by Jennifer A. Wickes
copyright 2004
"Good Eats" is a half hour television show from the Food Network hosted by Alton Brown. Here is where America first came to know Alton Brown, known for his combination of common-sense cooking, popular culture, food science and history.
After having a successful career as a cameraman and director of television commercials and music videos, Alton and his wife quit their jobs and moved to Vermont. There, Alton attended culinary school. At this point, he merged his two passions and to create a television show about food and cooking: "Good Eats."
In each episode, Alton devotes an entire show to one food item, such as butter. He explains the chemical structure, the nutritional make-up, how to make it at home and even visits a major corporation that makes butter. In another episode, he highlights the all-American favorite snack, the chocolate chip cookie. He shows us how to use the same recipe and make the cookie crisp, cake-like or chewy!
I have noticed that Alton seems to attract a large male audience. When I asked my husband what he thought of the television program, he said he enjoyed it far better than the others, as Alton seems to be more of a science-guy as opposed to a culinary artist. My husband cannot cook and does not like cooking, but is more interested in cooking after watching a few episodes of "Good Eats." He is even open to new recipes if Alton Brown created them! Once, we had a dispute over how to make a cup of coffee. My husband's suggestion: to consult Alton Brown. Much to his pleasure, Alton had done a coffee show. Now our "coffee issue" is over!
For people who cannot get the Food Network at their home, fear not. The Food Network sees how valuable Alton Brown has become and has started putting his shows on video and DVD! Each DVD comes with a Q&A with Alton and printed recipes from the show. The show is excellent and a must-see. It is so good it is being used as part of "Cable in the Classroom" where teachers are utilizing it to show students how science applies to cooking.
"Good Eats"
Alton Brown
BeSquare Productions, Inc.
Food Network Shop for "Good Eats"
As "Good Eats" success began to blossom, Alton decided to try his hand at a book. As fans began to wait in anticipation of "I'm Just Here For The Food: Food + Heat = Cooking," it was assumed that this book would be a take off from his show "Good Eats". However, it is not, but does show you what Alton enjoys most of cooking - the science, the understanding of what goes on in the kitchen.
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