“I think a lot of that [knowledge loss] happened post-World War II, when it kind of got to two people in the family both in the workplace and the convenience of buying things,” Potter says, “And there is that Space Age excitement of the modern, you know, go to the store and buy something.”In pursuit of restoring this lost kitchen knowledge, Potter has written a new book, “Cooking for Geeks: Real Science, Great Cooks, and Good Food — Second Edition.” The book talks about how to make sour cream, chocolate bars, rolled oats and vanilla extract, all from scratch. It also includes a number of science experiments related to cooking, some of which can be performed right in your own home kitchen.

Source: A new book that attempts to reclaim the forgotten science of home cooking | Public Radio International