Notes on Cooking - A Review

"Common sense may not be so common but sure can be referred to if published in a book" - Me

So, if someone gave you a handbook to life and told you that everything you need to lead a happy, fulfilling life is in there and all you have to do is "apply" the printed wisdom; Would you take it? I would and I think you would too. Life is short, if you have the code, why not help yourself?! ;-)

Notes on Cooking, by Lauren Braun Costello and Russell Reich, is just that; a guide book to the wide, versatile world of cooking; for everyone from the home cook to the professional chef. And, I got the opportunity to review it thanks to the hard work of the dedicated folks at BloggerAid.

Ruth, from BloggerAid, told me that it was not the usual cookbook but one that I would definitely appreciate as a cooking enthusiast. She was very right about that. There are no recipes in the book but it in itself is a recipe for fine cooking and dining! As soon as the book arrived, I dived right into it and honestly, could not put it down. And, I have read it twice already!

I spoke to Russell Reich, the co-author of the book, to understand the inspiration for the book. Their idea was to put together a book with nuggets of wisdom for the perfect execution from kitchen to table; from getting the right ingredients to prepping and cooking right to styling and plating and even tips on the correct chef's approach and state of mind.

Notes on Cooking is aimed at the everyday cook wanting to improve, the seasoned expert looking to review the highest culinary standards and the food lover seeking a fascinating glimpse into the pursuit of epicurean excellence.

I love the way the book is written; the style and language concise and succinct, yet witty, each note insightful and deliberate with real world examples for emphasis. The notes are broken down by theme and while some of it you may already know, there is much in there that makes you go "Ah! Now that makes sense!" or "Why did that not occur to me before"!!

If that isn't enough, the book has appendices brimming with information on recommended equipment list, food pairings and more reading suggestions! And, the best part; it is perfectly sized!! In just about 150 pages, it packs in quite a bit of advice and know-how and it is small and light enough to be carried around in a purse!

Now, that is my kind of reference text. This is one book that is going to be dog-eared much!

Before, I go, I just cannot resist sharing some of my favorite bites -

• If it's in the title, leave it alone - If you are considering a recipe for boeuf bourguignon and don't care for beef or Burgundy wine, find another recipe.

• Don't TRY to be different - You are different. Cook from your gut.

• Use wet measure for liquids, dry measures for solids - (you'd think that is silly, but think back about the times you have reached for a dry cup measure for measuring the water needed in your recipe?!).

• Do not defrost on the counter - Always in refrigerator or a bowl of water.

• Never jump food more than one temperature state at a time

• Use fresh eggs for poaching but older eggs for boiling - With age, it becomes easier to peel the shell off.

• First aroma and appearance, then temperature, then texture, then flavor

• Avoid even numbers when plating food - Imbalance adds interest.

About the authors:

Lauren Braun Costello has worked with many renowned chefs and is the owner and executive chef of Gotham Caterers in New York. She is also a private chef, instructor and a food stylist for several national television broadcasts.

Russell Reich is a writer and creative director. He is also the co-author of Notes on Directing written with Frank Hauser.

About BloggerAid:

BloggerAid - Changing the Face of Famine, is a group of enthusiastic and passionate food bloggers who have come together with a mission to make a difference in the aid of world famine. I joined them very recently, just in time for the release of their new cookbook which has been put together with contributions from its members. To purchase the book and support our cause, please click on the link on my sidebar.