ThisNext

Okay.. I really like cooking and I really like cookbooks, but I have NEVER been so taken with a cookbook that I couldn't put it down and took it with me to read over lunch!!! Not until now, anyway.

Michael Ruhlman is a seasoned author who has penned several cookbooks including "the Elements of Cooking". In Ratio, he lays bare the formulas behind the basics of cooking - the ratio of the basic ingredients that define the outcome. And he makes it all interesting!! Once you know the ratio, you have the foundation to riff off of it to your hearts content without being tied to a particular recipe.

He defines the RATIO of flour/liquid/fat/sugar/etc necessary for basic doughs, batters, sauces, etc. and then suggests variations to tweak the outcome. So, what is the difference between a cake, muffin, a biscuit, a crepe, pasta and pizza dough... they all have the same basic ingredients, right? Well, It all makes sense when you know the basic formula and see how the differences in proportions create a totally different finished product. It's all in the RATIO.

For the purists out there, and you know who you are, Ruhlman makes it clear from the start that technique and quality ingredients are key. However, he also maintains that if you follow the formula and understand how things work together, that you can create a good product from the very beginning and then spend your time and energy improving your technique instead of looking for good recipes.

A great read and very practical.

Updated Aug 31, 2009

Lists that feature this:

For people who like:

Comment

This is:

Mille Bornes Collectors Edition

First to recommend

Description

This is one of those classic card games that I'd always heard about and never played until recently. I love it!!! I hate that it took me so long to discover it for myself. Mille Bornes is French for "1,000 Milestones" or 1,000 miles. The game is set up like a road race - complete with distance cards, hazards, remedys (for the hazards) and safety cards. The goal is to be the first to play exactly 1,000 miles during a hand. No more, no less. It looked daunting to learn, but was really very simple. I highly recommend it.
It can be played by 2, 3, 4 or 6 people. When played by 4 or 6, it's played in teams of 2. These cards feature the original 1962 artwork.

Updated Aug 25, 2009

Lists that feature this:

For people who like:

Comment

This is:

Propel Fitness Water Packets

First to recommend

2 people recommended this item

Description

Yum... an easy way to have your favorite flavors on hand - just add Propel powder packets to your bottled water for a vitamin enhanced, tasty and invigorating boost.

Updated Aug 12, 2009

Lists that feature this:

For people who like:

Comment

This is:

Zak Reusable Polycarbonate Stripe Straws - Set of 10

4 people recommended this item

Description

Stop throwing away straws ... use these dishwasher safe polycarbonate straws instead! Breat bright colors, sturdy straws. Great for kids or for the next cocktail party or cookout.

Updated Aug 12, 2009

Lists that feature this:

For people who like:

1 comment

This is:

frozen smiles ice cube tray

25 people recommended this item

Description

Dentures aren’t just for Grandpa anymore! Freeze up a batch of Frozen Smiles and drop them into any glass. Sure to freak out your friends.

Updated Oct 23, 2008

List that features this:

Spooky and Naughty

For people who like:

Comment

This is:

Klean Kanteen Classic: 12oz

First to recommend

2 people recommended this item

Description

A great bpa free stainless steel water bottle that is the perfect size for kids ,for short trips where refills are readily available, or for sugary drinks that you'd like to consume in smaller quantities. I have mine at work - the 12 oz size is perfect - just enough for the water to stay cool until I drink it and I have the added benefit of a quick walk to the water fountain to fill it up when I need a refill. Now available in lots of fun colors, too. Oh... and a little bird told me that they are perfect containers for adult beverages (i.e. flasks) for camping, traveling or ballgames!

Updated Aug 12, 2009

Lists that feature this:

For people who like:

Comment

This is:

Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi/450D For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech))

First to recommend

Description

hands on guide to getting the most out of the Canon Digital Rebel XSi (450D). Full color how-to book with examples, exercises, photographs, etc. I like the Dummies books because they bring humor to the topic you are learning about. Fun read and very informative.

Updated May 7, 2009

List that features this:

photography

For people who like:

Comment

This is:

The Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi/ 450D Companion

First to recommend

Description

a must have book for anyone who owns the Canon Digital Rebel XSi/450D - it is everything the manual should be but isn't. Not only gets you up to speed on the camera, but also stands alone as a great digital photography how-to book.

Updated May 7, 2009

List that features this:

photography

For people who like:

Comment

This is:

Emerita Pro-Gest Natural Progesterone Cream, Paraben-Free, 4-Ounce Tube

First to recommend

Description

If you are a woman between 30 and 50, you may not be "perimenopausal" yet, but you are definitely "pre-menopausal." If that is the case, check out this natural progesterone cream to aid in balancing your changing hormones.

Updated May 7, 2009