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Cooked

a Natural History of Transformation
Community comment are the opinions of contributing users. These comment do not represent the opinions of Pima County Public Library.
MaxineML
Dec 06, 2013MaxineML rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
A great read! As per usual Michael Pollan is in fine form in this book - Cooked is an indepth look at 4 different cooking techniques, and the science, the history, the health and the spirit behind them. I enjoyed chapter 1 (Fire) on BBQ-ing, but felt it went on a bit too long. Chapter 2 on braising (cooking with water) was a bit thin on the history and the science, that might be because of the topic or because cooking with water has often been considered a 'female' form of cooking and thus has less official documentation than other forms of cooking. Or it may have just been the idea itself - cooking with water can be easy (boiling a veggie) or complex (a many layered stew) - this was the chapter I felt had the least to say. Chapter 3 and 4 (baking and fermentation) were really where Pollan shines as a writer. And if this doesn't get you interested in baking your own bread or trying your hand at making kimchee I don't know what will. An inspirational book from a wonderful food writer! Highly recommended.