vary your dishes

 

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Reading a textbook cannot teach you to cook well. I don't see any reason why it wouldn't expedite the process by guiding the exploration and explaining some of the results, though...

 

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Fair enough

 

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I can't remember the name ... maybe America's Test Kitchen series? ... but it goes into very detailed explanation of why you choose certain ingredients, what methods you use, etc.

 

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Mastering the Art of French Cooking vol 1 by Julia Child.

 

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