Book Review: Lobsters Scream When You Boil Them By Bruce Weinstein and Mark Scarbrough

Lobsters Scream When You Boil Them: And 100 Other Myths About Food and Cooking . . . Plus 25 Recipes to Get It Right Every Time is the latest in a series of culinary books (19 to be exact) by authors Weinstein and Scarbrough.  The authors set out to debunk 101 culinary myths, which, they confess, are “almost all [are] based on a half-stated fact or a small misunderstanding that got larded up over the years” (1x).

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Lobsters Scream When You Boil Them

BY BRUCE WEINSTEIN AND MARK SCARBROUGH

Gallery Books, July 12, 2011

Mythology, Cooking

BARNES & NOBLE | AMAZON | BOOKSHOP.ORG

About Bruce Weinstein and Mark Scarbrough

The authors, Bruce Weinstein and Mark Scarbrough, have written over 35 books together. Bruce is the chef, and Mark is the writer. In addition to cookbooks, Bruce writes books on knitting, designs patterns, and conducts workshops. Mark teaches literature, hosts a podcast, and has written his memoir. You can learn more about Bruce and Mark by visiting their website at Cooking with Bruce & Mark.

Lobsters Scream When You Boil Them Synopsis

The 101 myths are conveniently organized by myth category—for example, myths about alcohol, myths born of nutrition fads, and myths from the fevered brains of culinary snobs.  In an informative, entertaining, sarcastic, and witty style, Weinstein and Scarbrough first present and then debunk each myth, carefully explaining the scientific and logical rationale, which is followed by corrective action and, sometimes, a recipe.

Lobsters Scream When You Boil Them Book Review

Like me, you’re sure to recognize many of the myths that shaped your own cooking practices.  I’m guilty of one such practice: “Never Refreeze Meat.”  From a culinary standpoint, the authors claim that it’s perfectly acceptable to refreeze meat. That is if the meat is thawed in a 40°F refrigerator and maintained there for a day or two at 40°F or lower.  I thaw meat in the refrigerator, and if I don’t use it within a day, I throw it out.  I will, for sure, rethink this practice.

My favorite myth, of course, is “Lobsters Scream When You Boil Them.”  

I believe all kids think this is true, but surprisingly, so do many adults (I know someone who won’t steam a lobster for fear of death screams.)  Weinstein and Scarbrough politely point out that “to scream, something must have vocal cords” and “lobsters don’t have vocal cords,” so “lobsters can’t scream.”  We hear “superheated vapors whistling out from the joints in the shell” (27).  They suggest that the “whole lobsters-scream projection is a result of our own complex issues swirling around this very real dread called death—as well as its connecting to eating” (31). Deep thinking, for sure.

On occasion, Weinstein and Scarbrough’s explanations vindicated some of my cooking practices.  “You must soak dried beans before cooking them” is just one of many.  Directions on bags of beans provide instructions to wash, sort, and soak the beans overnight before cooking. I like to defy the rules of the test kitchens. I put beans on to cook an hour or two before serving them.  I’ve never had a disaster.

My Recommendation

Ultimately, Weinstein and Scarbrough ask that we all try to be a little more nuanced regarding cooking and life in general. They suggest that we all need to take time and learn to laugh.  I, for one, will. Whether you’re an ardent cook, a dedicated food lover, or just an avid reader, Lobsters Scream When You Boil Them: And 100 Other Myths About Food and Cooking . . . Plus 25 Recipes to Get It Right Every Time is a worthwhile, enjoyable read.