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Under Pressure


Synopsis


A revolution in cooking Sous vide is the culinary innovation that has everyone in the food world talking. In this revolutionary new cookbook, Thomas Keller, America's most respected chef, explains why this foolproof technique, which involves cooking at precise temperatures below simmering, yields results that other culinary methods cannot. For the first time, one can achieve short ribs that are meltingly tender even when cooked medium rare. Fish, which has a small window of doneness, is easier to finesse, and shellfish stays succulent no matter how long it's been on the stove. Fruit and vegetables benefit, too, retaining color and flavor while undergoing remarkable transformations in texture. The secret to sous vide is in discovering the precise amount of heat required to achieve the most sublime results. Through years of trial and error, Keller and his chefs de cuisine have blazed the trail to perfection-and they show the way in this collection of never-before-published recipes from his landmark restaurants-The French Laundry in Napa Valley and per se in New York. With an introduction by the eminent food-science writer Harold McGee, and artful photography by Deborah Jones, who photographed Keller's best-selling The French Laundry Cookbook, this book will be a must for every culinary professional and anyone who wants to up the ante and experience food at the highest level.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Nature of Pressure

* Explores the concept of pressure and its physical and psychological components.
* Example: A marathon runner experiences physical pressure from muscle fatigue and psychological pressure from the challenge of completing the race.

Chapter 2: Sources of Pressure

* Examines the various factors that can contribute to pressure, including workloads, personal expectations, and societal norms.
* Example: A student facing a high-stakes exam experiences pressure from the study load, fear of failure, and expectations from parents and peers.

Chapter 3: The Impact of Pressure

* Discusses the positive and negative effects of pressure on performance, health, and well-being.
* Example: Pressure can motivate people to excel, but excessive pressure can lead to anxiety, burnout, and physical ailments.

Chapter 4: Coping with Pressure

* Provides strategies for managing and coping with pressure, such as stress management techniques, time management, and seeking support.
* Example: A busy executive uses meditation and exercise to reduce stress and manage workload pressure.

Chapter 5: Pressure and Relationships

* Explores how pressure can affect interpersonal relationships, both positively and negatively.
* Example: Pressure can strengthen bonds between individuals who support each other, but it can also create tension and conflict if not handled well.

Chapter 6: Pressure in the Workplace

* Examines the specific sources of pressure in the workplace, including deadlines, performance expectations, and work-life balance.
* Example: A project manager experiences pressure to meet deadlines while also managing a demanding team.

Chapter 7: Pressure in Education

* Discusses the pressures faced by students and educators in the educational system.
* Example: A student experiences pressure to achieve high grades, while a teacher experiences pressure to prepare students for standardized tests and provide effective instruction.

Chapter 8: Pressure in Healthcare

* Explores the unique pressures faced by healthcare professionals, such as patient needs, ethical dilemmas, and resource constraints.
* Example: A nurse experiences pressure to provide compassionate care while also meeting patient quotas and managing a heavy workload.

Chapter 9: Pressure and Identity

* Examines how pressure can shape our self-concept and sense of identity.
* Example: An ambitious employee experiences pressure to conform to company expectations, which can conflict with their own values and sense of self.

Chapter 10: The Future of Pressure

* Discusses the evolving nature of pressure in the modern world and its implications for individuals and society.
* Example: The rise of social media and technology has increased exposure to comparisons and expectations, creating new sources of pressure.