Thursday, September 13, 2007

Culinary Arts Courses by Kelly Broome

When you think of attending a culinary arts school the first thing that comes to mind is becoming a professional chef in a restaurant, or perhaps becoming a private chef. You enjoy cooking and would like to learn more, but you may think that culinary arts schools don't offer anything for you.

But did you know that some culinary arts schools offer what are called recreational cooking courses? These are for people like you and me who love food and want to learn more but who don't aspire to become the next great chef.

I enjoy cooking and experimenting with different foods. My husband just can't understand how I can possibly enjoy standing in the kitchen for hours cooking, but it's a wonderful creative outlet for me. I love trying new sauces and spices on food.

I get a lot my inspiration from watching Food TV, as do most of us. I love to watch Ina and Giada, Bobby and Mario and get great ideas from them. But, as much as I learn from watching these TV chefs I'd still love to experience a hands-on cooking class taught by professionals. I don't have the money to attend Le Cordon Bleu in Paris and certainly don't have the need. I don't want to become a great chef, although I wouldn't mind being able to cook like one.

There are many aspects of recreational cooking classes. They don't only offer advice on cooking but also cooking techniques such as proper knife skills. They teach you how to saute, braise, roast and fry. They teach you how to prepare a whole fish, cut a chicken and the difference between a NY strip and a porterhouse steak.

A recreational cooking class offered by a culinary arts institute will teach you about the ingredients and flavors of different food regions around the world. Is your favorite food that with an Italian flair? Have you ever made a reduction with balsamic vinegar? Do you know the difference between a ragu and a marinara? Have you ever made fresh pasta? These are some of the things you'll learn about while taking a culinary arts course in recreational cooking.

Perhaps you want to master the fine art of french cooking and be able to make the perfect Bearnaise sauce every time. You'll learn how to make souffles and mousse and beef bourguignon. You'll learn how to pair the perfect wine to accompany your meal.

Attending a recreational cooking class at a local culinary arts school is a great way to meet new friends and fellow "foodies" and have a new adventure while having fun.