"Fire, water, air, earth--our most trusted food expert recounts the story of his culinary education In Cooked, Michael Pollan explores the previously uncharted territory of his own kitchen. Here, he discovers the enduring power of the four classical elements--fire, water, air, and earth--to transform the stuff of nature into delicious things to eat and drink. Apprenticing himself to a succession of culinary masters, Pollan learns how to grill with fire, cook with liquid, bake bread, and ferment everything from cheese to beer. In the course of his journey, he discovers that the cook occupies a special place in the world, standing squarely between nature and culture. Both realms are transformed by cooking, and so, in the process, is the cook. Each section of Cooked tracks Pollan's effort to master a single classic recipe using one of the four elements. A North Carolina barbecue pit master tutors him in the primal magic of fire; a Chez Panisse-trained cook schools him in the art of braising; a celebrated baker teaches him how air transforms grain and water into a fragrant loaf of bread; and finally, several mad-genius "fermentos" (a tribe that includes brewers, cheese makers, and all kinds of picklers) reveal how fungi and bacteria can perform the most amazing alchemies of all. The reader learns alongside Pollan, but the lessons move beyond the practical to become an investigation of how cooking involves us in a web of social and ecological relationships: with plants and animals, the soil, farmers, our history and culture, and, of course, the people our cooking nourishes and delights. Cooking, above all, connects us. The effects of not cooking are similarly far reaching. Relying upon corporations to process our food means we consume huge quantities of fat, sugar, and salt; disrupt an essential link to the natural world; and weaken our relationships with family and friends. In fact, Cooked argues, taking back control of cooking may be the single most important step anyone can take to help make the American food system healthier and more sustainable. Reclaiming cooking as an act of enjoyment and self-reliance, learning to perform the magic of these everyday transformations, opens the door to a more nourishing life. "-- "In Cooked, Pollan explores the previously uncharted territory of his own kitchen. Here, he discovers the enduring power of the four classical elements--fire, water, air, and earth--to transform the stuff of nature into delicious things to eat and drink. In the course of his journey, he discovers that the cook occupies a special place in the world, standing squarely between nature and culture. Both realms are transformed by cooking, and so, in the process, is the cook"--

"An abundance of budget-conscious recipes for fans of Sandra's new show-Sandra's Money Saving Meals Readers rejoice! Sandra makes saving money a breeze for all seasoned home cooks and cooking novices everywhere with her new book Sandra's Money Saving Meals and Round-Two Recipes. Packed with full-color photos and 10 instructive chapters featuring over 125 flavorful, budget-friendly recipes for poultry, beef & pork, sumptuous sustaining staples like pastas, beans and rice as well as savory soups, stews & chilies Sandra's Money Saving Meals and Round-Two Recipes will help CEO mom satisfy the whole family without breaking the bank. This money-saving gem is filled with creative tips for savvy supermarket shopping and includes invaluable price comparisons for proper pantry stocking, all while highlighting each meal's unbeatable total price point and price per serving. The mouth-watering dishes in Sandra's Money Saving Meals and Round-Two Recipes are inspired by Sandra's hit show, which is based on her "triple A factor", ensuring that each meal is accessible, aspirational and affordable-perfect for busy homemakers with full-time jobs and hungry families. Fans of Sandra's ground-breaking Food Network show-Sandra's Money Saving Meals-will enjoy her one-of-a-kind approach to maximizing cost-saving success. Includes more than 125 fast, fresh, and delicious recipes that are perfect for a family on a budget. Based on Sandra's new Food Network show, Sandra's Money Saving Meals and her unique Round 2 Recipes. For many families, money is tight. Sandra's Money Saving Meals and Round-Two Recipes gives home cooks the smart and tasty ideas they need to feed the whole family without blowing the whole budget."-- "In her newest book, Sandra Lee shares her passion for foods that make you feel warm inside. She starts off with Snacks and Starters like Cheddar Potato Poppers and Pesto-Stuffed Mushrooms to highlight any party or event. The next chapter features soup and sandwich pairings like Sweet Potato and Ginger Soup with a Grilled Chevre and Sweet Onion Sandwich for sophisticated comfort. The Stews and Chilies chapter offers Salisbury Steak Stew, Lone Star Chili, and more. Semi-Homemakers will enjoy Sandra's side dishes like Loaded Mashed Potato Pie, stuffed full of cheese, bacon, sour cream, and chives, as well as the Baked Pastas. Sandra believes that anytime is the right time for breakfast, and so in Breakfast Anytime, she shares heartwarming recipes like Ham and Cheese Frittata and French Toast Casserole"--

The author details the year she spent discovering how to be an eater and a parent in today's complicated food world. Includes recipes.