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Think Like a Chef

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With Think Like a Chef, Tom Colicchio has created a new kind of cookbook. Rather than list a series of restaurant recipes, he uses simple steps to deconstruct a chef's creative process, making it easily available to any home cook.He starts with What's roasting, for example, and how do you do it in the oven or on top of the stove? He also gets you comfortable with braising, sautéing, and making stocks and sauces. Next he introduces simple "ingredients" -- roasted tomatoes, say, or braised artichokes -- and tells you how to use them in a variety of ways. So those easy roasted tomatoes may be turned into anything from a vinaigrette to a caramelized tomato tart, with many delicious options in between.In a section called Trilogies, Tom takes three ingredients and puts them together to make one dish that's quick and other dishes that are increasingly more involved. As Tom says, "Juxtaposed in interesting ways, these ingredients prove that the whole can be greater than the sum of their parts," and you'll agree once you've tasted the Ragout of Asparagus, Morels, and Ramps or the Baked Free-Form "Ravioli" -- both dishes made with the same trilogy of ingredients.The final section of the books offers simple recipes for components -- from zucchini with lemon thyme to roasted endive with whole spices to boulangerie potatoes -- that can be used in endless combinations.Written in Tom's warm and friendly voice and illustrated with glorious photographs of finished dishes, Think Like a Chef will bring out the master chef in all of us.

272 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1,2000

This edition

Format
272 pages, Hardcover
Published
October 31, 2000 by Clarkson Potter
ISBN
9780609604854
ASIN
0609604856
Language
English

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Rating(3.8 / 5.0, 59 votes)
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59 reviews All reviews
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pringerz
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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This is an excellent approach to viewing cooking. Instead of simply following recipes blindly, it's about seeing the big picture.

However, it should be noted that his concept of the big picture incorporates a significantly greater amount of lobster and foie gras compared to mine.

Perhaps this difference in perspective reflects our individual tastes and preferences. While he may lean towards more luxurious and indulgent ingredients, I might be more inclined towards simpler and more accessible ones.

Nevertheless, both ways of looking at cooking have their merits. His approach can lead to the creation of elaborate and sophisticated dishes, while mine can result in delicious and comforting meals that are within the reach of most people.

In the end, cooking is a personal art form, and there is no right or wrong way to do it. As long as we enjoy the process and the end result, that's what really matters.
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SpiritMindXo
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I got this for my brother.

He's a great cook and has always been passionate about the art of cooking.

This book, in particular, caught my attention as it attempts to express the thought process that goes on in a professional kitchen.

It delves into the fascinating world of combining various ingredients to create a cohesive and delicious dish.

Not only does it offer a plethora of great recipes, but it also provides valuable techniques that can enhance one's cooking skills.

Whether you're a novice or an experienced cook, this book has something to offer.

It's a great resource for those who want to take their cooking to the next level and explore new flavors and combinations.

I'm sure my brother will love it and find it extremely useful in his culinary adventures.
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kyleinfinity
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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This is a truly superb book that delves not only into the technical aspects but also the art of cooking.

Rather than simply presenting a long list of recipes, the author takes a unique approach. They describe in detail how one should think about the combinations of different elements in cooking. This helps the reader to understand the underlying principles and relationships between various ingredients.

Moreover, the author places great emphasis on the importance of improvisation. In the kitchen, things don't always go according to plan, and being able to improvise and make adjustments on the fly is a valuable skill.

Finally, creativity is highlighted as a crucial aspect of cooking. The author encourages readers to think outside the box, experiment with new flavors and techniques, and develop their own unique cooking styles. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone who is passionate about cooking and wants to take their skills to the next level.
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noyuhs
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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This book truly revolutionized everything regarding the way I cook.

Before I discovered this remarkable book, my cooking was rather ordinary and lacked the finesse and creativity that I now possess.

The detailed instructions, innovative recipes, and expert tips provided within its pages opened up a whole new world of culinary possibilities for me.

I have learned how to combine different flavors and ingredients in ways I never thought possible, resulting in dishes that are not only delicious but also visually appealing.

Thanks to this book, I have become more confident in the kitchen and am now able to experiment with new recipes and techniques, constantly pushing the boundaries of my cooking skills.

It has truly been a game-changer for me, and I will forever be grateful for the knowledge and inspiration it has given me.

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Kerf
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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This book contains a plethora of excellent cooking lessons and valuable tips.

However, I have a bone to pick with cookbooks that showcase ingredients which are simply inaccessible to me in Wisconsin. The recipes for salsify, ramps, and duck ham all appear to be extremely delicious. Nevertheless, I would encounter great difficulties in procuring those particular ingredients.

I did attempt one recipe from this book, namely the "diced potato-leek soup", but unfortunately, it did not turn out as expected. The culprit was my improper cooking of the bacon. In the end, I had no choice but to discard the entire pot of soup and heat up a frozen pizza instead.

Don't let this misadventure dishearten you, though. I seem to always have rotten luck when it comes to recipes that involve leeks!

It's important to note that despite this one setback, the book still offers many other promising recipes that are worth giving a try. Maybe with a bit more practice and a better understanding of the ingredients and techniques, I'll have more success in the future.

Overall, while the book has its drawbacks in terms of ingredient availability, it does have its redeeming qualities and can still be a useful resource for those looking to expand their culinary skills.
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Lychee777
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I have a deep affection for Tom Colicchio. Therefore, I was filled with excitement when I managed to obtain a second-hand copy of this book.

It belongs to a long series of books that blend memoirs and recipes. However, I truly value Tom's perspectives on food and cooking.

As an amateur chef myself, I firmly believe that cooking is not merely about following recipes. I have a passion for delicious food, high-quality ingredients, and transforming cooking into an experience rather than just a mechanical exercise.

These are all the viewpoints that Tom also holds, and they are vividly presented in this book.

Don't mistake him for those numerous other celebrity "chefs" who only have a gimmick and a recipe book. This man is a genuine chef.

His love and dedication to the culinary art shine through every page of this book, making it a must-read for anyone who has a passion for food and cooking.

I highly recommend this book to all those who are interested in exploring the world of cooking and learning from a true master.
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micahu
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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The first couple of chapters in this book are extremely well-written and indeed offer some really excellent advice.

It's as if the author had put in a great deal of effort and thought into these initial parts, making them engaging and valuable for the readers.

However, as one progresses through the later chapters, a sense of repetition starts to emerge.

The content seems to recycle and rehash ideas that were already presented earlier.

This gives the impression that perhaps the ghost writer, who may have been responsible for the later sections, just wasn't fully committed or enthusiastic about the task at hand.

It's a bit disappointing because the potential for a truly great and comprehensive book was there, but the lack of freshness and originality in the later chapters somewhat detracts from the overall quality.

Nonetheless, the good advice in the beginning chapters still makes the book worth considering for those who are willing to overlook the repetitive nature of the later parts.

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Mellolicious
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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This is an illuminating book that offers a profound look into the foundations of Colicchio's cooking style.

It is written in an open and inviting manner, making it accessible to both professional chefs and cooking enthusiasts alike.

The author has done an excellent job of presenting the concepts and techniques in a clear and understandable way.

Readers will find themselves drawn into the world of Colicchio's cuisine, learning about his unique approach to ingredient selection, preparation, and presentation.

The book is filled with beautiful photographs that not only enhance the visual appeal but also provide a better understanding of the dishes.

Whether you are looking to expand your culinary knowledge or simply gain inspiration for your own cooking, this book is a must-read.

It is a valuable resource that will surely become a favorite in any kitchen library.
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