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Jul

Anthony Bourdain Might Be Onto Something

Posted by: Lys | Comments (0)

Like many, I’m currently engrossed in Anthony Bourdain’s latest book Medium Raw: A Bloody Valentine to the World of Food and the People Who Cook and he might have an idea that I believe current school districts might want to pay attention to.

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Growing up, I have to confess, I didn’t do much cooking, if any. My first recipe I remember making on my own was a homemade lasagna made from a recipe off of the side of the pasta box. My parents gave praise but looking back and remembering my concoction of spices that I “added to the recipe,” I think my parents were being WAY too kind (much like when my friends and I regaled the parents with Barbie Cabaret Shows that I think I charged admission to and they sat through patiently). I remember some other kitchen experiments that were attempted over the years and I’m positive now that perhaps my idiot fiancée was correct in his assumption that my cooking skills were *ahem* a bit challenged (well in his words I was the worst cook to ever come near a stove but then again, he wasn’t so great either!) Over the years, it was easier to call take out than rather try to put together something more challenging than a box of mac & cheese and I admit that it wasn’t until I really started to develop an interest in cooking that I learned that I do, indeed, have a skill set for cooking and even sometimes baking. Does that mean I’m going to open a restaurant or something along that lines – not in the least. I leave that for the more seasoned and trained professionals.

One thing I DON’T remember from growing up is taking a cooking class. While I’m sure my high school had Home Economics at some point or another, perhaps it was one of those electives where I chose to take Spanish (or per the directive of my father – Latin) and I just didn’t see the need for learning how to cook, properly vacuum or sew. At the time of graduation, I wasn’t thinking of anything outside of possibly being an entertainment lawyer (trust me, I got smarter as I got older and learned – hell to the no!) and lawyers don’t cook – they don’t have time. I also remember thinking high school didn’t prepare us for much of anything – sure we could read and write and possibly add 2 + 2 and get 4 but I didn’t realize that Algebra would be vital for balancing a checkbook or Chemistry would be much like cooking. Long story short, I probably could burn water if I tried.

Anthony Bourdain talks about the need for children to learn to cook and how cooking received a bad rap. Many of the boys wouldn’t dare take home ec due to ridicule and the stigma, while girls were expected to thrive in their “housewife training” class so, therefore, many girls decided to protest. If the boys didn’t have to take it, why shouldn’t the girls and the school districts caved, many not requiring their students to take home economics. He proposes a mandatory cooking skill set for children to learn that way they can fend for themselves when they get older rather than relying on restaurant dining and takeout.

The proposed culinary skills that children should learn include:

Proper knife skills
How to roast a chicken
How to make a vinaigrette
How to shop for and select produce
How to make soups and stocks (therefore adding frugal skills to the table)
How to filet and cook a fish
How to cook vegetables properly

Of course there is way more than that but I think he might be onto something. These are all skills I’m learning NOW and I’m well into my 30s. Somewhere, Julia Child is listening and nodding in agreement, I think.

What skills and techniques do you think today’s children should learn that you did not know growing up?

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Categories : Anthony Bourdain, Cooking Classes, Julia Child, Random Mess, Rant

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Jul

Free Culinary Demonstrations From Williams-Sonoma

Posted by: Lys | Comments (1)

The schedule for the Culinary Technique Classes at Williams Sonoma has been published and I can say that I will be attending each and every one of these. I’ve always wanted to make my own pizza, paella fascinates me and I’m a sucker for using summer fruits and veggies.

According to their website, Technique Classes are free of charge but space is limited. Check out your local Williams Sonoma and sign up.

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JULY CALENDAR

PIZZA – Sunday, July 13

Not all pizza comes in a box. We’ll show you how to make a pie from scratch in the kitchen and on the grill and how to get family and friends in on the fun. You’ll learn how to make a pizza dough in minutes, how to bake it to perfection and how to wow ‘em with toppings.

PAELLA – Sunday, July 20

Originating in Spain’s Valencia region, paella is a dish of saffron-infused rice cooked with various meats, seafood and vegetables. A classic Spanish one-pot meal, learn how to make this delicious dish to enjoy with friends and family this summer. We’ll provide several paella recipes to please all crowds!

SUMMER FRUITS & VEGETABLES – Sunday, July 27

Make the most of summer’s bounty as we guide you through our fruit and vegetable garden. Learn the basics of fruit and vegetable handling and storage, and take away exciting recipes that showcase our summer produce.

Plus, Williams-Sonoma always holds a Demonstration Class daily. Check out their calendar of demonstration events for July.

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Categories : Cooking Classes, Williams-Sonoma

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May

Technique Classes at Williams-Sonoma…

Posted by: Lys | Comments (4)

Boy do I wish I had a Sur La Table around these parts like the one I visit in NJ with their full teaching kitchen, but I have to be sated with taking technique classes/demonstrations at Williams Sonoma. They just sent out the schedule yesterday and this is what is on their “Menu”*

SUNDAY, JUNE 1 All-American Backyard Party

Everything tastes better when it’s cooked out back. We’ll help you get ready for the season of outdoor eating. You’ll learn how to grill juicy burgers, classic barbecue chicken and other delicious foods that are sure to make your backyard barbecue the hit of the block.

SUNDAY, JUNE 8 Grilling: Favorite Summer Sides

Burgers, franks and chicken may get top billing, but we’ll show you how to grill veggies that’ll steal the show. Learn simple ways to get the most flavor out of summer produce as we demonstrate some of our favorite summer sides from the grill and from the garden.

SUNDAY, JUNE 29 Extreme Ice Cream

Learn a few basics, and they’ll all be screaming for ice cream! We’ll show you how to make your own ice cream at home that you can enjoy all summer long. You’ll learn how to take basic ice cream flavors and transform them into delicious, decadent, “extreme” ice cream flavors that are uniquely yours.

SUNDAY, JULY 13 Pizza

Not all pizza comes in a box. We’ll show you how to make a pie from scratch in the kitchen and on the grill and how to get family and friends in on the fun. You’ll learn how to make a pizza dough in minutes, how to bake it to perfection and how to wow them with toppings.

SUNDAY, JULY 27 Summer Fruits & Vegetables

Make the most of summer’s bounty as we guide you through our fruit and vegetable garden. Learn the basics of fruit and vegetable handling and storage, and take away exciting recipes that showcase our summer produce.