On Cooking: A Textbook of Culinary Fundamentals

by Sarah Labensky, Alan Hause, Priscilla Martel

Overview

Attractively designed and extensively illustrated with color photographs, line drawings, charts, and sidebars, this contemporary introduction to cooking and food preparation focuses on information that is relevant to today's chef. Comprehensive and well-written, it emphasizes an understanding of cooking fundamentals, explores the preparation of fresh ingredients, and provides information on other relevant topics, such as food history and food science. Contains a major section on Garde Manger — including chapters on Sandwiches and Hors d'Oeuvre and Canapés. Includes a chapter on Buffet Presentation. Contains over 750 proven, tested recipes — from the authors and from numerous chefs working throughout the country in culinary programs, hotels and restaurants. In addition, a nutritional analysis is provided with every recipe. Outlines the development and traditions of various foods and cuisines, and places the development of specific dishes or techniques into historical perspective. For those already working within or for those studying for a career within the food service industry.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780135434529
Publisher:	Pearson Education
Publication date:	05/10/2025
Edition description:	7th ed.
Pages:	1248
Product dimensions:	9.25(w) x 11.20(h) x 1.87(d)

About the Author

About our authors

Sarah R. Labensky is a culinary educator and academic administrator with an extensive background as a restaurateur and caterer, textbook author and dedicated advocate for culinary professionalism. She is currently on faculty at Woosong University's Sol International Culinary Arts School (SICA) in Daejeon, Korea. Previously, Sarah was founding director of the Culinary Arts Institute at Mississippi University for Women (MUW) in Columbus, MS, and was a professor of culinary arts at Scottsdale (Arizona) Community College. Before teaching, Chef Sarah spent many years as a working pastry cook and caterer.

Priscilla A. Martel is a professional chef, educator and food writer with a special interest in Mediterranean cuisines, artisan baking and the pastry arts. She honed her cooking skills at Restaurant du Village, a country French restaurant opened in Chester, CT, in 1979. Today, she operates All About Food, which holds several baking patents and collaborates with food manufacturers and restaurants to create innovative products, menus and marketing programs.

Alan M. Hause is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY. Upon graduation, Chef Hause worked in both restaurants and hotels before settling in Arizona. For the past 20 years he has owned and operated Fabulous Food Fine Catering and Events. He also launched and operates Gertrude's Restaurant at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix. Chef Hause is involved in day-to-day food production, planning and execution of catered events, as well as overseeing restaurant operations.

Table of Contents

I. PROFESSIONALISM.

1. Professionalism.
2. Food Safety and Sanitation.
3. Nutrition.
4. Recipes and Menus.

II. PREPARATION.

5. Tools and Equipment.
6. Knife Skills.
7. Kitchen Staples.
8. Dairy Products.

III. COOKING.

9. Mise en Place.
10. Principles of Cooking.
11. Stocks and Sauces.
12. Soups.
13. Principles of Meat Cookery.
14. Beef.
15. Veal.
16. Lamb.
17. Pork.
18. Poultry.
19. Game.
20. Fish and Shellfish.
21. Eggs and Breakfast.
22. Vegetables.
23. Potatoes, Grains and Pasta.

IV. GARDE MANGER.

24. Salads and Salad Dressings.
25. Fruits.
26. Sandwiches.
27. Charcuterie.
28. Hors D'Oeuvre and Canapés.

V. BAKING.

29. Principles of the Bakeshop.
30. Quick Breads.
31. Yeast Breads.
32. Pies, Pastries and Cookies.
33. Cakes and Frostings.
34. Custards, Creams, Frozen Desserts and Sauces.

VI. PRESENTATION.

35. Plate Presentation.
36. Buffet Presentation.
Appendix A:Professional Organizations.
Appendix B: Measurements and Conversions.
Appendix C: Seasonal Availability of Produce.
Bibliography and Recommended Reading.
Glossary.
Index.