Beginner Questions

[will]

Greetings all. Im very new to cooking (although I am young so at least Im starting early). I want to learn how to cook effectively and even start experimenting :) However, Im having some problems.

I love watching "Good Eats" on FoodTV because the host (Alton Brown) not only explains the recipe, he explains the details behind it. He goes into everything that is going on, not just what to add and how long to watch it.

My question is does anyone know of any online resources that provide the same type of information? Sure, I can always just look at recipes, but I really want to understand what is going on so I can think about the logic of it myself.

Oh, and I ask for online resources because im severly limited on income (college student).

Sorry, Im a programmer by nature and always want to know how things work (down to the nitty-gritty). Is anyone else like this?

Thanks for any and all advice in advance!

[Audeo]

Welcome, Will! You'll find yourself in some very good company here and it's good to have you join us.

I certainly understand your nature -- I was an MCSE in NT4 and 2000 prior to tech death, and am a big AB fan. Like most SE's, my closet hangers are almost exactly an inch and a quarter apart. Yep, I understand your need for nth detail.

Of course, I don't have a website to recommend to you, but I'm pretty sure that one exists. And if there is ANYONE here who would know what that site is, that person would likely be Wasabi Woman. Send her your question and stand back to be amazed!

Good to have you with us, Will.

[will]

Wasabi Woman? is that a user on the board? Not sure I know of her.

[Audeo]

Yes, Wasabi Woman is her user name. Find her posts under Search, then by author. If fading memory serves me from a few months ago at the FN boards, Wasabi Woman also has a programming background. Seem to recall that, anyway.

[mudbug]

Will, don't know if this helps because I haven't read it, but there's a book out called "What Einstein Told [or Said To] His Cook," Robert W-something (Wolke?) is the author. Robt W has a regular column in the Washington Post food section (Wednesdays) that's about the science aspects of food and cooking. You might try to find the book in the library or check out WaPo online.

[will]

Washington Post hunh? I will have to check that out. I used to live in the MD area (moving back soon) and never thought about it. Thanks for the input.

What is FN boards? Sorry, dont know that acronym :)

[crewsk]

FN boards is/was The Food Network Message Boards.

[will]

Oh (duh!)

thanks for that one :)

[crewsk]

Your Welcome!

[PolishedTopaz]

Check out Cooksillustrated.com or invest in a years subscription, They break down recipes and rate different things every month. GREAT source.
And no outside advertising either, like a consumer reports for cooks.