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Summary: A Different Kind of Cookbook
Review: Cookwise is the cookbook I have been looking for years. It is not your usual cookbook, which is chock full of recipes with little explanation of why. Cookwise instead is broken down into sections that explain the chemistry behind each recipe.When learning to cook, I always wanted to know why the ingredients were used, and why they were put in in a certain order. This book gave me the background I needed in order to begin experimenting with my own recipes, based upon a foundation of knowledge. For example: the first section of the book pertains to breads and baking. Included in this section is in-depth explanations of gluten, types of flours, yeasts, and shaping and kneading techniques. The section then delves into the different combinations required for breads, flaky crusts, cookies, etc. I am a novice cook, and this book has been indispensable for me. This book is ideal for someone trying to learn how to cook. It's composition and ordering is probably confusing, and the recipes are too basic, for someone that already knows how to cook.
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Summary: Serious Cooking is Serious Science
Review: I have collected cook books all my life, but have never seen anything like Shirley Corriher's Cook Wise. For people who want to truly cook - not just follow recipes, this book is a Godsend... Cooking is chemistry, and Corriher makes it accessible (wish I'd had this in high school!). She explains everything you could ever want to know (and then some) about the chemical processes of eggs, fats, breads, sauces, etc., giving the reader a new-found confidence in recipe creation.
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Summary: My favorite cookbook; blends science and great recipes.
Review: Simply put: My favorite cookbook. Corriher combines lessons and science with excellent recipes related to each topic. Find out not only how to make a meringue or souffle that works, but why. What makes different cuts of meat tough or tender when broiled, braised, or stewed? Find out and make some great dishes as you learn. The intersection of art and science is right her in Cookwise. Did I mention that it's my favorite cookbook? =-)
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Summary: The Chemistry of Cooking
Review: If you want to know the How's and Why's of cooking, then buy this book. With knowledge of basic principle one can wean oneself off slavish recipes.
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Summary: Finally, a book that tells you WHY, not just HOW.
Review: In many fields, "recipe", "cooky cutter" and other culinary-based epithets are derogatory on the theory that anyone can follow a recipe. And most people can. Here, finally, is a book tha teaches you why things work, not just how. Shirley helps you understand what you are doing rather than simply instructions on how to measure, mix, and bake. This is a must-read book for everyone, regardless of cooking experience. Buy it!
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Summary: Feel overwhelmed in the kitchen? Buy this book!!
Review: I saw this book at my aunt's house and was impressed after just thumbing through it. I bought it when I got home and have been so glad that I did. I love the 'what this recipe teaches you' but I play a game and read that *after* I have made the recipe and guess what folks, I usually have *learned* exactly what that particular recipe set out to teach me. It feels like you have a personal tutor guiding you through each recipe and my fiance is really happy that I bought it (and his stomach is too!)
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Summary: A Paris trained American Chef loves Shirley Corriher
Review: I was trained at the best culinary school in Paris and probably the world and bought this book before I began my studies. Every time a question would come up about why something should be done and the chefs couldn't answer, I gave the technical answer from this book. How are Kosher salt, sea salt and regular salt different and what are the effects of those differences on cooking? Shirley knows. Why is it that bread flour and other flours perform differently? Shirley will not only tell you why but explain in clear terms how to use them all effectively. If you have an inquisitive mind and love mysteries to be solved, and you love knowing as much as you can about cooking, this is a GREAT book. I love it and keep it with me wherever I go go cook or just to read for enjoyment.!!
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Summary: This is a tool, not just a another cookbook.
Review: A study of food and the chemical make up of food and food combinations. This book is a must for the kitchen and the avid cook. It offers not only good receipes but, also, options on how to get results from combining different ingredients, how the recipe should turn out, as well as tips on storing food. It is a wonderful tool to have on hand all the time.
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Summary: Great info for interested cooks!
Review: I heard the last portion of Shirley's interview on NPR and was impressed by how easily she described the science of bread making. Being an avid breadmaker, I dashed out and bought the book. After reading Cookwise I felt far more confident adding my own flare to recipes. I learned how much adjustment I can make without throwing the balance of the ingredients. Every cook needs to know the reasons why recipes succeed or fail and this book has it. On a critical note, this book isn't a reliable source for recipes. Many of them didn't work for me, and further, Cookwise isn't organized as a cookbook, anyway. If you want fabulous recipes and a comprehensive index, try Joy of Cooking.
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Summary: This is not just another cookbook......
Review: This is not just another cookbook.......it's a book that discusses food properties and the hows and whys of successful cooking. It tells you why certain ingredients are used in recipes, why they work the way they do and why other ingredients may not work as well. It's exciting to read a cookbook that actually explains to you why recipes work rather than just telling you "How Good It Tastes"! I recommend it wholeheartedly. It's not a cheap book, but if you're serious about cooking, it's well worth the money. FatBoys ought to know, JDWilli
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