cover image I'M JUST HERE FOR THE FOOD: Food + Heat = Cooking

I'M JUST HERE FOR THE FOOD: Food + Heat = Cooking

Alton Brown, . . Stewart, Tabori & Chang, $32.50 (287pp) ISBN 978-1-58479-083-9

Known as the successful host of Good Eats currently airing on the Food Network Channel, Alton Brown brings an MTV style to food and cooking. He applies his winning formula of pop culture combined with history, science and common sense to his first cookbook. He offers his formula of food preparation ("food + heat = cooking"), explaining each process and food element in quirky sound bites. Starting with searing and taking in grilling, water and eggs among other elements, he uses diagrams, captions, sidebars and footnotes. Each module has a master recipe that applies the tactic explained to a dish and is followed by several others to emphasize the lesson. He carefully integrates his recipe to produce a comprehensive repertoire, whether it's Skirt Steak: The Master Recipe, Chicken Piccata or Lamb "Pot Roast." Despite its unconventional style, this is a solid volume presented in a lively, fun manner guaranteed to put cooking in the reach of just about anyone: Alton Brown + Cook = Success. (May)

Forecast:This has the Food Network success to back it up, and its modern feel and hip approach will attract younger cooks. Brown's 15-city tour should draw attention.