Cooking Lab

Feb 21

Cooking isn’t just about following recipes—it’s about understanding the chemistry, physics, and biology that turn simple ingredients into magical dishes. From making fizzy cocktails to experimenting with edible foams and sous-vide cooking, the possibilities are endless. Let’s turn your kitchen into the ultimate cooking lab!

Here are 10 Creative Gastro Meals and Beverages to Try in Your Kitchen Lab

1. Molecular Gastronomy: Edible Foams

What it is: Molecular gastronomy involves turning liquids into foams using an ingredient like soy lecithin or gelatin. This technique adds a light, airy texture to foods, making them feel more luxurious and exciting.

Idea: Create a lime foam to pair with a zesty ceviche or a raspberry foam to top off a decadent chocolate mousse.
Where to get ingredients: Amazon or specialized food science retailers like Modernist Pantry.

Resources: Modernist Cuisine for all things molecular gastronomy.

2. Sous-Vide Steak

What it is: Sous-vide is a French technique that involves cooking food slowly in a water bath at a precise temperature to ensure the perfect texture and flavor.

Idea: Perfectly cook a ribeye steak in sous-vide, then finish it with a quick sear in a hot pan for that perfect crust.
Where to get ingredients: Sous-vide cookers can be found at stores like Amazon or Anova Culinary.

Resources: Sous-Vide Everything for sous-vide cooking inspiration.

3. Homemade Spherified Fruit Juices

What it is: Spherification is a technique that turns liquids into spheres using sodium alginate and calcium chloride. This is often seen in high-end gastronomy where beverages are turned into “caviar-like” pearls.

Idea: Make citrus spheres from orange or lemon juice and use them as toppings for salads, desserts, or cocktails.
Where to get ingredients: Amazon, Modernist Pantry for spherification kits.

Resources: ChefSteps Spherification for a step-by-step guide.

4. DIY Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream

What it is: Liquid nitrogen is used to freeze ingredients instantly, allowing for smoother ice cream without ice crystals. It's also a fun and dramatic way to serve dessert!

Idea: Create a vanilla bean ice cream using liquid nitrogen for a smooth, creamy treat, or get creative with flavors like matcha or chocolate bacon.
Where to get ingredients: Liquid nitrogen is available from some local suppliers or online retailers. Make sure to take safety precautions when handling it.

Resources: Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream Kit for making your own at home.

5. Fermented Sauerkraut or Kimchi

What it is: Fermentation is a biological process that produces probiotics, which help with digestion and offer unique flavors to foods.

Idea: Make your own sauerkraut or kimchi to serve with sausages, sandwiches, or even in a salad bowl.
Where to get ingredients: Sauerkraut starter cultures can be found online, or simply use cabbage and salt. Amazon carries fermentation kits.

Resources: Fermentation 101 for a beginner’s guide to fermentation.

6. Molecular Mixology: Smoke-Infused Cocktails

What it is: Molecular mixology combines the art of cocktail-making with food science techniques like infusing flavors, using liquid nitrogen, or incorporating smoke to enhance the drink.

Idea: Use a smoke infuser to add aromatic flavors to a cocktail like bourbon or gin—this creates a dramatic presentation and enhances the drinking experience.
Where to get ingredients: Smoke infusers can be purchased online, along with wood chips or herbs for flavoring.

Resources: Molecular Mixology Blog for more tips and recipes.

7. Infused Olive Oil with Herbs and Spices

What it is: Infusing oils with herbs, spices, and other aromatics is a simple way to create flavorful oils to use in cooking or drizzling over salads.

Idea: Try infusing rosemary, garlic, and chili flakes in olive oil for dipping bread or drizzling over roasted vegetables.
Where to get ingredients: Local farmers' markets for fresh herbs, or Amazon for specialty oils.

Resources: How to Make Herb-Infused Oils for more ideas.

8. Foam-Topped Cocktails

What it is: Cocktails with a delicate foam top are a fun and sophisticated touch that’s easy to create using egg whites or foaming agents.

Idea: Create a whiskey sour with a foam top made from egg whites or use a cocktail foamer to give a creamy texture to your drinks.
Where to get ingredients: Amazon for foaming agents, or use simple egg whites from your kitchen.

Resources: Gastro Gnome Cocktail Recipes for more foamy drink ideas.

9. Dehydrated Fruits and Vegetables

What it is: Dehydrating removes moisture from foods to preserve them and intensify flavors. It's a fun way to create snacks or elevate your cooking.

Idea: Make dehydrated mango chips or tomato powder to sprinkle on soups and salads for an intense burst of flavor.
Where to get ingredients: Dehydrators are available on Amazon or in specialty kitchen stores. You can also experiment with air drying or oven-drying methods.

Resources: Dehydrating Foods Guide for beginners.

10. DIY Carbonated Beverages

What it is: Carbonating your own beverages at home allows you to control the flavors, and it's a fun way to experiment with homemade sodas or sparkling waters.

Idea: Use a SodaStream or CO2 tank to carbonate fruit juices, herbal infusions, or even flavored waters.
Where to get ingredients: Soda machines can be purchased at Amazon or your local kitchen store, and you can get CO2 cartridges online.

Resources: SodaStream Recipes for fun flavored carbonated drinks.

Kayla Condon