Archives: April 2018

Culinary School Admission Requirements

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Although the culinary school admission requirements will vary from one program to the next, there are a few things you can expect regardless of the type of institution you are applying to. But the type of school will definitely have a lot to do with the requirements that you are expected to fulfill. The culinary school requirements for a vocational school, for example, will differ greatly than those for a prestigious institution such as the Culinary Institute of America that has the most prestigious young chefs vying for admittance. But in either case, you will at least be required to fill out a detailed application.

When you apply for culinary school, you will be required to gather information on your own about the requirements. It is important to understand exactly what documents you need, how you are supposed to submit them, what information is required, and what format the admissions committee expects everything to be in. Applications often require written statements or essays detailing why you want to start a culinary career, for example. This is the most important of all school requirements, as it is the first impression they get of you, so you’ll definitely want to take some time filling out the application.

The culinary school admission requirements for more competitive programs are likely to include a lengthy list of documents and information. They may also expect you to have experience including seminars, conferences and research about the culinary industry. Two- and four-year culinary programs will require a high school transcript, letters of reference from professors or employers and a detailed resume of your culinary experience. Some vocational programs may only ask for proof of a high school diploma or GED, while others may require work experience, and others might test your knowledge of weights and measurements or skills with important techniques.

The culinary school requirements that are expected of you will depend on the type of school you apply to, so if you want to take this route there is no time like the present to look into what the various programs require. Then you’ll be ready to go when you decide to apply.

Cottage Food Laws Making Profits From Your Kitchen

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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

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Pro Cooking Tips To Start Using Today

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Many people agree that cooking skills are some of the most difficult to master. Read on for some great tips on cooking delicious, gourmet-type dishes that will make you look like a master chef.

Always bake your crusts a little longer than is absolutely necessary. They should be golden caramel in color instead of pale blonde. The color on your pie signifies that the caramelizing process is complete in your crust, yielding a scrumptious dessert.

Whenever you are spicing up your meat, consider starting off with a small portion before you cook the whole piece. It is important not to over-season foods such as hamburger, meatballs and other meat-based dishes. You do not want to cook the whole thing immediately after seasoning it. Just make a small piece and try it. If that piece turns out well, you can continue with the rest. If not, you can make adjustments to the spices.

Always make sure that your flour, sugar and baking additives are stored in airtight containers. By storing foods in airtight containers, you can ensure its freshness and prevent any contamination. These containers can be bought at almost any store and are totally worth it!

When boiling or sauteing veggies, use chicken broth instead of water. Chicken broth adds flavor to vegetables and prevents them from getting stuck to the bottom of the pan. Chicken broth can be found at almost all local grocery stores at a very cheap price.

If you are preparing pumpkins for a meal, position the pumpkin so it is sitting upright, then cut it into two equal halves. Put each half with the cut side facing down on their own baking sheet. Sprinkle a little water on to your baking sheets, then you can bake your pumpkins for an hour in a 350 degree oven.

In recipes that call for milk or water, try substituting more flavorful liquids. If the recipe calls for water, switch it up by using a broth, juice, or cooking liquids. Other dairy products such as buttermilk or sour cream can be used in place of milk. A good method for increasing your nutritional intake is by increasing the amount of liquids you drink throughout the day.

For better seasoning results, use smaller applications of seasoning at frequent intervals throughout the cooking process instead of dumping it all in at once. As such, you are getting the best flavor, and not wasting any of the seasoning.

If you are using garlic in the cooking, ensure it’s the freshest you can buy. In general, garlic tastes sweeter when it is fresher. You will want to look for the following characteristics; firm skin, and no bruises or shriveling.

If serving salad, keep the dressing on the side, rather than pouring it on the salad. Amount and type of dressing are personal tastes, so let your guests dress their own salad. Get different kinds of dressings to leave them more choices.

Even with no prior skill, cooking techniques can be improved with just a few simple tips and ideas. With this new found culinary knowledge, what are you waiting for? Cook something! You will be cooking dishes everyone will enjoy.

Tracie William is a house wife, cooking is her passion and she loves to try new recipes.. her latest blog is aboutHow To Make Cake Pops

How To Make The Most Of Culinary School

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Culinary school is a great option for anyone who loves to cook and for anyone who loves food. This sort of school will prepare you for professions in the culinary world, and can also prepare you for setting up your own culinary business.

Many people assume that cooking schools are relatively easy, consisting mainly of creating dishes. However, this is not true. Most culinary programs today are very diverse, some offering marketing and even business information as well as culinary information. Most programs require you to learn about food preparation as well as safety and hygiene. There is a science, as well as an art, to culinary professions.

To get the most out of culinary school, you first need to attend the right program and the right school. Decide ahead of time what your goals are, and aim for a school that will help you achieve those goals fastest. For example, if you want to become a dessert chef, make sure that you attend a school that has a stellar reputation for that. Investigate the instructors working at specific schools and study with instructors who have professional experience that you admire. If you want to become a caterer or run your own business, find out which school the culinary entrepreneurs in your area attended. Make sure that the program that you intend to enter offers you the financial help, hands-on training, and in class learning that you will need in order to succeed at your goals. Ask lots of questions before you enroll and don’t be shy about requesting additional information. School is a costly and time-consuming investment, so you want to make the right decision.

Once you’ve chosen the right culinary school, you should put all your effort into it. Don’t just walk through the motions of pursuing your degree, but really show up every day to class to learn as much as possible. Learn as much as possible from your hands-on training, and be sure to ask lots of questions. Observe others to see where you can improve. Always ask instructors for feedback, so that you will know exactly what you should work on in order to succeed in the culinary profession of your choice.

Ideally, your culinary school will offer you hands-on training as well as classroom learning. Make sure that you show up for hands-on training faithfully, and take as many courses as you can that allow you to get these practical skills. Always do your best in these environments, because the good impression you make with instructors and workers can be crucial when you need references later on. Get to know the people that you’re cooking for and working for, and try to develop a good rapport. You never know whether some of these people might be your employers one day.

Make sure that you also use all the resources that your school makes available. If there are classes that you can take that will expand your knowledge, consider taking extra courses outside of your field of study. If you have the option of traveling and cooking, consider doing so. If there are exchange programs or work-study programs, look into these. Most schools also offer things such as scholarships, career counseling, and special workshops and job fairs. Learn as much as you can about your school, and at least try all of the resources that they’re offering you.

Getting the most out of culinary school certainly requires that you show up and put in your full effort. However, taking the time to actually do your best while pursuing a degree can make you far more attractive to employers and can help you get the most value from your tuition money. Pursue your culinary dreams fully, and you may well be amazed at how far you can go.