New book - recommendation

[Attjack]

So I grabbed both books in question after reading this thread. I'm easily more interested in the Food Lab.

[mnavarre]

The books I find myself grabbing off the shelf are, in no particular order, "On Food And Cooking", "The Food Lab", "The Joy Of Cooking" (I've got editions from the '90s, the 60s, and the late 30s), and Cooks Illustrated "The New Best Recipes". They've all got a significant "why" component, which is more interesting to me than the "how" of most cookbooks. I'd rather know why the hell I'm doing something than blindly follow directions.

But, honestly, if I had to pick one it'd me The Food Lab, hands down.

[gcdmd]

It sounds like we have the same core book collection, including multiple editions of "Joy of Cooking."

For basic science of cooking I go with your opinion on "The Food Lab." However, as most of my cooking is done indoors, if I could only have one cookbook, it would be "Joy," mainly for the compendium and variety of recipes but also for the basic explanations, which are sufficient for most general home cooks.

[gcdmd]

"Food Lab" would be a close second, however, especially if you have the "Serious Eats" web site to supplement it for post-publication updates.

[Richard Chrz]

mnavarre I agree, if I learn the "why" I can make up all the how's on my own. I prefer to learn so something, rather than memorize a recipe.

[Mr. Bones]

I have ever found this to be a great reference source...readily available on ePay, etc.; shop round, git a good deal...
I do find my dang ol self enjoyin th fact that this here one is a "First Edition", though I've a had few subsequent versions, been given me, as well...
I jus gifted em to like-minded folks I know...no complaints, or returns, least not so far...

[gcdmd]

That is a treasure, Bones.

[Mr. Bones]

Truth of it all is: I grew up learnin from this, an some other cookbooks what my ma an grandma had, but Family copies of those are safely stowed away from my bumbling hands, feet, etc., an I utilize surrogates obtained from other sources, still feels very Homey, helps me try to always achieve/sustain a State, Tranquility-Type,1 each
Type II, Class III, Revision 19C, sometimes, fer a spell, or so...on a Good Day / Night

[Mr. Bones]

gcdmd Many Thanks, Doc! It is, imo, almost to be considered a seminal text, in one's culinary edumacation path