You will learn a lot in culinary arts school about foods from around the world and ways to create delicious meals. Studying how to make recipes and understanding the chemistry that makes amazing pastries possible is vital for anyone who plans to have a career in cooking. However, there are also everyday skills that you will acquire by completing your assignments. Students in culinary arts develop a number of techniques that come in handy for almost any cooking task.
Here are five culinary arts tips you can take away from school and use at home:
Tip #1: Prepare and Plan
One of the first lessons learned in culinary arts is to make sure everything is in its place. When preparing a dish, you are taught to gather all of the ingredients and equipment that you will need before you begin cooking. Doing this will help you cook quicker and more efficiently. You can also do this in your home kitchen by placing the ingredients and tools that you use often in an area where you can easily access them. Every culinary arts student learns the impactful difference between not having your station prepared and having everything ready when beginning to cook.
Tip #2: Save Money on Kitchen Tools
Consider functionality and durability before aesthetics when buying basic kitchen tools such as spoons, spatulas, tongs, strainers, or mixing bowls. Culinary students are shown first-hand that you do not need the most expensive kitchen tools to get what you need done. The look of the tool is irrelevant compared to how well the kitchen tool works and how long it will last you. Professional chefs swear by places like a local restaurant supply store for reliable, budget-friendly equipment.
Tip #3: Clean Throughout
Cleaning as you cook can make it much easier to stay organized and work more efficiently. Wiping down countertops and cutting boards frequently, keeping the sink clear of dirty dishes, and using any spare moments to get a head start on cleaning other areas of the kitchen can really help in the long run, especially with time. By doing this, you can enjoy your meal when you finish instead of worrying about cleaning later.
Tip #4: Do Not Waste Food
A lesson learned very quickly in culinary arts is that wasted food means lost revenue. Normally, chefs will do as much as they can to avoid this, even if it means making use of the most uncharacteristic ingredients. Reducing waste will save both you and the restaurants’ money. Challenge yourself to find new recipes using ingredients you would normally throw out. This practice reduces waste, saves you money, and forces you to be a more creative and resourceful cook.
Tip #5: Taste Throughout
Taste your dish throughout its various stages of cooking. You can get a sense of how it should taste from start to finish and get a better understanding of how and where to adjust if needed. If you get into a habit of doing this at home, you can save a meal before it even reaches the table. It is also a good habit if you have successfully made an item several times. You will know exactly what the flavor should be like at different points throughout the cooking process and can detect any issues that might make the meal not taste like it is supposed to.
What Do You Learn in a Culinary Arts Program?
The curriculum ranges from basic culinary techniques to kitchen organization and sanitation practices. You will cover culinary arts material that prepare you to further a specialization and pursue your interests in the kitchen.
In a culinary arts program, you learn what you need to start your career as a well-rounded cook or chef. This includes:
- Different types of knife cuts for food preparation.
- How to prepare stocks and mother sauces.
- Fish and poultry fabrication.
- Garde manger (Cold food preparation).
- Baking and pastry decorating.
- Food sanitation regulations.
- Kitchen prep and organization.
- Food and beverage inventory management.
- Hospitality supervision and restaurant services.
- International cuisine and menu planning.
In addition to instruction from industry professionals with years of experience, you will also participate in a culinary externship in South Miami or Kissimmee. This allows you to apply what you have learned in a real kitchen while gaining valuable experience to build your resume. By the time you complete your course, you will be ready to enter the workforce at a higher level.
Program Description
The Culinary Arts Diploma Program offers college students the opportunity to acquire the skills and knowledge needed to obtain an entry-level position in the field. Florida Technical College students will gain hands-on knowledge of sauces, meats, and baked products. In addition, they will learn about kitchen safety and sanitation techniques to ensure food safety. Finally, they will cover management and supervision in the food service industry.
Ready to move from the classroom to a career? Florida Technical College is here to help. The Culinary Arts program is offered at the Kissimmee and South Miami campuses. Contact us to learn more about completing the diploma program at Florida Technical College.
*These examples are intended to serve as a general guide. There are various factors that determine what occupation an individual can achieve and NUC University cannot guarantee its graduates a specific job position. Some positions may require licensing or other certifications. We encourage you to investigate the requirements for your job and your career goals.
References/Sources
Laseter, E. (May 7, 2018). 10 Things I Learned From Culinary School That Every Home Cook Should Know. CookingLight. https://www.cookinglight.com/cooking-101/culinary-school-lessons-every-home-cook-should-know.
