Focused on the important interrelationship between the art AND science of culinary preparation, this text discusses not only how and why specific ingredients and processes are used, but explores a whole host of other factors that, together, are the keys that unlock the realm of limitless possibilities in innovative culinary preparation—and which support an individual's creative interpretation of a particular dish or item. Students learn why things are done in a particular manner, how ingredients interact in a dish, the effect of temperature, hot and cold food preparation, baking, sanitation, proper storage and handling of food, and creative food presentation.