When comparing The Science of Good Cooking vs The Improvisational Cook, the Slant community recommends The Improvisational Cook for most people. In the question“What are the best books for learning how to cook?” The Improvisational Cook is ranked 3rd while The Science of Good Cooking is ranked 5th. The most important reason people chose The Improvisational Cook is:
The book teaches you the basics and then how to improvise based on them - how to deviate from the original recipe. It teaches how to play with food and builds your confidence.
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
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.
Pro Not just a book of recipes.
The book teaches you the basics and then how to improvise based on them - how to deviate from the original recipe. It teaches how to play with food and builds your confidence.
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.