master-cooks | Why Michael Voltaggio Calls The French Laundry Cookbook His Favorite Cookbook Of All Time

Michael Voltaggio, celebrated chef and culinary innovator, holds The French Laundry Cookbook in high regard, considering it his favorite cookbook of all time. This book, penned by Thomas Keller, encapsulates the essence of excellence in culinary arts, resonating deeply with Voltaggio's own approach to cooking. He appreciates the meticulous attention to detail and the pursuit of perfection that Keller embodies in every recipe. The cookbook is not merely a collection of dishes but a comprehensive guide to understanding the philosophy and techniques behind one of the world’s most renowned restaurants. Voltaggio admires how Keller’s work transcends traditional cooking, offering insights into the artistry and discipline required to elevate food to an extraordinary level. The French Laundry Cookbook inspires Voltaggio through its emphasis on precision, creativity, and the celebration of ingredients, which aligns with his own culinary ethos. It serves as a benchmark for aspiring chefs and seasoned professionals alike, illustrating the transformative power of dedication and passion in the kitchen. For Voltaggio, this cookbook is a testament to the enduring impact of thoughtful, innovative cuisine and its ability to inspire generations of chefs.

How The French Laundry Cookbook has changed home cooking

Even the finest cookbooks can start to feel a bit monotonous. Food trends gain popularity for a reason, and you likely appreciate having another method for preparing Brussels sprouts or butternut squash soup in your repertoire. However, "The French Laundry Cookbook" invites home cooks to think more expansively and creatively. "It was unlike any other book by an American chef," Michael Voltaggio told Food & Wine. "You open it and it instantly inspires you to dream about what you could create."

With technical guidance on crafting the perfect beurre monté and detailed instructions for dishes like salmon cornets and olive oil-poached cod, "The French Laundry Cookbook" has been shaping a new generation of chefs for over twenty years, all from the comfort of their own kitchens. "The surprising part is that people are now regularly cooking from it at home," Voltaggio notes. "Just the other day, I gave a loyal customer a vacuum-sealed bag of our short ribs, along with instructions for simmering them in a pot of hot water on his stove. He asked, 'Can't I just use my immersion circulator?'” While sous vide cooking may seem daunting at first, with Voltaggio's favorite cookbook in hand and Thomas Keller's esteemed insights, you can't go wrong as you refine your culinary skills.

Why Michael Voltaggio Calls The French Laundry Cookbook His Favorite Cookbook Of All Time

How The French Laundry Cookbook has changed home cooking

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