Spec me a book

new boy · 12 Aug 2017 at 14:27

I'm looking for a physical cookery book.

I don't really want a recipe book, I don't tend to follow one recipe instead I look at a few and take the bits I like from each.

I don't even know what I want to be honest. Maybe a school style book that teaches techniques or something that explores flavour combinations?

If anyone has any reconmendations chuck me some links and I'll take a look.

Sorry for the vague request lol

Tyrone1Wils · 12 Aug 2017 at 14:30

Maybe have a look at this:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Food-Lab-C...1502544556&sr=8-1&keywords=kenji+the+food+lab

Kenji is awesome, follow his stuff on seriouseats.com.

This book has loads of techniques and some food science bits, it's a very interesting read. Also has recipes too. I have it and it's the only cookery book I have actually used.

new boy · 12 Aug 2017 at 16:44

Tyrone1Wils said:
Maybe have a look at this:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Food-Lab-C...1502544556&sr=8-1&keywords=kenji+the+food+lab

Kenji is awesome, follow his stuff on seriouseats.com.

This book has loads of techniques and some food science bits, it's a very interesting read. Also has recipes too. I have it and it's the only cookery book I have actually used.

Jesus. Books cost that much?

Its been a while since I last bought one lol.

I do enjoy his articles on serious eats, so that's one I might well pick up, thanks!

peterwalkley · 12 Aug 2017 at 17:46

There's a whole generation that accumulates too many cookery books and dump them on charity shops. You'll get a pile for a pittance.

Alternatively a bricks and mortar bookshop in the run up to Christmas will have loads on offer.

FiremanSam · 13 Aug 2017 at 07:50

Have a look at Practical Cookery, it's a college text book for NVQ qualifications, it does have recipes but also has methods too. Don't get the current revision get an older one say 9, 10 or 11 from eBay.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Practical...377793&hash=item58fa9e3b6c:g:~TkAAOSwmFNZZgFr

Glaucus · 13 Aug 2017 at 12:44

Another vote for serious eats over books.
I like physical recipe books, but most have so much rubbish in them.
Wish I had a decent printer and either pre or post laminate them and binder, and just keep stuff I'm interested in.

new boy · 13 Aug 2017 at 16:58

FiremanSam said:
Have a look at Practical Cookery, it's a college text book for NVQ qualifications, it does have recipes but also has methods too. Don't get the current revision get an older one say 9, 10 or 11 from eBay.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Practical...377793&hash=item58fa9e3b6c:g:~TkAAOSwmFNZZgFr

That looks perfect! I'll definitely grab a copy of that.

Looks like a dry, boring bible of cookery skills, which is just what I want lol.

john_s · 13 Aug 2017 at 17:59

peterwalkley said:
There's a whole generation that accumulates too many cookery books and dump them on charity shops. You'll get a pile for a pittance.

Yep... last time I went in a charity shop, I got a stack of books, worth close to £200 at RRP, for £4.50. I gave them £10, told the young lady behind the counter that I'd be offended if she gave me any change, and still felt that I'd robbed them!