The "Joy of Cooking" cookbook (1970's version is my preference, as it's more do-it-yourself and less you-must-have-these-precise-ingredients) is something of a compromise between the two cookbook styles you describe, and is a format I'd enjoy seeing replicated in other "cookbooks".
While it has a basic recipe for a good 90% of common dishes/desserts (at least Western ones), it also has a list of ingredients, common ways of cooking these ingredients, sample menus, mentions of common pitfalls, and a wonderful index (that lists most things under multiple categories - you can find shortbread cookies under both shortbread and cookies, for instance [I think]). Many of the recipes come with both specific variations and guidelines for creating your own variations.
I'd particularly be interested in seeing a book discussing languages in this format, with discussion of the strengths and weaknesses, common applications, and such. Oh, well.
Speaking as someone who currently possesses a "couch" composed of 1. Milk crates full of books, 2. A scruffy futon mattress, 3. Bungee cords, and 4. An afgan...
I think we'd be excellent candidates for this sort of thing.
Slashdot Mirror
The "Joy of Cooking" cookbook (1970's version is my preference, as it's more do-it-yourself and less you-must-have-these-precise-ingredients) is something of a compromise between the two cookbook styles you describe, and is a format I'd enjoy seeing replicated in other "cookbooks".
While it has a basic recipe for a good 90% of common dishes/desserts (at least Western ones), it also has a list of ingredients, common ways of cooking these ingredients, sample menus, mentions of common pitfalls, and a wonderful index (that lists most things under multiple categories - you can find shortbread cookies under both shortbread and cookies, for instance [I think]). Many of the recipes come with both specific variations and guidelines for creating your own variations.
I'd particularly be interested in seeing a book discussing languages in this format, with discussion of the strengths and weaknesses, common applications, and such. Oh, well.
*grin*
Speaking as someone who currently possesses a "couch" composed of 1. Milk crates full of books, 2. A scruffy futon mattress, 3. Bungee cords, and 4. An afgan...
I think we'd be excellent candidates for this sort of thing.