Category Archives: Culinary

Answering Your Culinary Schools Questions

There is something relaxing about cooking a favorite meal at home. The delicious aromas while the food is cooking and then there is the final product awaiting your taste buds. Have you ever given any thought to taking your love and passion for food and making it into a career?

Many people are finding rewarding careers in the food industry. Culinary schools are experiencing record enrollment thanks in part to television shows such as ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ and ‘Top Chef’.

Each week participants put their cooking skills to the test and it makes others yearn to be in the kitchen doing the same thing. Even if cooking is not your idea of fun there are other aspects of the food industry that are taught in culinary schools.

You may want to work on the business side. Where ever your passion for food lies, a culinary school can help you find the skills you need. In this article we will cover the basics of culinary schools and what you can expect from this fiery career choice.

What do culinary schools teach?

Culinary schools begin with the basics of the kitchen. One of the first lessons you will learn is about kitchen safety such as handling knives and what to do in an emergency such as a fire. You will learn basic food preparation guidelines such as what temperature is acceptable on meats.

You will learn basic accounting, computer skills, inventory management and even some psychology. Culinary schools want you to have a diverse background because the workplace is so diverse. The most important lesson you learn is how to work together as a team. One person cannot run a restaurant or kitchen alone so teamwork is absolutely essential.

Are culinary schools all about learning how to cook?

You may be surprised to learn that culinary schools do teach more than kitchen skills such as knife handling and how to make a souffle. They also teach students how to deal with the public, how to handle finances and how to manage inventory.

There is also instruction on how to communicate effectively as well as manage employees. Culinary schools want to give you a broad background on the food industry. The more information you have the better prepared you will be when you graduate.

Do certain schools specialize in different areas of the culinary world?

There are schools that do specialize in certain cuisines but you would typically find these specialized schools overseas. The culinary schools in the United States tend to teach a broad spectrum since culinary palates are so diverse here. Should you wish to study French cuisine exclusively it would be best to attend a school in France where you can learn from the masters of the trade.

What are some of the jobs that I can expect to work in after I graduate from a culinary school?

There are a wide variety of jobs that can open up for you once you have graduated from a culinary school. You can be a line chef, an assistant baker, a restaurant manager and even be a pantry cook. Do not expect to get out of school and immediately become a master chef.

It takes years of hard work in order to obtain the level of experience that you need in order to say you are a master chef. You may study for ten years under another chef before you go out on your own. Eventually you will gain the knowledge and skills you need in order to be considered a master chef. The trick is patience and practice.

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What is Indian vegetarian food all about

We all know that the largest number of vegetarians stay in India. So while we are wondering what kind of food they eat – here are some insights that you would like to know.

Indian vegetarian food is mostly influenced by factors like region, caste, religion, etc. There are many varieties of vegetables and spices that are used to make the Indian cuisine. Those who know Indian culture well would understand how much efforts are put into making the food perfect. After all, everyone loves to have a wholesome meal here.

There are many dishes in the typical Indian vegetarian food. The North has a lot of spicy sabzis that include paneer kadai, paneer makhanwala, dal, yellow dal makhani, chole, rajma etc. This is eaten with Indian bread of naan, roti, chapatti, kulcha etc. The east has a lot of sea food and chaat while the West has a spicy range of food items. The South has a lot of rice varieties and curries that include avial, sambar, rasam, idlis, dosas etc. The list here is very few there are way more items that are included in these region specific cuisines. India has so much of diversity in its platter that one can never taste all the items of the country even in their entire lifetime.

That is exactly where and how thali restaurants come into the picture. Thali is a complete meal right from starters to dessert that is served in one big plate. Indian food is always freshly cooked and people believe in eating food that is served hot. There are different kinds of thalis served in different restaurants. That of course depends upon the audience that they cater to.

Thali restaurants serve delicacies that are native to a particular region. The food items are served in small bowls. The thali usually comprises of chapatis, some starters, sabzis, salad, yogurt, rice, dal and a sweet dish. A beverage called chaas is usually served along with it too. The recipes of these Indian dishes have been passed on from generations. Its rich taste is always something that cna never be replaced by the fast food phenomenon.

Thali restaurants do well because many of them often serve unlimited thalis – which means one can eat till they are completely satisfied. The charge for the thali is same irrespective of the difference in appetites. During the festive season especially they do very well.

Thalis mostly consist of the Indian vegetarian food. They are mostly preferred during lunch or dinner because those are the times when people prefer having heavy meals. This is one reason now there are growing numbers of patrons who are visiting thali restaurants. Because paying a limited amount you get to eat how much ever you want. Though the number of health conscious people has increased, there is a huge chunk of population that still prefers having heavy meals that satisfy one’s stomach. Thali restaurants will surely have a roaring business in future too. Indian vegetarian food is just too vast and tasty to compete with.

What To Eat In & Around Wrigley Field

Synonymous with baseball is BBQ and beer. For avid sports fans hungry for the season’s excitement, Wrigley Field won’t let you down. The expansive concourse is lined with dozens of different food vendors that will satisfy any craving. Here are some of the best food stops we’ve found in and around Wrigley Field. Hopefully something here will make the ball game all the more enjoyable for you and your friends.

Hot Dogs

Before you dig into the game, dive into a juicy hot dog — but make sure it’s Chicago style. Like all of Chicago’s culinary traditions, this city favorite is piled with loads of toppings, like onions, relish and spices. Ask a Wrigley field usher and they will guide you towards the Italian beef specialty stand located along the third base line. If you’re feeling extra daring, try the beef and sausage combo. It’s sure to pack some heat.

Sandwiches & More

The stadium is known for its Wrigley Pig — a pulled pork sandwich that tastes better than most pub versions. If you’re in the mood for something other than pulled pork or polish sausage, surrounding the stadium is Wrigleyville. This city hub is well known for its various restaurants and entertainment venues. From upscale Italian to tangy Thai, Wrigleyville will get your appetite going for the big game.

Refreshments

No matter what you choose to eat inside the stadium, you have to wash it down with some Old Style beer, brewed by Wisconsins Pabst Brewing Company. For hardcore fans looking for some Cubs camaraderie, hitting up Bernie’s Outdoor Beer Garden is a must. Players are even known to stop by this Wrigleyville joint after a game.

Pub Food

As the largest cafe in the stadium, the Captain Morgan Club offers an assortment of salads, burgers and other bar style food. It opens daily at 10 am even for fans without tickets. Goose Island, a brewery located about four doors down from the ballpark, is famous for its specialty beers and greasy fare. Fans can agree, Goose Island is “very Chicago”, without being phony or fussy. Prepare for big crowds here after the game, so send Aunt Judy to save a table before the final stretch.

Pizza

Located right next to the Wrigley Field transit stop is Bacca Pizzeria. This place is perfect for ticket holders late to the game and need a quick bite before settling into the seats. Nothing too fancy, but oh-so enjoyable, Bacca’s is a family-run chain that offers a jumbo slice of pizza plus a free soda for only $3.50.

It’s A Home Run!

As every baseball lover knows, the ultimate ball-time experience includes the proper food assortment…even when you only want popcorn to toss into the air, or peanuts because you love the sound of crunchy shells beneath your shoes.

This article is presented by The Cooking and Hospitality Institute of Chicago. The Cooking and Hospitality Institute of Chicago offers Le Cordon Bleu culinary education classes and culinary training programs in Chicago, Illinois. To learn more about the class offerings, please visit Chefs.edu/Chicago for more information.

The jobs mentioned are examples of certain potential jobs, not a representation that these outcomes are more probable than others. The Cooking and Hospitality Institute of Chicago does not guarantee employment or salary.

Cottage Food Laws Making Profits From Your Kitchen

If you search for a baking forum, several will pop up showcasing discussions about women worldwide using their home-based kitchens to bake cakes, cookies, pies, cupcakes, breads and more, all in an effort to make extra income and show-off their culinary talents. In 2002, Warren Brown, moonlighted as a cake baker, eventually leaving his job as a Washington DC lawyer to take his deliciously amazing cakes to the masses two bakeries. Today Brown has seven locations across Maryland, Virginia and the nations capitol.

Everyone knows someone who can create a delicious cake or pie; In fact, if you stroll through any community farmer’s market you will see folks selling their homemade baked goods, apple butter or heirloom candy? The ability to sell a food specialty is made possible in most United States (U.S.) communities by the existence of “cottage food laws;” a special law giving home food processors permission to make potentially non hazardous food products from the home kitchen. In the U.S., cottage food laws are different for every state so home food processor’s must check with their individual state regulatory agency to learn about specific food processing rules and food labeling requirements; while all other states may require the use of a licensed commercial kitchen.

Today eleven states currently have house bills pending, and the residents are hopeful these cottage food laws will pass bringing that much needed shot in the arm to their local economies. There is really no way of knowing how many home-based bakers and small food processors there are across America, however one thing is for certain, today the consumers desire for homemade, clean label foods with no preservatives opens the door for all food entrepreneurs ready and willing to become essential commodities in their community.

The list of states below have cottage food law legislation pending:

Arizona
HB2103 – 501R – I
http://www.azleg.gov/legtext/50leg/1r/bills/hb2103p.htm

Arkansas
The newest state to pass a cottage food law
http://www.arkansashouse.org/public/php/pdf_viewer.php?pdf=ftp://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/2011/Public/HB1323.pdf

Maryland
http://www.msa.md.gov/msa/mdmanual/06hse/html/msa12262.html

South Dakota
South Dakota Bill (HB1240)
http://www.azleg.gov/legtext/50leg/1r/bills/hb2103p.htm

Washington State
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?year=2011&bill=5748

Create an Outdoor Haven with Steel Jardinieres and Everything In-Between

Spring outdoor design ideas are not hard to come by with the age of the internet and the newest raved about online pin board. In this weeks article we’ll explore the newest trends on how to focus all these design ideas into two simple rules and transform your backyard into a landscaped outdoor haven.

Right now is the time of year when most of the country is enjoying every free moment they can outdoors. Winter has past and warm sunny afternoons are upon us. Why not jump ahead a bit and get to work on designing a chic landscaped backyard. Treat your outdoor space with care and create splendid simple comfort with these two rules. Buy french steel jardinieres and naturally pair them a garden pendant lighting scheme.

This years unique jardinieres and creative lighting schemes are transforming outdoor spaces into landscaped outdoor havens. By building boundaries and sectioning off different areas in your yard you can create comfortable eating and sitting areas with minimal effort. Most outdoor design lovers are not always familiar with our french terminology so we’re also going to give you a short lesson on the meaning of the word, popular shapes and styles as well as where you can find these beautiful works of art in your very own local marketplace.

A jardinire is a receptacle (usually a ceramic pot or urn) or more rarely a stand upon which, or into which, plants may be placed. (The French themselves refer to tabletop versions of such receptacles as cachepots.) Jardinires tend to be highly decorative. They are sometimes used as garden accent elements for large plants and for raised culinary and herb gardens. Jardinieres come in all shapes and sizes but for this particular season large steel octagon jardiniere are la crme de la crme. It’s common design practice to combine three different sizes of the octagonal jardinieres together forming a triangle visual pattern. This placement also allows taller plants to grow vertically in the background and gorgeous hanging plants to spill out in front. You can easily bring lavishing color and balance to your outdoor space by filling these few different sized steel jardinieres to the brim with unique trees, perennials and succulents. Mixing and matching these beautiful pallets of floral colors create focal points for your guest to enjoy during the hot summer months. A few world renown artists have beautifully custom designed these popular octagon jardinieres in the Malibu California area but, if you’re not living in close proximity contact your local ceramist and see if they can’t create a mold for you. If you live for the best contact Malibu’s ceramist and have one shipped to your local area.

After you place your jardinieres around your landscaped backyard accent them with some key lighting. Garden pendants and custom outdoor chandeliers are a spectacular option for producing a elegant space. Buy a plain frosted glass light fixture or brighten up your garden with a hint of color. This season we’re in love with rose color pendants and bronze accented chandeliers. Either way these articulate lights paired with those octagon jardinieres will add a chic modern style to your outdoor landscape and transform your backyard into an outdoor haven. Enjoy!