I found C4G very entertaining, and encouraging in the way really good DIY books often are. It isn’t so much that the projects end in profoundly cool results, but that you just *know* discovering new skills, and a deeper understanding of materials and processes, are just around the corner.

Throughout the book there are interviews with interesting people discussing their specialties. Some of these are short pieces, talking about a single recipe. Tim O’Reilly on jam and scones, or Meg Hourihan on chocolate chip cookies. Longer interviews cover geeky topics like knives or Sous Vide. I bet almost any reader will find a real connection to at least one of these.

The “Optimal Cake Cutting Algorithm for N People” on page 257 delighted me. The next time I am serving cake to more than five or six guests, I will definitely implement the protocol.

Get more detail about the book here.

“In our efforts, we support the development of a dialog among local and national leaders about the American food system, and its effects abroad.”

Don’t think it is a nag fest – Civil Eats is fun to read.

Local eggs, nice colors.

Please let the omelet be worthy.

The Cook’s Illustrated team came up with a very effective bagel recipe for the home kitchen. When I use it, I deviate from the instructions in two ways. I knead the dough by hand since I don’t have a KitchenAid mixer, and I don’t use high gluten flour, instead concocting my own by adding some Bob’s Red Mill vital wheat gluten to King Arthur’s bread flour.

Eight bagels doesn’t seem like a huge reward for the effort involved, but once you have been through the process two or three times, it is fairly simple. A mixer would help, since the dough is very stiff.

Since the formed bagels are refrigerated for eight hours before the boiling and baking, the work is divided into two short sessions. That means you can have freshly baked bagels for breakfast in about thirty minutes.

How to Brew a Good Cup of Coffee from Ben Helfen on Vimeo.

I probably shouldn’t categorize this post as one about food; don’t try following these instructions, whatever you do. If you take coffee seriously – really, really, really seriously – then you must watch this.

The problem it solves? Letting the followers of your muffins know when fresh ones are ready. All without needing to dust off your hands to approach a computer. Turn a nob, press a button.

This video is a fine example of “explaining by showing.” No words needed. Just a pleasant jazz guitar. Nice.

BakerTweet from POKE on Vimeo.