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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.
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Cooked