When comparing How to Cook Everything vs The Science of Good Cooking, the Slant community recommends How to Cook Everything for most people. In the question“What are the best books for learning how to cook?” How to Cook Everything is ranked 1st while The Science of Good Cooking is ranked 5th. The most important reason people chose How to Cook Everything is:
Each chapter starts with "Essential recipes", which are the building blocks for the more complicated foods that follow.
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Pros
Pro Well organized
Each chapter starts with "Essential recipes", which are the building blocks for the more complicated foods that follow.
Pro Pragmatic recipes allow for learning by doing
As a beginner book, it functions like a food dictionary or thesaurus.
Pro Organized by Ingredient
Start with the ingredient you want to eat and explore from there.
Pro Very widely read and used book
The book was published in 1998 and has become very well known. This is a revised edition though, so you will find more up to date content.
Pro Includes over 2000 recipes
Pro "Why this recipe works" after every recipe
These sections explain how for example the amount of eggs you added or the ratio between milk and flour can change the texture or taste of the food.
Pro Perfection in recipes
The recipes have been tested and edited to perfection in America’s Test Kitchen. They will literally ask you to use 68-degree butter.
Cons
Con Not your book if you lack time
There are better books with simple working recipes for a quick lunch or dinner. This book is detailed and takes time to work with.