Contact
Coordinator: Danny Dukers
Email: dukers.d@hsleiden.nl
Description
Although the modernist kitchen, sometimes misnamed as molecular cooking, uses a lot of new ingredients varying from thickeners to gelling agents and emulsifiers, the purpose is not to show off but use these ingredients to enhance the experience of food. This can only be done using a firm scientific background as to how these ingredients interact with the different molecules present in the dish, how they react at various temperatures, salt or acid concentrations. In addition, various well known laboratory techniques like concentrating using a rotary evaporator, clarification by centrifugation etc. find their way into (high-end) kitchens of various restaurants. Many scientists know how to use them in the lab but the effect on food molecules, taste and aroma is still uncharted territory.
In this course we will become acquainted with the various properties of modernist ingredients used for thickening, gellification, emulsification and formation of foams and modernist cooking techniques. These subjects will be investigated both theoretically and practically and various questions regarding scientific background, taste, texture and feel will be reviewed.
Learning goals
Learning Objectives:
Students can explain and apply the different techniques, ingredients and preparations in the modernist cuisine.
Students can describe the effects of different techniques, ingredients and preparations on the texture of food
Final Qualifications:
Students are familiar with the ingredients, techniques and equipment used in modernist cooking
Students can apply their knowledge in creative design of new foods and flavours.
Timetable
Period: September – January
Or: February - June
Mode of instruction
Lectures, theoretical exercises, practicals
Assessment method
Written exam, assessment of poster, practical work and assessment of lab notebook.
Blackboard
Blackboard will be used for communication and exchange of documents
Reading list
Course materials will be provided by the teachers.
Registration
This course is part of the programme Science of Cooking, a student is required to follow all course included in this programme.
To register for this programme send an email with cv and motivation letter via aar.vd.a@hsleiden.nl. Deadline for registration is 15th of June 2018.