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"The Curious Cook" Solves Some Kitchen Mysteries

Food writer Harold McGee investigates the science of everyday cooking -- things like whether blowing on soup really cools it, or why hot water turns into ice cubes quicker than cold water. His new book is called The Curious Cook.

10:54
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Other segments from the episode on December 6, 1990

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, December 6, 1990: Interview with Hedrick Smith; Review of Monie Love's album "Down to Earth" and Shazzy's album "Attitude"; Interview with Harold McGee; Review of the film…
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24:11

Soviet Reforms and "The New Russians"

Journalist Hedrick Smith was a reporter for the New York Times for 26 years. He reported from the Soviet Union from 1971-1974. His new book, The New Russians, considers the changing political, economic and social cultures of the country under Mikhail Gorbachev's liberalizing reforms.

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13:05

Food Scientist Harold McGee: 'On Food'

The book On Food and Cooking: The Science and Lore of the Kitchen has become a reference tool for many cooks. Now author Harold McGee has revised and updated the book. It's an exposition of food and cooking techniques, delving into technology and history. McGee diagrams the stages of making mayonnaise under a microscope, explains why peppers are hot, and why seafood gets mushy if you cook it improperly. McGee is a world-renowned authority on the chemistry of cooking.

Interview
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21:42

Food Scientist Harold McGee

We have the second part of an interview with renowned food writer Harold McGee (the first part was broadcast on Dec. 23). McGee's book, On Food and Cooking: The Science and Lore of the Kitchen, has been revised and updated. The book is an exposition of food and cooking techniques, technology and history.

Interview

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Daughter of Warhol star looks back on a bohemian childhood in the Chelsea Hotel

Alexandra Auder's mother, Viva, was one of Andy Warhol's muses. Growing up in Warhol's orbit meant Auder's childhood was an unusual one. For several years, Viva, Auder and Auder's younger half-sister, Gaby Hoffmann, lived in the Chelsea Hotel in Manhattan. It was was famous for having been home to Leonard Cohen, Dylan Thomas, Virgil Thomson, and Bob Dylan, among others.

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