Science of Cooking: Ask the Inquisitive Cooks! (2024)

Science of Cooking: Ask the Inquisitive Cooks! (1)

" Why do recipes recommend a pinch of cream of tartar and a dash of vinegar in toffee? "

Dear Anne and Sue,

Why do recipes recommend a pinch of cream of tartar and a dash of vinegar in toffee? What does this do?
— S. O'Brien

Still have more questions? You'll find more answers in our archived monthly feature articles by the Inquisitive Cooks.

( Meet the Inquisitive Cooks )

Cream of tartar, vinegar, and brown sugar are all commonly used in toffees. Each of these ingredients is acidic, and with reference to candy-making, each is referred to as an interfering substance, a term that aptly describes its function in a boiling syrup.
Science of Cooking: Ask the Inquisitive Cooks! (2)

In a candy syrup, the sucrose molecules of sugar react with water in the presence of an acid to form an invert sugar . This means that as boiling continues, a portion of the sugar separates into its constituent parts—glucose and fructose. Adding cream of tartar and a dash of vinegar to a toffee recipe helps bring about this change. The presence of invert sugar is important because it influences the amount of crystal formation as well as the size of the crystals that form as candy hardens.

The bottom line on this one is that the proportion of interfering substances in the syrup has a strong influence on the texture of the finished toffee. Candy-making is tricky, however, because lots of other factors come into play. Do check out the candy section for more information.

We suspect that at this time of year your question will be of interest to other people too. Thanks for asking it!

Anne and Sue
Science of Cooking: Ask the Inquisitive Cooks! (3) Science of Cooking: Ask the Inquisitive Cooks! (4) Science of Cooking: Ask the Inquisitive Cooks! (5)
Science of Cooking: Ask the Inquisitive Cooks! (2024)

FAQs

What is the cooking show about the science of cooking? ›

Chef Secrets: The Science of Cooking - Apple TV.

What is the scientific approach to cooking? ›

Molecular gastronomy is the scientific approach of cuisine from primarily the perspective of chemistry.

What are the scientific principles of cooking? ›

Let's take a closer look at a few reactions between heat and food and discover the scientific principles behind some of our favorite dishes.
  • Maillard Reaction: The Browning Magic. ...
  • Protein Denaturation: Changing Structures. ...
  • Gelatinization: The Science of Starch. ...
  • Caramelization: Sugars at Work. ...
  • Cooking Oil and Heat Transfer.
Oct 6, 2023

Is cooking a science or an art? ›

Cooking isn't just an art; it's a science. We'll help you understand the physical and chemical processes that make food look, smell, and taste the way it does. Why On Earth Are People Putting Olive Oil in Their Coffee? Does Vodka Sauce Really Need Vodka?

What cooking show was Cancelled? ›

Oh well, that's just business, folks." Bertinelli previously hosted the Food Network cooking show "Valerie's Home Kitchen" for 14 seasons from 2015 until its cancelation in 2023.

Where can I watch chef Secrets the science of cooking? ›

Prime Video: Chef Secrets: The Science of Cooking.

What is the basic science behind cooking? ›

One of the most important chemical reactions that occur during cooking is the Maillard reaction. This is what happens when you heat food and it browns on the outside. In the Maillard reaction, the heat allows amino acids to react with reducing sugars.

What is the science of cooking called? ›

molecular gastronomy, the scientific discipline concerned with the physical and chemical transformations that occur during cooking. The name is sometimes mistakenly given to the application of scientific knowledge to the creation of new dishes and culinary techniques.

What is the first principle of cooking? ›

It's a way of thinking, an ability to see that everything you do from the moment you step into the kitchen to the last dish you dry is part of a single, simple process. You realize that the “perfect” way to prepare any dish is whatever happens to work with you and your meal.

What is the chemistry behind cooking? ›

Any cooking you do involves chemistry. The use of heat, cold, and cutting changes the composition of foods. Even simply slicing an apple sets off chemical reactions that change the color of the apple's flesh. If you heat up sugar to turn it into syrup, you're using a chemical reaction.

Is cooking chemistry or biology? ›

Cooking is essentially a complex chemical reaction. Chefs and food scientists understand the biochemistry of food and cooking and how it affects the cooked product's final quality and nutritional content.

What is the food scientist show on Netflix? ›

Chef. Twelve chefs channel their inner food scientists to re-create classic snacks and invent their own original treats for a $50,000 prize. Watch all you want.

What is the elements cooking show on Netflix? ›

In 'Cooked', Michael Pollan explores food past and present through the four elemental categories — fire, water, air and earth. The series is based on Pollan's book with same title.

What is the HBO show about cooks? ›

The Big Brunch is an American cooking competition television series hosted by Dan Levy for HBO Max. Levy serves as judge along with Sohla El-Waylly and Will Guidara. Executive producers are Levy, Andrew Fried, Sarina Roma, Dane Lillegard and Faye Stapleton of Boardwalk Pictures.

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