What essential culinary techniques will I learn in a Culinary School/vocational culinary program?
Vocational Culinary Training or trade-school programs typically offer basic training in food handling and sanitation procedures, nutrition, slicing and dicing methods for various kinds of meats and vegetables, and basic cooking methods, such as baking, broiling, and grilling. Longer programs leading to a certificate or a 2- or 4-year degree train chefs for fine-dining or upscale restaurants. They offer a wider array of training specialties, such as advanced cooking techniques; cooking for banquets, buffets, or parties; and cuisines and cooking styles from around the world. Although culinary classes may vary, students in culinary training programs spend most of their time in kitchens learning to prepare meals by practicing cooking skills. They learn good knife techniques and proper use and care of kitchen equipment. Culinary Training Programs also include courses in: • Nutrition • Menu planning • Portion control • Purchasing and inventory methods • Proper food storage procedures • Use o
