Six Basic Cooking Techniques - Culinary Essentials for the Home Cook

I received a DIGITAL Advance Reader Copy of this book from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. From the publisher - Welcome to New York City’s most popular cooking class -- now in a book! This vividly photographed manual is a peek inside culinary instructor Jennifer Clair’s best-selling cooking class, where just six cooking techniques lay the groundwork for a solid culinary foundation. You’ll learn the proper way to handle a chef’s knife, cook meat to perfection, create impressive pan sauces, and prepare restaurant-worthy vegetable dishes. Plus, you’ll discover which ingredients truly make a difference in a home kitchen (kosher salt, extra-virgin olive oil, and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, to start). Each technique chapter includes a collection of flavorful recipes, so you can practice your newfound skills while cooking delicious meals. And throughout the book, myth-busting Students Ask and Chefs Say columns feature pearls of indispensable kitchen wisdom (why you should never mince basil, mint, or sage; why blanching vegetables is better than steaming; what are the three key flavors that make all food taste better; and more). Confidence is what makes a great cook, and this practical culinary guide is filled with the teachings you need to gain control of your kitchen.

I admit up front – I did a years of chef training under a tyrant English man who would give Gordon Ramsey a run for his money. This book covers six basic techniques – 1. Making Friends with your Chef’s Knife 2. Cooking Meat to Perfection 3. Making Pan Sauces 4. Roasting Vegetables 5. Blanched Green Vegetables 6. Cooking Leafy Greens. and has recipes to show off these learned skills. I loved the step-by-step photos that explained each section and how REAL food always tastes better. (Throw out that nuclear waste green can of “Parmesan” and buy some of the real stuff!!) I disagree with her statement about sharpening “steels” but everyone is entitled to an opinion! If you are learning to cook BUY THIS BOOK --- if you want to enhance your skills BUY THIS BOOK! Five solid stars from this food addict!