Good Eats 2: The Middle Years »

ALTON BROWN is the writer, director, and host of the popular Food Network television show Good Eats, and is the resident food historian, scientist, color commentator, and host of the network's Iron Chef America series. In 2004, Brown was selected the Bon Appétit American Food & Entertaining Awards Cooking Teacher of the Year. He is a regular contributor to Bon Appétit and Men's Journal magazines. He lives in the southern United States with his wife and daughter.

Good Eats 2: The Middle Years picks up where the bestselling Good Eats: The Early Years left off. Showcasing everything Alton Brown fans (and they are legion!) have ever wanted to know about his award-winning television show, The Middle Years is chock-full of behind-the-scenes photographs and trivia, science-of-food information, cooking tips, and—of course—recipes.

Brown’s particular genius lies in teaching the chemistry of cooking with levity and exuberance. In episodes such as “Fit to Be Tied” (meat roulades), “Crustacean Nation” (crab), and “Ill-Gotten Grains” (wheat products), Brown explains everything from how to make the perfect omelet to how to stuff your own sausages. With hundreds of entertaining photographs, along with Brown’s inimitable line drawings and signature witty writing, this comprehensive companion book conveys the same wildly creative spirit as the show itself.

Library Journal

Chef and all-around food guru Brown returns with his second Good Eats retrospective. Fans of his quirky television series will love this detailed, behind-the-scenes recap of each episode from seasons six through ten. Packed with food science tidbits, anecdotes, and easy recipes, this is more than the average cookbook. Almost all of the recipes deal with familiar foods and are best suited for novice to intermediate cooks. Expert foodies and those seeking a wider selection of intricate, vegetarian, or specialty dishes may want to look elsewhere. As a bonus, the book comes with a DVD of 15 short films of a few minutes or less, containing recipes and fun facts. Verdict This comprehensive and entertaining cookbook is highly recommended for public libraries of any size and is viable as a stand-alone or a complement to Brown's best-selling Good Eats: The Early Years.—Carolyn M. Schwartz, Westfield State Univ. Lib., MA

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