Topic: In Search of Perfection

[George]

I refer to the current TV series and accompanying book by Heston Blumenthal. I just borrowed the book from the Library or it can be bought at Amazon for ?10, which is half price. What a gem! He tries to find the ultimate recipes for popular dishes like Pizza, Bangers & Mash and Spaghetti Bolognaise. What a pity he hasn't yet added BIR style Chicken Tikka Masala to his list. Perhaps for a second series with any luck...

His approach chimes, to a certain extent, with what we're trying to do here. We should have more R&D power, though, as there's more of us.

Here's a brief quote re. his approach:
"...like a car enthusiast dedicatedly stripping down and reassembling a vintage TR7 or Morris Minor - I took apart and examined every aspect of classic French cuisine, trying to perfect the kind of experience I had in France. As the results of my cooking got better and my confidence grew, I began to explore how I might actually improve these dishes..."

Now that's like what we're trying to do with BIR food, isn't it?

Many people feel that his recipes are so complex as to be totally unpractical, though, e.g. see:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/mbfood/F2670471?thread=3677217

and an account of making Black Forest Gateau (which takes 1 or 2 days):
http://enjoyment.independent.co.uk/food_and_drink/features/article1982119.ece

I recommend this book as I feel many of the techniques can be applied to Indian cooking.

Regards
George





 

[Chilli Prawn]

Good point George.  I have listened to, and watched the man many times.  Did you know he has a laboratory across the road from his restaurant in Bray, where he analyses and experiments with food and ingredients? 

Mind, I always say to people that curry making is a chemical process and if you understand the process you are half way there.  Lets face it most of the spices and herbs are used in everyday potions. medicines etc., and can now be chemically produced.  Do you think it would be acceptable to go down to the local pharmacy and ask for a bottle of Cumin or packet of Salts of Coriander  ? ;D !!!  Hmmm and interesting thought, but useless  :

Happy Cooking 
CP

[spicysarsy]

Yep C.P. I agree with you, But as I commented a while ago certain spices should be made available via persciption {In large quantities please } because of their ability to aid certain medical ailments. I've noticed also you rarely see an Indian with a cold.

[Chilli Prawn]

Atchoo  :-[