What Einstein Told His Cook

April 4, 2005
Wolke ("What Einstein Told His Cook") again brings hard science and corny humor to bear on the most basic of human needs: food. Whether defining the chemical makeup of the artificial flavor in chocolate or exploring the vagaries of scallop farming, Wolke plunges into the science of gastronomy with é lan. Using questions gathered from readers of his "Washington Post" column, he covers the gamut from why tea turns cloudy in the refrigerator (cooling precipitates tiny particles of tannins) to what "mechanically separated beef" is (meat that's been "forced at high pressure through a kind of sieve"). Each question serves as a springboard to a rigorous analysis of food and its preparation and to humorous and bitter ruminations on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulation; explorations of the folk history of food cultivation; and expansive descriptions of various world cuisines. Interspersed throughout are mouth-watering recipes written by Wolke's wife, restaurant critic and culinary journalist Marlene Parrish. While at times Wolke's desire to entertain gets the best of him -his overreliance on goofy puns, for example, is tiring -the overall effect of this work is like any great family meal: the savory delights of consuming fine food outweigh whatever irritations come with uninvited guests. 20 illus. "Agent, Ethan Ellenberg. (Apr.)" .

March 7, 2005
Wolke (What Einstein Told His Cook
) again brings hard science and corny humor to bear on the most basic of human needs: food. Whether defining the chemical makeup of the artificial flavor in chocolate or exploring the vagaries of scallop farming, Wolke plunges into the science of gastronomy with élan. Using questions gathered from readers of his Washington Post
column, he covers the gamut from why tea turns cloudy in the refrigerator (cooling precipitates tiny particles of tannins) to what "mechanically separated beef" is (meat that's been "forced at high pressure through a kind of sieve"). Each question serves as a springboard to a rigorous analysis of food and its preparation and to humorous and bitter ruminations on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulation; explorations of the folk history of food cultivation; and expansive descriptions of various world cuisines. Interspersed throughout are mouth-watering recipes written by Wolke's wife, restaurant critic and culinary journalist Marlene Parrish. While at times Wolke's desire to entertain gets the best of him—his overreliance on goofy puns, for example, is tiring—the overall effect of this work is like any great family meal: the savory delights of consuming fine food outweigh whatever irritations come with uninvited guests. 20 illus. Agent, Ethan Ellenberg.

April 4, 2005
Wolke (What Einstein Told His Cook ) again brings hard science and corny humor to bear on the most basic of human needs: food. Whether defining the chemical makeup of the artificial flavor in chocolate or exploring the vagaries of scallop farming, Wolke plunges into the science of gastronomy with lan. Using questions gathered from readers of his Washington Post column, he covers the gamut from why tea turns cloudy in the refrigerator (cooling precipitates tiny particles of tannins) to what "mechanically separated beef" is (meat that's been "forced at high pressure through a kind of sieve"). Each question serves as a springboard to a rigorous analysis of food and its preparation and to humorous and bitter ruminations on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulation; explorations of the folk history of food cultivation; and expansive descriptions of various world cuisines. Interspersed throughout are mouth-watering recipes written by Wolke's wife, restaurant critic and culinary journalist Marlene Parrish. While at times Wolke's desire to entertain gets the best of him--his overreliance on goofy puns, for example, is tiring--the overall effect of this work is like any great family meal: the savory delights of consuming fine food outweigh whatever irritations come with uninvited guests. 20 illus. Agent, Ethan Ellenberg.

Starred review from April 30, 2012
Chemistry professor emeritus and award-winning food columnist Wolke offers a reference guide to the science of food, everything from the truth about raw sugar and cream of tartar to how microwaves and “instant-read” thermometers actually function, explaining it all in a clear, accessible, and fun fashion. Sean Runnette turns in a subtle, winning performance in this audio edition, capturing the spirit of the text—his reading both informs and entertains—and delivering friendly, clear, and steady narration. Additionally, Runnette is restrained and wry—and vaguely reminiscent of Niles Crane from TV’s Frasier—nailing the book’s many moments of humor. This delightful audiobook—which includes a PDF with more than 30 recipes from the author’s wife, Marlene Parrish—is a must for foodies and science fans. A W.W. Norton paperback.

May 6, 2002
Wolke, longtime professor of chemistry and author of the Washington Post
column Food 101, turns his hand to a Cecil Adams–style compendium of questions and answers on food chemistry. Is there really a difference between supermarket and sea salt? How is sugar made? Should cooks avoid aluminum pans? Interspersed throughout Wolke's accessible and humorous answers to these and other mysteries are recipes demonstrating scientific principles. There is gravy that avoids lumps and grease; Portuguese Poached Meringue that demonstrates cream of tartar at work; and juicy Salt-Seared Burgers. Wolke is good at demystifying advertisers' half-truths, showing, for example, that sea salt is not necessarily better than regular salt for those watching sodium intake. While the book isn't encyclopedic, Wolke's topics run the gamut: one chapter tackles "Those Mysterious Microwaves"; elsewhere readers learn about the burning of alcohol and are privy to a rant on the U.S. measuring system. Sometimes the tone is hokey ("The green color is Mother Nature's Mr. Yuk sticker, warning us of poison") and parenthetical "Techspeak" explanations may seem condescending to those who remember high school science. However, Wolke tells it like it is. What does clarifying butter do, chemically? Answer: "gets rid of everything but that delicious, artery-clogging, highly saturated butterfat." With its zest for the truth, this book will help cooks learn how to make more intelligent choices.