Cook's Encyclopaedia - Softcover

Stobart, Tom

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1910690090 ISBN 13: 9781910690093

Publisher: Grub Street Cookery, 2016

Synopsis

Here in almost 500 pages is a descriptive compendium of just about everything we eat and how we cook it. Arranged alphabetically from Abalone to Zampone, the majority of entries in the book deal with the ingredients and processes used in cooking. Tom Stobart says in his Introduction ‘Ingredients are the fundamentals of cookery and every cook who hopes to excel should know about them...’ Likewise with methods and science in the kitchen, Stobart explains all the common processes from bottling brewing, brining, curing, smoking and vacuuming.

Hundreds of ingredients are described, with English and foreign synonyms and scientific names; recipes are given in many cases to illustrate the use of the foodstuff in question. Cooking processes are explained in great and illuminating detail. The aim is both to entertain and to instruct--in particular, to give a sense of the essence and individuality of each ingredient. Tom Stobart traveled widely, both as an explorer and a film maker, and his book was informed by an eye for telling details.

Many fans say they would be lost without this book, which segues effortlessly between exhaustive reference work and handy recipe book, and back again. It explains the world of the kitchen, whether you're a beginner or an old hand, revealing the facts behind foods, equipment and techniques. Stobart describes how baking powder works, for instance, the temperature at which bacteria grow, and how to make your own tomato ketchup, so every time you dip into this book, you'll be better equipped to return to the stove.

About this title

About the Author:

Tom Stobart OBE, was a traveller and explorer as well as a cookery expert. He originally trained as a zoologist and later became a documentary film maker, most notably recording the ascent of Everest by Sir Edmund Hilary. He died in 1980.

Review:

‘A MUST, comprehensive, well-organized and well-written...This is a serious and important work of reference, but it is also extremely readable. Those who acquire it will find themselves dipping into it constantly and that it affords them as much pleasure as instruction.’ (Alan Davidson, author of The Oxford Companion to Food)

About this edition

• Publisher: Grub Street Cookery
• Publication date: 2016
• ISBN 10: 1910690090
• ISBN 13: 9781910690093
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 464