March 29, 2024
Updated May 11, 2025
17 minute read
A Comprehensive Guide to a Career as a Food Writer
itvtlr|
Find a path to becoming a Food Writer. Learn more at:
OpenCourser.com/career/itvtlr/food
Reading list
We've selected some books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Food Writer.
This classic cookbook has been a staple in American kitchens for over 80 years. It contains over 4,000 recipes covering a wide range of cuisines. The book is well-organized and easy to use, making it a great choice for both beginner and experienced cooks.
Another classic cookbook, The Fannie Farmer Cookbook has been around for over 100 years. It contains over 3,500 recipes, including both classic and modern dishes. The book is well-written and includes clear instructions, making it a good choice for cooks of all levels.
Is considered a strong contender for the go-to book for home sourdough bakers, offering a blend of craft and science. It provides very detailed information about ingredients and tools, making it perfect for the serious bread baker. It recent publication and has received awards for its comprehensive approach.
Provides an in-depth exploration of the diverse regional cuisines of China. Kenneth H. Lee, a leading expert on Chinese food and culture, examines the historical, cultural, and geographical factors that shape the culinary traditions of each region, making this book an invaluable resource for understanding the richness and variety of Chinese cuisine.
This comprehensive cookbook contains over 2,000 recipes for a wide range of dishes. Bittman's writing is clear and concise, and he provides helpful tips and techniques throughout the book. great choice for cooks of all levels, but it is especially helpful for beginners.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the diverse and flavorful cuisine of Sichuan province, known for its bold flavors and spicy dishes. It includes recipes, cooking techniques, and cultural insights, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in exploring this regional cuisine.
Provides a comprehensive overview of gastronomy, covering its history, culture, and science.
This classic work by M.F.K. Fisher explores the relationship between food and culture. It beautifully written and thought-provoking book that will change the way you think about food.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the health benefits of a plant-based diet, backed by scientific evidence. It covers various chronic diseases and how a plant-based diet can help prevent or reverse them.
Written by a former biologist, this book delves deep into the science of starters, flour, fermentation, and baking. It is best suited for science-minded intermediate to professional sourdough bakers. It provides theoretical knowledge and practical techniques, making it a valuable reference for those seeking a deeper understanding.
Known for her simplified, overnight sourdough method, this book is highly recommended for beginner bakers. It offers a no-fail approach with epic results, building upon the success of her popular online content. It's a great resource for gaining initial confidence in sourdough.
A follow-up to 'Tartine Bread,' this book provides important updates to the classic Tartine method. It includes more detailed instructions on preparing the leaven and updated mixing steps. It's a valuable resource for those familiar with the original Tartine method or looking for a more recent perspective from a renowned author.
Considered a foundational text in French baking, this book provides in-depth knowledge about bread, including aspects relevant to sourdough. While technical, it offers a deep understanding of dough development, fermentation, and baking techniques from a master baker. It's a valuable reference for serious students and professionals.
Is an excellent starting point for beginners interested in sourdough baking. It provides clear, step-by-step instructions for creating a starter and baking basic loaves. The recipes are approachable and require minimal kneading, making it ideal for those new to the process.
An essential reference for any breadmaker's library, this book covers the basic science of breadmaking, including sourdough. It explains complex topics in an approachable style with illustrations, citing research sources. It's valuable for understanding the underlying processes of sourdough.
Presents the findings of the China-Cornell-Oxford Project, a groundbreaking study that explored the relationship between diet and chronic diseases. It provides strong evidence supporting the benefits of a plant-based diet.
Explores the diverse cuisines of northern China, known for their hearty dishes and use of wheat and noodles. Fuchsia Dunlop provides insights into the culinary traditions and cooking techniques of this region, making this book a valuable addition for those interested in the regional variations of Chinese cuisine.
Focuses on the cuisine of the Jiangnan region, known for its delicate flavors and use of fresh ingredients. Through recipes, cooking techniques, and cultural insights, Fuchsia Dunlop explores the unique culinary traditions of this region and its influence on Chinese cuisine overall.
Great choice for cooks who want to understand the science behind cooking. López-Alt provides clear explanations of the how and why of cooking, and he offers tips and techniques for getting the most out of your ingredients. This book bit more challenging to read than some of the other books on this list, but it is well worth the effort.
Recommended for helping understand sourdough, this book offers clear explanations and delves into the science just enough for bakers to understand the process and troubleshoot. It provides a foolproof guide to making world-class bread at home and is suitable for beginners and intermediate bakers.
Teaches the fundamentals of Chinese cooking techniques, including knife skills, wok mastery, and sauce making. Shirley Cheng, a renowned chef and cookbook author, provides clear instructions and helpful tips, making it an accessible guide for home cooks who want to explore the intricacies of Chinese cuisine.
A popular resource for beginning and intermediate bakers, this book provides clearly written and prescriptive instructions. It delves into the science behind bread making and offers a more structured approach than some other resources. It's an excellent companion for those looking to understand the fundamentals.
For those looking to elevate their baking skills, this book provides essential techniques for advanced bread baking, including sourdough. It offers guidance on manipulating doughs and includes detailed recipes for a variety of breads. It's suitable for experienced bakers seeking to expand their knowledge and repertoire.
Great choice for vegetarians and vegans. Madison provides over 500 recipes for a wide range of vegetarian dishes, from simple salads to hearty stews. This book is well-organized and easy to use, making it a great choice for both beginner and experienced cooks.
Great choice for anyone who wants to learn more about French baking. Mathiot provides over 100 recipes for classic French pastries, from croissants to éclairs. This book is well-written and includes clear instructions, making it a good choice for cooks of all levels.
Great choice for anyone who wants to learn more about Mediterranean cooking. Basan provides over 200 recipes for a wide range of Mediterranean dishes, from Greek salads to Spanish paellas. This book is well-written and includes clear instructions, making it a good choice for cooks of all levels.
Great choice for anyone who wants to learn more about Paleo cooking. Fragoso provides over 100 recipes for a wide range of Paleo dishes, from grilled salmon to roasted vegetables. This book is well-written and includes clear instructions, making it a good choice for cooks of all levels.
This memoir by Anthony Bourdain gives a behind-the-scenes look at the world of professional cooking. It fascinating and often hilarious read that will appeal to anyone interested in gastronomy.
This classic work by Brillat-Savarin meditation on the pleasures of eating. It witty and erudite book that will appeal to anyone interested in food and wine.
Provides a contemporary perspective on Chinese home cooking, featuring simplified recipes and modern variations on traditional dishes. Grace Young shares her culinary knowledge and cultural insights, making this book an accessible and inspiring guide for home cooks.
Focuses specifically on the techniques and recipes used in wok cooking, an essential aspect of Chinese cuisine. J. Kenji López-Alt, a renowned food scientist and cookbook author, provides a comprehensive guide to mastering wok skills and creating authentic Chinese dishes.
This James Beard Award-winning book offers a wide range of recipes using sourdough starter, going beyond just bread to include other baked goods. It also incorporates botanical and cultural notes, providing a unique perspective on sourdough and its connection to nature. It's a beautiful book for inspiration and expanding one's sourdough repertoire.
Is fully devoted to the craft of sourdough and guides readers through starting and maintaining a starter and baking their first loaf. It offers over 50 diverse recipes, exploring creative ways to use sourdough. It's suitable for bakers of all levels looking for a wide variety of sourdough applications.
Published recently, this book aims to simplify the sourdough process and make it accessible to beginners and frustrated bakers. It focuses on the essential elements of sourdough with a warm and encouraging tone. It's a good option for those seeking a no-nonsense approach to getting consistent results.
Offers a beautiful exploration of artisan bread, including a significant portion on sourdough. It includes bread history, insights on artisan flour, and profiles of artisan bakers, providing a broader context for sourdough within the world of baking. It's suitable for those interested in the craft and culture of bread.
Focuses on the health benefits of sourdough and provides a guide to making gut-friendly bread. It delves into the science of fermentation and its impact on digestion. It's a valuable resource for those interested in the nutritional aspects of sourdough.
Explores artisan techniques for creative sourdough breads with a focus on flavors from the new world. It offers a fresh perspective on sourdough baking and encourages experimentation with different ingredients and styles. It's a good choice for those looking to go beyond traditional sourdough recipes.
Is designed specifically for beginners in Chinese cooking, providing simplified recipes and thorough instructions. Eileen Yin-Fei Lo guides readers through the basics of Chinese cuisine, making this book an accessible starting point for those new to Chinese cooking.
Provides a comprehensive guide to the science and practice of a plant-based diet, covering topics such as nutrition, cooking, and meal planning.
A follow-up to 'The Sourdough Whisperer,' this book provides additional beginner-friendly recipes with minimal shaping and no kneading. It's a great resource for those who have the basics down and want to explore more creative and easy sourdough applications for everyday baking.
Authored by a molecular biologist, this book aims to provide a reliable path to sourdough success through understanding the science. While some reviewers note limited depth in certain scientific areas, it offers informative descriptions and a troubleshooting guide. It's a good option for beginners interested in the 'why' behind the process.
Emphasizes the simplicity and home-style nature of Chinese cooking. Fuchsia Dunlop shares easy-to-follow recipes and practical tips, making this book ideal for beginners or those interested in everyday Chinese home cooking.
Is presented as an ultimate step-by-step guide for mastering classic sourdough bread and other recipes. It covers the basics from start to finish, including making and preserving a starter. It's a good resource for beginners looking for a clear and simple approach.
By Michael Pollan explores the ethical and environmental implications of our food choices. It thought-provoking and important read for anyone interested in gastronomy.
Advocates for a starch-based plant-based diet, highlighting its potential for promoting health and preventing chronic diseases.
Examines the negative health and environmental consequences associated with excessive meat consumption, advocating for a shift towards plant-based protein sources.
Delves into the construction of masonry ovens and the baking of hearth loaves, which often involves sourdough. It provides a deep understanding of the traditional methods and infrastructure used in artisan bread production. It's a valuable resource for those interested in the history and craft of baking on a larger scale.
Explores the dietary and lifestyle habits of the world's longest-living people, highlighting the importance of plant-based foods for longevity and well-being.
More of a narrative than a recipe book, this explores the history and culture of breadmaking, including sourdough, through the author's journey visiting renowned bakers. It offers a broader appreciation for the craft and the people behind it. While not a how-to guide, it provides valuable context and inspiration.
Provides budget-friendly vegan recipes and tips for creating a plant-based diet on a limited budget.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/career/itvtlr/food
Save
