As I have mentioned previously, I am a huge fan of celebrity chef Alton Brown.   While Cutthroat Kitchen (or any of the current crop of game shows) isn’t my kettle of fish, one of the most educational TV series ever run on Food Network was his Good Eats.  It pains me that for whatever reasons Good Eats isn’t readily available in an episode by episode format. You can find some of the shows as collections on Amazon, and selected episodes on FoodNetwork.com (geographically restricted to USA) and on You Tube.

Alton combines humour with both the art and science of cooking, and created a very entertaining and educational shows.  I am among the throngs of fans who hope that Alton will once again to a similar program for a new generation of foodies, and us old fans too.

Along with Good Eats, Alton also has written a number of books.  Two that I feel are must haves for anyone interested in learning to cook, or better their technique, are Just Here for the Food, and Just Here for More Food.  These books take you step by step thru the explanation of various cooking techniques, then follow up the expanantion with solid recipes to demonstrate the application of what was learned.  They are a very good investment if you are looking to up your cooking game. Gear for your Kitchen is also a good learning tool, and helps you navigate the sometimes absurd offerings of toys for the kitchen. The Kitchen Manual is also a handy book to have, it has good information and allow you to organize some of your notes and recipes.

             

And as long as I am on the topic of Alton Brown, he has also done two other food related projects that I am very fond of. Feasting on Asphalt and Feasting on Asphalt – The River Run. These are two great travel documenteries, the first an east to west cross country run, and the second north to south down the Mississippi. The trips were taken by motorcycle, and centered on the exploration of regional cusines as Alton and a few friends crossed the miles. It is very entertaining, and well worth seeking out.

 

And there is the companion book to the second trip which includes some great recipes:

I hope that you are able to take a bit of time and explore the world of Alton Brown and Good Eats. You will be rewarded with both Good Times and Good Eats!!

Enjoy!