What are the most effective resources to enhance your culinary school curriculum?

1 Online courses and videos

One of the easiest and most accessible ways to learn more about cooking is to take online courses and watch videos from reputable sources. You can find a variety of topics, from basic skills and recipes to specialized cuisines and techniques, that can complement your curriculum and fill in any gaps. Online courses and videos can also offer you different perspectives and tips from experienced chefs and instructors, as well as feedback and interaction from other learners. Some of the best platforms to check out are Coursera, Udemy, MasterClass, YouTube, and Skillshare.

2 Cookbooks and magazines

Another valuable resource to enhance your culinary school curriculum is to read cookbooks and magazines that showcase different styles, flavors, and cultures of cooking. Cookbooks and magazines can inspire you to try new ingredients, methods, and dishes, as well as learn more about the history, traditions, and stories behind them. They can also help you improve your presentation, plating, and photography skills, as well as your vocabulary and writing style. Some of the most popular and influential cookbooks and magazines are The Joy of Cooking, The Flavor Bible, Bon Appétit, Saveur, and Food & Wine.

3 Podcasts and blogs

If you prefer to listen or read rather than watch or follow along, podcasts and blogs are another great resource to enhance your culinary school curriculum. Podcasts and blogs can keep you informed and entertained with the latest news, trends, and insights from the food world, as well as interviews and stories from chefs, critics, and experts. They can also expose you to different opinions, perspectives, and debates on various culinary topics, as well as tips and advice on how to improve your skills and career. Some of the best podcasts and blogs to follow are The Splendid Table, Gastropod, Serious Eats, Smitten Kitchen, and The Kitchn.

4 Professional networks and associations

One of the most important resources to enhance your culinary school curriculum is to join and participate in professional networks and associations that can connect you with other people who share your passion and goals. Professional networks and associations can offer you opportunities to network, learn, mentor, and collaborate with other chefs, students, instructors, and employers in the food industry. They can also provide you with access to events, workshops, webinars, certifications, scholarships, and awards that can boost your resume and reputation. Some of the most prominent and respected professional networks and associations are the American Culinary Federation, the International Association of Culinary Professionals, the James Beard Foundation, and the World Association of Chefs Societies.

5 Personal projects and experiments

Finally, one of the most fun and rewarding resources to enhance your culinary school curriculum is to create and execute your own personal projects and experiments that challenge and stimulate your creativity and curiosity. Personal projects and experiments can help you apply what you learn in school to your own interests and goals, as well as discover new possibilities and solutions. They can also help you develop your own style, voice, and portfolio that showcase your skills and personality. Some examples of personal projects and experiments are to cook your way through a cookbook, to invent your own recipes, to host a pop-up restaurant, or to start a food blog or podcast.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?