-
Mastering the Science of Sugar: From Simple Syrups to Caramel
Learn the science of sugar in cooking. Discover how solubility, supersaturation, and crystallisation transform simple syrups into rich caramels and fudge. Continue reading
-
The Science of Chilli Burn: Why We Love the Pain of Capsaicin
Ever wondered why eating chillies hurts so good? Discover the neuroscience behind capsaicin, the TRPV1 heat receptor, and why humans love spicy food. Continue reading
-
Understanding Emulsions I: The Science Behind Your Favourite Sauces
Learn the science of food emulsions! Discover how oil and water mix, why vinaigrettes split, and the physics behind stable kitchen sauces. Continue reading
-
Quick bite: The secret life of vegetables
As Harold McGee points out in his book, On Food and Cooking, plants are essentially chemical factories. Plants are famously stationary and lacking any motive power must interact with the external world, for the most part, through a dazzling array of chemicals that they synthesise from basic chemical elements. The same plant will simultaneously produce… Continue reading
-
Quick bite: A cooks tour of protein chemistry
If you have read any of the posts on this blog you are probably starting to realise that when we are talking about chemistry in cooking a lot of the time we are actually talking about proteins. For this reason it is important that we have a clear idea of what a protein is, how… Continue reading
-
Quick bite: Osmosis and your next BBQ
Discover how osmosis affects steak moisture and searing. Learn the exact timing rules for salting your steak to achieve a golden, crusty Maillard reaction. Continue reading
-
Anatomy, heat and the perfect steak
The post explores the challenges of cooking the perfect steak, emphasizing the importance of cut choice, understanding muscle anatomy, and the science behind heat and proteins. It discusses techniques like sous vide and two-zone grilling for achieving optimal tenderness and sear. Finally, it stresses the necessity of resting the steak before serving to retain juiciness. Continue reading
-
The Pasta Making Guide for Non-Nonnas
Nonnas know how to make pasta. The rest of us have to do the best we can. Quick Summary Yep, there’s quite a bit of science underlying pasta, but don’t worry this post covers everything we need to know: Got a question you want answered in a hurry? Checkout the FAQ. The last time I… Continue reading