In this article in the
Christian Science Monitor, I suggest a couple of reasons why some of the Y-Generation have embraced cooking-from-scratch. Apart from culinary/baking students, do you have close friends who have embraced "extreme" cooking and why do you think they choose to spend their time and money doing so?
The culinary world has exploded in the past ten years on the suburban scene due in no small part to accessibility and the return of the culinary pendulum to the other side of the spectrum. Food television programming has been available for years to the average American, but not with all of the thrills of modern Food Network programming like "Iron Chef America" and "Good Eats." Julia Child, along with prolific food writers and cooks like Jacques Pepin, did indeed pave the road as innovators for the likes of Bobby Flay and Alton Brown, however it wasn't until the development of the Food Network, along with important periodicals like "Gourmet Magazine," that so-called "middle Americans" were attracted to the culinary scene. That, coupled with the ease of access due to DVR and the internet, was one catalyst in the development of today's food craze. Not only could those who work during the day tape their favorite programs and watch them afterward, but they can access the actual recipes online and make the food instead of just salivating over them in a comatose-like state state with a face full of Doritos.
ReplyDeleteIn addition to these modern conveniences, there is the trend of food moving from industrialized superfactories back to smaller farms. With this shift comes the availability of ingredients with integrity that people nationwide can be proud of using. That, coupled with the plethora of recipes online, has caused a surge of popularity in the food world with Generation Y.
Matt Sporer
MS881984@mycia.net
I do not have many friends that have chosen to explore "extreme" cooking outside of students like myself, however I have noticed that my parents are the ones who have chosen to embrace the idea. Every week my parents and their friends try to explore more authentic cooking by selecting an ethnic or regional type of cuisine and host a party based around it. They set the theme and the music and everyone brings a certain dish and they all drink and have a great time. I think my parents and their friends choose to spend their time and money doing this every week is because they want to break away from the norm of eating something cheap and easy every night and to culture themselves by experiencing things they haven't tried before.
ReplyDeleteAM838970
I feel that many of my friends are not exposedo extreme cooking techniques because they are not really accesable to middle-america yet. For example the concept of sous vide is very cutting edge and many do not understand it fully including myself. However at some point in history in sure curing and smoking were though of this way, but the more comfortable mainstream america becomes with something the more likely they are to try it themselves. Price is also a factor because at the moment sous vide machines are really expensive and techinical but I would love to know how and be able to produce sous vide items but do not have the means financially right now as a college student.
ReplyDeleteCW867703
CW867703@mycia.net
I have found that many of my friends outside of baking and culinary students have started to experiment with "extreme" cooking, especially in reguards to baked goods. I have a handful of friends who have not only put alot of time but also alot of money into ingredients and equipment. They will spend hours on fondant cakes, or working with meringues to top multi-layered cupcakes. I think that the pull towards "extreme" cooking is the wow factor. When someone with little to no training accomplishes these "culinary masterpieces" it not only gives a sense of fulfillment but becuase it can be eaten, it also can be a comfort. People enjoy baked goods, so even if they cannot comprehend or appreciate the work that went into the food they can still enjoy the taste.
ReplyDelete