One of the best things that you can learn to do in your life is to learn how to cook. Cooking is a life skill that you will need all throughout your life and you will never be at a disadvantage if you know how to cook. That is why cooking classes are pretty popular especially during summer with young students and during schooldays with mommies who want to improve their cooking skills.
If you have already enrolled in a cooking class and you are worried that you may not know as much as your classmate about cooking, get over the thought. You enrolled in the class to learn so who cares if your classmate knows more than you. He or she would have wasted their tuition fee if that is the case.
Still, there is no harm in preparing for the cooking class and making sure that you have all that you need to make the cooking class easier and more fun for you. Here are some tips.
1. Bring notebook and pen or a tape recorder
If you do not have a photographic memory, then it is best to bring a pen and a notebook when you go to class. This will help you keep up with what the teachers is saying in the class. If you have a tape recorder, this is much better as it will be able to capture much of what your teachers are saying unlike with writing notes when you are held back by how fast you can write down the words. If you are a slow writer and you know it, then a recorder is the best option for you.
2. Do illustrations
You may not be the best artist in the world and you may not even be able to draw a straight line even if your life depended on it, but illustrations will help you a lot especially when remembering the steps that you have to take to prepare the food. Drawing the procedures will help jog your memory about the process and it will also clear up the procedure for you, something that words will not be able to. If you do have a video camera, ask your teacher if you can tape the session. Do not do this unless they have consented because 90% of the time, they will not allow it for fear that it will be mass produced and sold to other people.
3. Sleep early
When you go to your cooking class, you want to be at least awake and alert to really learn from what the teachers is saying. If you had a late night the previous night, what the teachers are saying may not register well to you. If that is the case, then you should prepare for the possibility and bring a recorder. You may not be very awake to listen to the teachers but at least you have a tape recorder to do the listening to you.
4. Ask questions
The best way to learn is to make sure that you have understood everything that the teacher was saying. If you do not understand any of the procedures that he or she is teaching, then don't hesitate to ask questions and clarify. After all, you are preparing for the cooking class and you have the right to really learn the lesson.
Do you really need cooking classes? Think about Holiday Inn TV commercial. Imagine how that guy on the operating table felt, being comforted by the surgeon after his operation. The doctor says everything looks good. As far as I can tell, you are going to be fine. The man on the table in the white hospital gown replies, wow thanks, you doctors are amazing. That is when the surgeon drops the bombshell. Oh, I'm not a doctor but I did stay at a Holiday Inn last night.
Cooking isn't hard but it takes work to learn to cook well and cooking classes will give you not only training but also confidence to cook your best. Cooking classes can be a great way for you to learn some basic cooking skills that will help you in your pursuit of cooking your best. No only is it possible that you will learn a particular skill but you will undoubtedly improve on what you already know. One of the best aspects of cooking classes is that they cover many different themes, allowing you to achieve your personal goals in the kitchen. Some of the first things that you will learn in classes present three easy to remember groups. These would be what you would consider the basics:
Nutrition: It may sound boring to you at first but you will actually enjoy this section. It really organizes things in your mind concerning proper serving sizes and calorie charts. Remember the famous pyramid chart used to illustrate eating a balanced meal? Yep, this is the place where you will dissect nutrition labels and develop a good understanding of basic nutrition. You will also gain a good insight into correct nutritional values when it comes to vegetarians.
Storage: Did you know that you are never supposed to put away warm food in the refrigerator covered? It has to remain uncovered as it cools to prevent bacteria. In this area your cooking classes will teach you the basic guides to food storage. You will also learn the proper way to stock the pantry. This is where you will be taught what can be frozen and what cannot, as well as learn about food storage charts.
Safety: You will learn important food safety, information and contacts. One of the most important aspects of safety you will learn is eliminating bacteria in the kitchen. You will also learn how to keep from cross contaminating. By knowing how to keep foods at safe temperatures, you prevent food poisoning. You also need to learn how to properly use eggs and safely use foods on picnics.
Wow, if you just learned that you would be doing great but cooking classes also give you so much more. Experts have honed their skills to a science and their wealth of knowledge is available to you. You will learn to master the knowledge of herbs and spices, marinades and rubs. Then there are the tips and techniques of the actual cooking skills that you can use in creating some of the most famous dishes I history. Plus, you will find about how to use the state of the art cooking equipment and latest gadgets. Cooking isn't rocket science, but is definitely science, engineering and art. Don't cut yourself short. You will always enjoy and appreciate your preparation time in taking cooking classes.
Both Raghav Sharma & Craig Chambers are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.