Combat-Ready Kitchen: How the U.S. Military Shapes the Way You Eat

Food writer and researcher de Salcedo's first book digs deep into the science, history, and necessity behind the enormous impact the U.S. military has on close to everything American consumers eat. There's a good chance most of what you buy at the supermarket is covered with military fingerprints, as products from cling wrap and the cheese powder on snack foods to TV dinners and energy bars originated in military labs. De Salcedo explains that many of the qualities military scientists are aiming for as they develop rations for soldiers—portability, ease of preparation, extended shelf life at room temperature, affordability, and appeal to even the least adventurous of eaters—also appeal to busy consumers. This book is well researched and quite thorough. Some of the content seems best suited for chemists, engineers, and biologists, but the author does a decent job of making the information accessible to the average (G.I.) Joe! Listeners will be left second-guessing what to have for lunch. C.S.E. Cooney's narration will convince the audience that they are hearing the passionate author herself.