For the time of your life and for a great educational experience, why not consider attending culinary cooking school? All you have to be is an ambitious person who thoroughly enjoys creating tasty and attractive foods. At a culinary school, you will meet other students who share your dreams and interests. Your instructors are professional chefs who are there to help you succeed on your chosen career path.
It you truly want to become a chef, you have to have some inborn qualities that push you towards this goal. You are not just happy with a quickly prepared meal that is eaten without a thought. You take pride in the food that you prepare, not only for its flavor but for its presentation as well. You don’t want to work as a cook in some greasy food establishment but, instead, want a prestigious job in a well-known restaurant. These are qualities that are simply part of you and if you are willing to get the right education, you can find a rewarding career in a place where you are comfortable and at ease.
In order to be prepared for the exciting world as a chef, you need to look for a school that specializes the “joy” of cooking. Potential employers at good restaurants look for chefs who are well-trained, experienced and truly love to cook. They want someone who is willing to “pay their dues” by working long hours and is able to stand on their feet for long periods of time. They want people who are completely aware of the business side of the trade by having knowledge of food costs, labor issues, menus and so on. And, most of all, they want chefs who have learned how to prepare the best tasting food in the most attractive manner. All of these things are part of the curriculum at culinary schools across the world.
Having a drive for success will get you through your courses at culinary cooking school. After you have completed all of the required course work, you will be ready to take your diploma with pride to potential employers. It will open many doors for you because top restaurants and other establishments look for well-educated people when hiring their culinary staff.
By: Matt Murren
Archive for February, 2010
How to Research the Right Culinary School For You
February 27th, 2010
Today you just cannot ignore the fact that enrolling in a reputed culinary college matters a lot in culinary industry. Going to a good culinary school can provide you the education you require and give you an extra advantage in a competitive job market. So it is vital for you to get into the right school that can show you the way towards a flourishing culinary career. These days there are numerous culinary colleges in the United States, but due to the lack of information you actually fail to make the right selection.
Therefore, if you are one of those who are not exactly aware of various sources where you can get information regarding different culinary schools then here are few best alternatives that can assist you in finding the right culinary college:
You can easily start your research from the web by surfing different online directories where you can find the list of different culinary schools or various programs offered by the culinary college. All you require is making the proper selection of keywords and utilize different search engines. You can also have words with the alumni of various culinary schools. Talking to them can be of very good help as they act as a great resource. You cannot deny the fact that once these people were part of various schools and had completed their education from these schools. Communicating to them and having suggestions regarding the culinary schools can surely be the best alternative. Interacting to chefs or any other professionals related to culinary industry you know or who are working at your nearest restaurant can also be the ideal option. A good interaction can actually help you know more about the school. It is important to remember that word of mouth from personnel who is closely attached to the industry can also be the best option to find out information. You can also talk to student counselors as well. Your discussion with counselors can assist you in finding more about the current situation and some of the best culinary schools where you can get effective training. Normally, they are much better aware of the industry and so can be the better alternative to approach and gather information regarding various culinary colleges. Last but not the least, you must not forget visiting your local library. Visiting to your local library can assist you find various educational magazines that sometimes include a list of some of the best culinary colleges.
Today it is very vital to understand that no two culinary colleges are accurately alike and each has its own set of admission procedure. Therefore, once you find the right culinary school by following any of the above mentioned procedures, enroll your name as soon as possible. Always research and choose your culinary school effectively and complete your education.
By: Erik R Johnson
Dill: Scandinavia’s Most Important Culinary Herb
February 26th, 2010
The ancient herb, Anethum graveolens or Fernleaf dill as it is commonly known, was mentioned some 5,000 years ago in early Egyptian writings. It is the most important culinary herb in Scandinavia, as popular as parsley is in other parts of the world. The word ‘dill’ stems from the Old Norse word dilla, meaning “to lull,” and can be grown indoors and out. The feathery leaves make dill a pretty foliage plant, which is lovely as a green foil for the flowers in your garden. The fragrance of dill on fingers evokes a ‘comfort smell’ for many people as the leaves smell of homemade dill pickles. Old-fashioned dill water or gripe water as it is commonly known (made by infusing crushed dill seeds in hot water), is still used as a remedy for indigestion in adults as well as children.
Dill is an annual but self-seeds so once planted you will have it forever in your garden as long as you allow some of the plants to go to seed. Dill has yellow flowers and grows 1 – 4 ft. (30 – 120 cm) tall outdoors. In pots indoors, dill will be less tall. Grow dill from seed and when thinning, use the seedlings you pull up, as they are tender and delicious. Dried dill leaves are known as ‘dill weed.’ If you need dill seed for your fall pickles, plant some dill in mid-July to ensure you have ripening seed.
Cultivation requirements: grows best in deep, well-drained, fertile, sandy loam, likes compost or manure. Dill must be grown in full sun and watered during dry periods. Dill is easily grown from seed and grows well indoors if grown under fluorescent lights. Hang the lights 6 inches (15 cm) from plants and leave on for 14 hours a day. Dill does not transplant well and it needs a deep pot for its long taproots. Pinch out the tops to prevent flowering and seed setting to keep plants growing longer.
In the garden, dill can be planted with cabbages but not near carrots. In the kitchen, use dill for pickles, cabbage, turnips, cauliflower, in butter on fried or grilled fish, sour cream, meats, stews, cream cheese, dips. Use fresh with green beans, potato dishes, cheese, soups, salads, seafood, sauces, and snipped on vegetable dishes. Sprinkle young dill on broiling lamb, pork chops, or steaks during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Seeds can be sprinkled on toast or crackers with salmon that has been mixed with mayonnaise. Seeds and leaves can be used in fish sauces. Zucchini can be sliced thin and sautéed in olive oil and fresh dill leaves for a nice side dish.
Fresh dill can be kept in the fridge for a few days by submersing the stems in a glass of water. Cover loosely with a plastic bag and make sure the leaves are above the water. Fresh leaves can be frozen in re-seal-able bags and used in dishes. Seeds can be stored in a closed container and used as needed. You can eat the leaves, seed heads, and seeds. Use seeds if cooking for a long time and dill weed if adding at the last minute. Dill can be dried or frozen.
By: Gwen Stewart
