Cook's Illustrated

[Jeff]

Cook's Illustrated, one of the most refreshing magazines I have received in a long time.

For those of you who have read it; Are there any books you could recommend that would be in the same genre/ style (Americana?) as the opening story written by Christopher Kimball. I really enjoy those stories but they are only 1 page every two months.

[mjohnson]

Americana?

I dunno, but Chris' intros are interesting for a year or so, then you start scanning them, then you flip past them...

I love the magazine. I recommend it to anyone who's learning to cook decent food. I've never had a recipe fail --- never. I consult my bound compilations frequently (1996 - 2004) and subscribed from '99 to '04. I love that they do tests on cooking tools without regarding the advertizing accounts (Forschner stamped knives at $25 are 99% the knife that Wusthoff is, Graniteware roasting pans work fine instead of $$$ All Clad ones).

Eventually (maybe like some feel about the Pelican Parts tech fora?) it seemed like the tape started over from the start again. All the tips weren't new to me and the stories were predictable once you understood the science behind the cooking.

I ditched the mag and moved on to egullet.com. Still looking for another cooking magazine.

Back to topic, Chris Kimball is an acquired taste and I don't know who else is like him. I'm more of the Ruhlman/Bordean/HunterSThompson interest...

Mike
'78SC
'02C2

[Jeff]

Mike, Thanks for the reply. I agree the magazine is a great source of info and will eventually run its coarse.

I am not looking for a book written by Kimball. Just using him as a reference for the type of book I would like to find. Something that is set in America, before TV was such an influence. Entertainment was simple; fishing, baseball, when a county fair was a big deal, etc. One that comes to mind is "A Painted House" by John Grisham (not a lawyer novel). It doesn't have to be fictional either, but I am not looking for a text book.

[cairns]

I get it too and love it. Their product recommnedations are spot on too.

I also get Cuisine at Home. Full of great (but simpler) recipes that you can make on a weeknight without much trouble.

[Jeff]

cairns, I'll have to look into Cuisine at Home. Thanks.