I'm also a huge fan of America's Test Kitchen/Cook's Illustrated/Cook's Country (and I've found them to be extremely popular amongst engineers and science-types

I'm also a huge fan of America's Test Kitchen/Cook's Illustrated/Cook's Country (and I've found them to be extremely popular amongst engineers and science-types). During college a friend and I shared a subscription to their website catalog of recipes. I'm ordering the Cooking School book as we speak. I'm currently trying to teach the bf how to cook and this seems like the perfect tool to go through. Another recommendation I'd make for improvisational cooks/bakers is The Flavor Bible. It's great for "what do I do with these random ingredients in the fridge"?