What are the things taught in the culinary arts course?

What are the things taught in the culinary arts course?

• Sullivan McAllister
• Aug 1, 2023
• 0 Comments

An Introduction to the Culinary Arts Course

You know, as I settle down with my morning mug of coffee (expertly brewed by my own amateur barista skills, mind you), I've been ruminating on a topic quite close to my heart and something that is quite integral to my day-to-day life—I'm talking about culinary arts. Now, you may not know this about me, but I'm a bit of a foodie myself. But when it comes to the professional world of Culinary Arts, well, there's a whole galaxy of knowledge and skills to be explored. So, let's venture into this together, shall we?

I want you to imagine yourself mastering the art of perfectly roasting a lamb (as I did once for my spouse Penelope's birthday), or concocting an exquisitely balanced balsamic reduction. All of this might sound complex, but these are examples of the myriad of intricate skills you'll gain from a professional culinary course. And it's not just about cooking! The curriculum extends beyond the kitchen counter, delving deeply into a whole suite of essential knowledge zones: food culture, nutrition, business and management skills, and even the science behind your favourite recipes. Doesn't that sound fascinating?

Delving into the World of Food Artistry

Let's start with the cornerstone of any culinary arts course — cooking and baking. This section is the beating heart of the culinary world, and a course will focus on providing students with a comprehensive understanding of a variety of cooking methods. We're talking grilling, roasting, sautéing, poaching...you name it!

Remember my amateur barista comment earlier? Well, you can credit an espresso module during a culinary arts course where I learned the quiet finesse of brewing, frothing and serving coffee. When it comes to bakeries, think of your favourite chocolate cake or fancy French pastry! There's a good chance the baker behind it learned his or her techniques from a culinary arts course. Now, if you're on a journey like mine and Penelope where we're trying to eat healthier, fret not! They also cover healthy recipes and diet-friendly cooking styles. Trust me, learning how to swap cream for yoghurt in recipes has been a game-changer.

Crossing Culinary Borders: Understanding Food Culture

One of my favourite parts about a culinary arts course is the fantastic insights into international cuisine. You'll uncover how recipes, ingredients and preparation methods have evolved over the centuries in various cultures. Remember when Penelope and I took a trip to Milan, and I came back seemingly obsessed with making the perfect risotto? This interest was sparked during my food culture lessons and has led to many a delicious meal at home.

Travelling the culinary world without leaving your kitchen really is a delightful adventure. Also, you'll not only gain the knowledge to distinguish between a bouillabaisse and a gazpacho, but you'll also develop the practical skills to prepare them authentically.

Donning the White Hat: Business, Management and Ethics in the Culinary Industry

At this point, you might be thinking, "I've got the culinary skills now, but what if I want to run a restaurant or my own cafe one day?" Well, you're in luck! Culinary arts courses don't just turn you into a kitchen maestro, they prepare you for the real world of food business. This segues perfectly into my short stint as a café owner in Auckland, a challenging but hugely rewarding rendezvous with the food industry.

Subjects like business management, team leadership, service etiquette, inventory management, and accounting principles are taught to ensure that once the student steps out of the safe cocoon of the classroom, they hit the ground running. The course even equips you with the knowledge about food safety laws and ethical food sourcing. So, be it a food truck on Auckland's vibrant street food scene or a high-end restaurant overlooking the Viaduct Basin, you'll be ready for anything and everything!

With that, I bid you farewell from today's culinary journey. Whether you're contemplating enrolling in a culinary arts course, or just curious about what's taught in the hallowed kitchens of culinary schools, I hope this conversation has fed your appetite for knowledge. If you take one thing away from this, let it be that culinary art doesn’t just revolve around the stove—it's an exploration into culture, art, science, and business. Isn’t that a delicious thought to savour?