As a Production Assistant at The Culinary Institute of America, I worked on numerous books authored by the college and its esteemed-faculty. Recipe testing, writing captions, and managing the art programs for editorial projects, I’m credited in the following published titles:
The Professional Chef, 8th Edition (John Wiley & Sons, 2006)
This eighth edition of the standard textbook for professional chefs in the U.S. expands previous editions’ coverage of both the science and the art of cooking. The nation’s most prestigious training school for food careerists concentrates the essence of its course work within a comprehensive volume that competent students must master. Every aspect of the restaurant business is addressed, from nutrition and portion sizing to fiscal and human resource management. Sections on equipment, from major appliances to handheld tools, show the bond between chef and technology. Chapters on world cooking identify the most typical cooking processes and give examples of commonly appearing ingredients in each style. Recipes record classic preparations that form the foundation for myriad elaborations and personalization to move cooking from mere technique to high art. Although beyond the need of most home cooks, this massive tome is a necessary reference-collection purchase for any library whose community includes food-service-training programs.
Garde Manger: The Art and Craft of the Cold Kitchen, 3rd Edition (John Wiley & Sons, 2008)
Garde Manger is one of the most important courses culinary students take—and it’s often the first kitchen station that a new chef will encounter. This definitive guide has been thoroughly revised to reflect the latest garde manger trends, techniques, and flavors, including new information on topics such as brining ratios, fermented sausages, micro greens, artisanal American cheeses, tapas menus, “action” buffet stations, and ice carving. With over 540 recipes, including 100 created new for this edition, and more than 340 all-new photographs illustrating step-by-step techniques and finished dishes, this new edition of Garde Manger is an indispensable reference for culinary students and working chefs everywhere.
Techniques of Healthy Cooking, 3rd Edition (John Wiley & Sons, 2007)
Created by the experts at The Culinary Institute of America, Techniques of Healthy Cooking is an indispensable companion in today’s health-conscious world. Drawing on the latest dietary guidelines, it provides detailed information for cooks eager to introduce more flavorful, healthier choices to their menus. You will find advice on ingredients and serving sizes, guidance on developing recipes and menus, and more than 400 delicious recipes. Throughout, nearly 150 vibrant, all-new color photographs showcase finished dishes and illustrate the techniques, ingredients, and equipment of healthy cooking. Inspired by the information and recipes in the book, you will be able to create dishes that are not only exciting and great-tasting, but healthy at the same time.
Culinary Math, 3rd Edition (John Wiley & Sons, 2007)
Written by two former instructors at The Culinary Institute of America, this revised and updated guide is an indispensable math resource for foodservice professionals everywhere. Covering topics such as calculating yield percent, determining portion costs, changing recipe yields, and converting between metric and U.S. measures, it offers a review of math basics, easy-to-follow lessons, detailed examples, and newly revised practice problems in every chapter.
In the Hands of a Chef: The Professional Chef’s Guide to Essential Kitchen Tools (John Wiley & Sons, 2007)
A precise carrot julienne . . . A perfect basil chiffonade . . . A neatly quartered chicken . . . Proficiency with knives and other kitchen tools is essential if you want to perfect your culinary artistry. Written by the experts at The Culinary Institute of America, this indispensable guide delivers all the information you need to assemble a knife kit, build your knife skills, and use a wide range of additional tools, from peelers and pitters to Parisienne scoops and pastry bags.
Founded in 1946, The Culinary Institute of America (CIA), located in New York’s Hudson Valley, California’s Napa Valley, and San Antonio’s vibrant Riverwalk Neighborhood, is an independent, not-for-profit college offering bachelor’s and associate degrees in culinary arts and baking and pastry arts. A network of more than 37,000 alumni in foodservice and hospitality has helped the CIA earn its reputation as the world’s premier culinary college. The CIA is the author of numerous culinary books, including Gourmet Meals in Minutes, Book of Soups, Breakfasts & Brunches, Grilling, and One Dish Meals.
The Professional Chef, Garde Manger, Techniques of Healthy Cooking, and In the Hands of a Chef photos by Ben Fink
Culinary Math photos by Keith Ferris
