Oct 31st, 2023 on

Three Cookbooks & One Fiction

I firmly believe that every household should possess at least one cookbook, and today, I’m thrilled to introduce you to three of the absolute best. These culinary treasures are not just books, they are works of art that deserve a prominent place in your home, whether it’s in your kitchen for quick reference or gracing your coffee table with their exquisite covers.

If you’re a dessert person like me, a lover of bread and bakery goodies, or someone just starting their culinary journey, I’ve got you covered. And as a little bonus, I’ll also share with you a piece of fiction that I read last year and that left a profound impact. It’s a story that beautifully complements our culinary theme.

These cookbooks will be your trusted companions, offering guidance, inspiration, and a world of delicious possibilities. So, let’s embark on this culinary and literary adventure together. Shall we begin?

Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat: Mastering the Elements of Good Cooking

Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat: Mastering the Elements of Good Cooking by Samin Nosrat. If you’re on a quest for the quintessential cookbook, look no further; Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat is the culinary bible you’ve been yearning for. Whether you’ve never ventured beyond making a sandwich or you’re a seasoned pro, this book promises a rewarding culinary journey that will enrich your skills and tease your taste buds.This culinary masterpiece embarks on a voyage that begins with the most basic of principles. In a world where culinary trends may come and go, the age-old adage less is more remains an everlasting truth. The book’s mantra is simple but profound the key to unlocking incredible flavor often lies in the elegant simplicity of salt, fat, and acid. These three fundamental elements are the true magicians in the kitchen, orchestrating a symphony of taste that will forever transform the way you approach food.

To truly appreciate the depth of this culinary revelation, I recommend starting at the very beginning. Understanding the why behind these four core elements - salt, fat, acid, and heat - is akin to unraveling the secrets of the universe. Through its captivating stories, reminiscent of a novel, and its scientific exploration, which delves into the art of culinary chemistry, this book will ignite your passion for cooking and infuse it with newfound knowledge and meaning.

The visual journey presented within the pages of Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat is nothing short of a masterpiece. The graphics and photographs serve as more than just visual aids; they are gateways into the enchanting world of food, offering insights and inspiration with each glance. This book isn’t merely meant for your kitchen; it’s a work of art with a profound message, worthy of display on your coffee table.

Samin Nosrat, the brilliant mind behind this culinary revelation, is more than just a chef; she’s a harmonizer of flavors and a seeker of balance in both her recipes and life. Her wisdom extends far beyond the confines of this book, and I wholeheartedly recommend following her culinary adventures.

Dessert Person

Dessert Person Recipes and Guidance for Baking with Confidence. A Baking Book by Claire Saffitz! I’m SO dessert person! Are you too? If you are, then you absolutely need to own these books. Claire Saffitz, the culinary genius who first graced the pages of Bon Appétit and now enchants us with her delightful YouTube channel, has not only won our palates but also our trust in her expertise. With two outstanding cookbooks to her name, I can confidently declare that they are a must-have for anyone who adores all things sweet.

Saffitz’s latest offering, Dessert Person, is a testament to her culinary prowess. The book is not just well-written, it’s a masterpiece. The instructions are meticulous and detailed, ensuring that even a beginner can navigate the world of baking with ease. But what truly sets Dessert Person apart is the personal touch Claire infuses into every recipe. From the very outset, she shares insightful notes and invaluable tips, making you feel like you have your own personal baking mentor guiding you through every step. This personal connection is what makes this book a standout in the realm of baking literature.

In addition to its clear and comprehensive instructions, each recipe is accompanied by Claire’s personal notes, which offer invaluable insights and variations. This commitment to detail and connection with the reader is what makes Dessert Person an exceptional companion for bakers of all levels.

Claire Saffitz’s passion for baking and her dedication to empowering others to bake with confidence shine through every page of Dessert Person. Her book not only demystifies the most daunting recipes but also elevates your skills, ensuring that the results are nothing short of spectacular.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a newcomer to the kitchen, Claire’s book will inspire and empower you to create mouthwatering desserts with confidence. It’s a true gem for anyone with a love for all things sweet and a passion for the art of baking.

How to Bake

How to Bake by Paul Hollywood, The Bread-Father, The King of Bread, the one and only Paul Hollywood. I wasn’t ever a groupie, but Paul… Oh, Paul! Okay, I’ll stop. It’s not just his eyes, it’s the book, I promise! How to Bake is all about the magic of baking, and it’s a journey guided by none other than the baking legend himself, Paul Hollywood.

Baking, especially bread, can seem like a scientific endeavor—a tough course to master, to say the least. But with Paul by your side, you’ll find that this culinary science becomes a piece of cake. He takes you by the hand and effortlessly demystifies the world of baking, making it accessible and enjoyable for all. The moment your hands touch that dough, it’s as if a little magic begins to happen. Baking your own bread becomes a captivating experience, and you’ll wonder why you haven’t embarked on this adventure sooner.

But How to Bake is not just about bread. It’s a treasure trove of baking knowledge that extends to cakes, tarts, croissants, pies, and beyond. With this book as your guide, you could very well open your bakery someday. Paul’s expertise and passion for baking shine through every page, and you’ll feel like you’re in a one-on-one masterclass with a true artisan.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice, this book will equip you with the skills and knowledge to create delectable bread and pastries, and maybe even fulfill your dream of owning a bakery. With Paul Hollywood as your mentor, you’ll discover that the magic of baking lies not only in the delicious results but in the joy of the process itself.

With Paul Hollywood as your trusted mentor, you’ll quickly discover that the enchantment of baking extends far beyond the delectable end products; it resides in the sheer joy of the baking journey itself.

So, bakers, get ready! On your marks, get set, bake!

Sourdough

Sourdough by Robin Sloan. I read this book last year, and it’s story remains as vivid in my memory as if I’d read it yesterday. It’s a novel that I often find myself recommending when someone asks me for a captivating read. But before I delve into the magic of Sourdough let me start with a question. Do you have a passion for baking? If your answer is yes, then I wholeheartedly suggest you pick up this book, for it is a literary delight that seamlessly intertwines the art of sourdough bread-making with an enchanting work of fiction.

As you turn the pages, you’ll find that the narrative has a unique quality, it has the power to make you smell the yeasted bread, to feel the dough between your fingers, and to transport you into the heart of a bustling kitchen. Sourdough revolves around Lois Clary, the book’s relatable protagonist, who, despite her day job as a software engineer, discovers her true solace in baking bread. Each day, she orders takeout from a seemingly nonexistent ‘restaurant’ that offers a single, but extraordinary, dish soup paired with a fresh, perfectly baked loaf of bread. And it’s true, sometimes all you need is that perfect combination to brighten your day.

Lois’s life takes an unexpected turn when the enigmatic owners of this unique establishment leave her with a sourdough starter. As she embarks on her journey into the enchanting world of bread-baking, new horizons and a myriad of delightful experiences open up for her. The novel beautifully captures the therapeutic nature of kneading dough and the joy that can be found in the simplicity of baking.

But what sets Sourdough apart is its ability to infuse magic into the ordinary. This book is a testament to the idea that even in our fast-paced, tech-driven world, the act of creating something with our hands and the simple pleasures of life can hold a kind of enchantment all their own.

f you’re looking for a novel that offers a taste of both culinary and literary magic, I wholeheartedly recommend Sourdough. It’s a story that, like a warm loaf fresh from the oven, will leave you with a comforting and unforgettable experience.