Thursday, November 11, 2010

The Keys to Good Cooking

A few weeks ago, I posted about a new cookbook by the esteemed Harold McGee. The Keys to Good Cooking is much more than a cookbook; it's a guide, a companion, a troubleshooter, a friend. If you've ever asked Why? or How? in the kitchen, than this book will be your kitchen goddess. With Thanksgiving just two weeks away, I need it more than ever. There's a subsection on oven roasting, advice on rubbing the bird with butter, tips about obtaining crisp skin and moist meat. Armed with information, I think I'll be making a masterpiece turkey this year. And if I err (which I'm destined to do), I'll head back to the book for troubleshooting. And we're not just talking turkey either, folks. There's a whole section on pies and pastries (not to mention vegetables, breads, sauces, eggs, etc). Want to avoid a soggy crust under your pumpkin pie? McGee says to use a pastry crust made with egg. Yes, sir! They say there are no dumb questions, and the advice in the book ranges from obvious to brilliant-but always accessible. It's a lovely stoveside companion for both a beginning cook or an accomplished chef. I'm relieved to have it in my turkey-day arsenal.
Let's start talking about Thanksgiving tomorrow. See you then.
PS I was not paid or compensated in anyway for this review, other than receiving a copy of the book. As always, my opinionated opinions belong to bossy old me.

18 comments:

  1. Thanks for the good tips.
    I think the book sounds brillant, and just what I need.
    Maybe another great Christmas gift to add to my list?????
    I can't wait for you to talk Thanksgiving.

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  2. Pumpkin! Turkey! Stuffing! Gravy!! Apple Cider!

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  3. This book sounds so interesting and helpful. Thanks for the recommendation Prudy!

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  4. Thanks for sharing this. There are so many tricks to good cooking. After all, a lot of how different ingredients relate together is partially about taste - but it's also about chemistry.

    Did you know if you put yogurt in your bread recipes it gives the yeast something to build on and makes it rise better? I love little factoids like that - and sharing 'em on my blog sometimes as well.

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  5. Denise,
    That's a great tip! I've used yogurt as a base for a sourdough starter and I've used buttermilk in bread dough, but I've never just put in yogurt to help my yeast. I really needed that tip since my yeast is always sluggish in my cold kitchen during the winter. Thank you, thank you!

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  6. Prudelicious, it's finally a Friday and my girlfriend is out of town! I've missed you. I hope your trip was fun.
    This book sounds amazing! You can almost substitute any word you want with ' Cooking'. "The Keys to Good _____". A guide, friend, companion....kitchen goddess? Sign me up! I've heard many ways to do it, but never 'rubbing the bird with butter'.
    Can't wait to try it........

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  7. Prudelicious, it's finally a Friday and my girlfriend is out of town! I've missed you. I hope your trip was fun.
    This book sounds amazing! You can almost substitute any word you want with ' Cooking'. "The Keys to Good _____". A guide, friend, companion....kitchen goddess? Sign me up! I've heard many ways to do it, but never 'rubbing the bird with butter'.
    Can't wait to try it........

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  8. Prudelicious, it's finally a Friday and my girlfriend is out of town! I've missed you. I hope your trip was fun.
    This book sounds amazing! You can almost substitute any word you want with ' Cooking'. "The Keys to Good _____". A guide, friend, companion....kitchen goddess? Sign me up! I've heard many ways to do it, but never 'rubbing the bird with butter'.
    Can't wait to try it........

    ReplyDelete
  9. Prudelicious, it's finally a Friday and my girlfriend is out of town! I've missed you. I hope your trip was fun.
    This book sounds amazing! You can almost substitute any word you want with ' Cooking'. "The Keys to Good _____". A guide, friend, companion....kitchen goddess? Sign me up! I've heard many ways to do it, but never 'rubbing the bird with butter'.
    Can't wait to try it........

    ReplyDelete
  10. Prudelicious, it's finally a Friday and my girlfriend is out of town! I've missed you. I hope your trip was fun.
    This book sounds amazing! You can almost substitute any word you want with ' Cooking'. "The Keys to Good _____". A guide, friend, companion....kitchen goddess? Sign me up! I've heard many ways to do it, but never 'rubbing the bird with butter'.
    Can't wait to try it........

    ReplyDelete
  11. Prudelicious, it's finally a Friday and my girlfriend is out of town! I've missed you. I hope your trip was fun.
    This book sounds amazing! You can almost substitute any word you want with ' Cooking'. "The Keys to Good _____". A guide, friend, companion....kitchen goddess? Sign me up! I've heard many ways to do it, but never 'rubbing the bird with butter'.
    Can't wait to try it........

    ReplyDelete
  12. Prudelicious, it's finally a Friday and my girlfriend is out of town! I've missed you. I hope your trip was fun.
    This book sounds amazing! You can almost substitute any word you want with ' Cooking'. "The Keys to Good _____". A guide, friend, companion....kitchen goddess? Sign me up! I've heard many ways to do it, but never 'rubbing the bird with butter'.
    Can't wait to try it........

    ReplyDelete
  13. Prudelicious, it's finally a Friday and my girlfriend is out of town! I've missed you. I hope your trip was fun.
    This book sounds amazing! You can almost substitute any word you want with ' Cooking'. "The Keys to Good _____". A guide, friend, companion....kitchen goddess? Sign me up! I've heard many ways to do it, but never 'rubbing the bird with butter'.
    Can't wait to try it........

    ReplyDelete
  14. Prudelicious, not only do I have spelling and mental problems, but now computer!!! I think my girlfriends lousy kids messed it up.
    Sorry that posted ate times.....

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  15. I'm intrigued. I love a good cooking reference book. I'm adding it to my Christmas list!

    Looking forward to Prudy's Thanksgiving (alas, it will only be a virtual feast:). I'm hosting this year and although I have done the same turkey for several years (brined in apple cider), I am open and ready for new suggestions. So bring it!

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  16. I just checked the local library and they have it on order. I'm first in line to read it. Yay!!

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  17. Ooh, this would be a PERFECT thing to help with a great Thanksgiving dinner - good point!

    Thanks for being a part of this tour. :)

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  18. Sounds like a good resource for any kitchen.

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