Ratio: The Simple Codes Behind the Craft of Everyday Cooking (1) (Ruhlman's Ratios)

The book is widely praised for its innovative and empowering central concept: teaching fundamental cooking and baking through ingredient ratios rather than rigid recipes. Many readers found this approach transformative, enabling them to move beyond simply following instructions to truly understand the underlying principles of food preparation. This newfound understanding fosters creativity, experimentation, and improvisation in the kitchen, allowing cooks to develop an intuitive sense for what works. Reviewers appreciate how the book demystifies various culinary preparations, revealing the core building blocks and the science behind how ingredients interact. For many, it provided valuable insights into the interconnectedness of different dishes and proved particularly helpful for bakers seeking to escape the confines of traditional recipe books.

Despite the strong concept, a significant number of reviewers express considerable disappointment with the book's execution, particularly its writing style and editing. Complaints frequently cite disorganized, muddled, and poorly focused prose, with numerous grammatical errors and awkward sentence structures that make the text difficult to read and comprehend. Some found the author's tone self-indulgent and his authority on certain culinary matters questionable, especially when his personal preferences seemed to override established scientific understanding. Critics also point to a lack of rigor, incomplete information (such as missing common ratios for staples or specific cooking temperatures), and inconsistent use of measurement units without clear conversion charts. Additionally, some found the content overly focused on French-American restaurant cooking, lacking global culinary diversity, and containing unnecessary "filler" or namedropping that detracted from the core message.

Ultimately, "Ratio" is seen as a book with a brilliant and powerful idea that, while revolutionary for many, is hampered by its presentation. The valuable information it imparts often shines through despite the stylistic and editorial shortcomings. It is highly recommended for curious cooks who wish to deepen their understanding of culinary fundamentals and move beyond rote memorization of recipes. It particularly appeals to those who enjoy an analytical approach to cooking, aspiring improvisers, and bakers looking to unleash their creativity. However, readers seeking a traditional, meticulously edited cookbook with straightforward instructions for everyday meals, or those with little tolerance for stylistic imperfections, may find it a challenging read.