If you love cooking and want to improve your culinary knowledge and skills, you don't have to enroll in a formal education program. There are many ways to learn from different sources, practice new techniques, and network with other food enthusiasts outside of the classroom. Here are some tips to help you expand your culinary horizons and advance your career.
One of the simplest and most accessible ways to learn more about cooking is to read cookbooks and magazines. You can find a variety of recipes, tips, stories, and trends from different cuisines, cultures, and regions. You can also discover new ingredients, methods, and styles that you can try at home. Reading cookbooks and magazines can inspire you to experiment with new flavors, combinations, and techniques, and broaden your culinary repertoire.
Most students who first come to the culinary education landscape have had some experience of food, either cooking with family or watching a well known celebrity chef on the TV or YouTube. Encouraging learners to look beyond their favourite chef and read some classic cookery books as well as modern ones, to get a variety of knowledge will help with expanding their appetite for a whole world of cuisine they may never have known.
Another way to learn from experts and peers is to watch videos and podcasts. You can find a lot of online content that covers different aspects of cooking, such as tutorials, demonstrations, interviews, reviews, and documentaries. You can watch videos and podcasts on your own time, pace, and device, and learn from visual and audio cues. You can also interact with the creators and other viewers or listeners through comments, questions, and feedback. Watching videos and podcasts can help you improve your skills, knowledge, and confidence in the kitchen.
Watching videos on technique is a useful tool, particualarly following learning of a new dish, or leading up to the learning of the dish. Techniques like filleting fish, bread baking and deboning meat or poultry benefit from extra tutorials online. The learner feels more confident and able to try the skill at home and feel more prepared for their exam.
If you want to learn more formally and systematically, you can join online courses and communities. You can find a range of courses that suit your level, interest, and budget, and learn from qualified instructors and mentors. You can also find a lot of online communities that share your passion for cooking, such as forums, groups, blogs, and social media platforms. You can join online courses and communities to access valuable resources, guidance, and support, and enhance your learning experience.
If you prefer to learn in person and hands-on, you can attend workshops and events. You can find a variety of workshops and events that cater to different skill levels, topics, and formats, and learn from professional chefs and instructors. You can also meet and network with other participants, exchange ideas, tips, and contacts, and have fun. You can attend workshops and events to practice new skills, learn new techniques, and make new connections.
I've had many students that have attended online zoom classes and workshops, aside from their usual studies. There is less pressure to perform, less competition and they get to learn in a relaxed environment, on dishes that they may not do in class. This demonstrates that food is fun too, and can be a fulfilling experience.
One of the most enjoyable and rewarding ways to learn more about cooking is to travel and explore. You can visit different places, try different foods, and experience different cultures. You can also learn from local chefs, markets, restaurants, and street vendors, and observe how they cook, serve, and eat. You can travel and explore to immerse yourself in the culinary diversity and richness of the world, and gain new insights, perspectives, and appreciation.
Many culinary students are given the opportunity to attend classes at other colleges as well as travel overseas to work in restaurants in European destinations. These experiences give the student a chance to see what it's like working abroad, learn another language and cook and taste ingredients and flavours from around the world.
Finally, one of the best ways to learn more about cooking is to challenge yourself. You can set yourself goals, such as cooking a new dish, using a new ingredient, or mastering a new technique. You can also participate in competitions, such as cook-offs, bake-offs, or contests, and test your skills, creativity, and resilience. You can challenge yourself to push your boundaries, overcome your fears, and grow as a cook.
Apart from the above points, all these are the few things that has worked for me. Get Creative: Innovate with flavors, ingredients, and techniques. Set challenges: Weekly tasks to explore new cuisines or master specific skills. Learn from Others Cook with loved ones: Share recipes, experiences, and cultural insights. Volunteer: Gain pro-kitchen experience at soup kitchens or with chefs. Engage Locally Explore markets: Connect with vendors for seasonal and unique ingredients. Attend events: Free cooking demos, workshops, and community gatherings. Deepen Ingredient Knowledge: Uncover origins: Research ingredient histories for cultural richness. Master preservation: Learn pickling, fermenting, and other methods to reduce waste.