The price of an education

It has been said that knowlege is power…and in this case power is a good thing.  I was never much of a student during my High School years.  I didn’t really enjoy it back then.  I was what you might call a target.  I was never taught that violence was a good thing.  My parents were more of the passive type.  This being said…I didn’t take much stock in my books.  It wasn’t until later in life did I become a good student.  I worked full time at a deli, and went to Culinary School at night.  This didn’t give me much time to study, so I just paid attention.  I ended up graduating in the top five percent of my class…even impressed myself.  This would eventually pay off even more as time marched on.

As you may have guessed from my past blogs I am a nut for knowlege.  I will gravitate towards the science of food from time to time, but that is just me.  What have I gained thus far?  Well, I had always wanted to teach others to cook.  Sort of a Yoda complex.  It has paid off for me.  I have recently been added to the staff of the “Loaves & Fishes cookshop” as an instructor.  It is affiliated with Viking…you know, the appliance company.  So far it has been very cool.  In their store in Garden City Long Island you can find all kinds of stuff.  A sea of utencils, gadgets and pretty much everything the professional & home chef could ever dream of.  What they also have are several state of the art kitchens.  One is a teaching kitchen, the other set up like a stadium.  You can see everything from a demo by a famous chef, or get your hands dirty in class.  This is great for anyone who isn’t looking to go the whole distance of say CIA or J & W.  So far I have taught a few classes focusing on French food.  The classes aren’t very difficult, and the students have a good time. 

Instead of a recipe I am going to offer a recommendation to those interested in persueing any kind of cooking classes.  If you just want to be the next Martha or just want to go beyond those pesky magazines…don’t enroll in an expensive school.  There are many avenues of cooking.  You could go the school I work at, or one along the same lines.  This way you pay for just what YOU want to learn.  Check the local papers and colleges or vocational schools for similar type of training.  Video’s or on line are also a way to go, but they lack the “hands on” aspect.  Which ever you choose just remember what skill level  or price you can afford.  The last option I can suggest is starting a cooking club with your friends.  Get a cookbook that suits your skill level and get together with your friends.  This can be fun and affords you some “me time.”

Which ever you choose as long as you enjoy what you do…that’s all that matters.  Remember, cooking isn’t hard or a chore…it is something that can be totally fun.  Until next time…Bye!