Basic Resources for Beginning Enthusiast

Hi Chefsteps community!

I am a first year culinary student at the CIA looking for basic and simple resources to read about the science behind molecular gastronomy/ progressive cooking. I understand that there is a ton of information out there and each and every day new information becomes readily available in this new field, but I was wondering if anyone could help me out. Thanks for your time guys and I look forward to your advice!

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Comments

Kyle_Hildebrant_82029

Modernist Cuisine is the best resource. Nothing compares. MC at Home is a nice introduction to some of the techniques (pressure cooking, sous vide, etc.) but is more geared toward the home cook, and less those interested in fluid gels, nitrogen, etc. It's not cheap, but worth every penny.

Dan_15860

Thank you! Kyle Will definitely check it out. Glad to have also found this website too!

Justin_48470

Check out cookingissues.com and the corresponding podcast at heritageradionetwork.com. The blog is now inactive but there's a ton of great stuff there and the podcast is still going strong.

Tim_Sutherland_52834

You need to get McGee, On Food and Cooking, and read it. Then get the other books.

Make sure you can do the basics well. It will help you get, and keep a job. Understand what correctly seasoned food tastes like. Know how to breakdown poultry and finned fish.

Once you can do the old school stuff, you will find the new school ways easier to master.

Dan_15860

I absolutely agree. Previous chefs have instilled in me to do exactly that: learn how to properly cook, sear, poach, grill, etc, then learn sous vide. I really want to get into this side of cooking, but like you said its really important i have that solid foundation before i can mess around with the powders and gels, etc. I was recommend to download the pdf "textures" edited by Martin Lersch, along with the book maximum flavor i believe. I will definitely read your recommendations when i get the chance and add this to my daily studies. Thank you so much guys.

T__2156

It's quite expensive, but if you ask around I'm sure several people at CIA, and probably the library, will have it.

Dan_15860

Im sure the library will have it. As a broke college student, I unfortunately can't afford it right now. Thanks again for all of the help!

Justin_48470

Dan,

A little off topic, but I'm heading up to Hyde Park for a visit to CIA today and would love to chat with you about your experience at the school. I imagine your schedule is hectic, but if you have time, shoot me a line at 214-924-6784 if you have a chance. Cheers!