People think I'm a good cook.

They're wrong.

One of the shows I really enjoy watching is Alton Brown's Good Eats. Other shows on the Food Network tend to focus on recipes and putting together meals. While that's all fine and good, it's like being a contractor to the Good Eats architect. Alton tends to focus on techniques and the qualities that specific foods have. Instead of just following a blueprint that you're given, he gives you the theory and techniques behind that blueprint so that eventually you can do (some of) your own design as well.

While I'm nowhere near that point, even when I'm just following recipes, it helps me understand why I do things instead of just blindly following the recipe. That means that I know where to be a slacker, and where to pay attention. The programmer within me appreciates that.

The most useful companion to his show and the recipes therein is the Good Eats Fan Page. Reading the transcript associated with a recipe is like reading the novel associated with Cliff's Notes. The Food Network,or Alton, should pay this guy for the invaluable service he provides.

This year I helped my brother to make the Good Eats Roast Turkey (transcript). I brought a Sour Cream Cheesecake (transcript) (although it really needs to have cinnamon graham crackers instead of plain...but that might be just me).

However, what I enjoyed best was bringing the oatmeal chocolate chip cookies that I make. This is where Good Eats really shines. The basis for the recipe was originally off the back of a package of Nestlés milk chocolate chips. While the cookies were tasty, they were flat and uninspiring. I used the principles he talked about in his cookie episode to make them puffier and chewier. I wouldn't have even known how to start doing that if it wasn't for him. At some point I should actually post what I came up with so that those with more talent can improve them even more.