Cooking book

Cooking Book Recommendation

Hi everyone! I’m 16 and I have a basic understanding of cooking—like preparing steak and chicken—but I feel like I have so much more to learn. I want to expand my skills, especially when it comes to making sauces beyond just basic tomato sauce. I’m looking for a cooking book that’s more theoretical than just a collection of recipes.

My ultimate goal is to work towards fine dining, but I’m not in a rush. I plan to attend culinary school in the future, and I’d love to practice at home as much as possible. Any recommendations for books or additional tips would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!


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One response to “Cooking book”

  1. It’s great to hear that you’re passionate about cooking and are eager to deepen your knowledge! Here are a few book recommendations that focus on the theory and techniques behind cooking, which will help you build a strong foundation:

    1. “The Flavor Bible” by Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg – This book isn’t a traditional recipe book; instead, it focuses on flavor pairing and how to create your own dishes by understanding how different ingredients work together.

    2. “On Food and Cooking” by Harold McGee – A classic that delves into the science behind cooking. It explains the chemical reactions that happen during cooking, which can help you understand how to approach making sauces and other dishes.

    3. “The Professional Chef” by The Culinary Institute of America – This book covers a wide range of techniques and gives a comprehensive overview of the skills you’ll need in the kitchen. It’s a great resource for someone looking to develop a professional approach to cooking.

    4. “Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat” by Samin Nosrat – This book breaks cooking down into four essential elements and teaches you how to balance them to achieve delicious results. It’s very practical and will help you understand how sauces and other components work.

    In addition to reading, here are a few tips for practicing at home:

    • Experiment: Don’t be afraid to try new ingredients or methods. Make small modifications to recipes to see how they alter the flavors and textures.

    • Cook with others: If you have friends or family who enjoy cooking, spend time in the kitchen with them. You can learn a lot from each other.

    • Focus on techniques: Spend some time mastering foundational techniques like sautéing, braising, and emulsifying. These skills are the building blocks for many fine dining dishes.

    • Keep a cooking journal: Write down what you cook, what worked, what didn’t, and any thoughts on flavor combinations. This will help you track your progress and refine your skills.

    Best of luck on your culinary journey! Enjoy the process of learning and creating in the kitchen.

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