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Can you be a professional cook

By Jeff Smith


As there are many channels on most cable and satellite systems nowadays, many popular programs have cropped up; cooking shows in particular. Each cooking program has its own rules. Sometimes, you are given the recipe previously and expected to cook according to it. Other shows put their contestants into hot water by getting them to cook a dish with no manual after tasting a sample. Celebrities are often invited on to these shows. They either demonstrate by cooking one of their own recipes or simply assist the chefs in their cooking endeavors.

Some shows feature professional chefs. They are held in high regard by those in the industry. They either work in or own reputed star class eateries. At present, there are shows where professional chefs themselves challenge each other in cook-offs, usually for a hefty sum of prize money. Their food is judged by an unbiased outsider who will compare the dishes in terms of their elements and whether they are on par with expected standard.

How can you become an expert chef? For starters, we have to know what the fundamental tasks of any chef in the world are. The key abilities are knowing how to improvise and come up with your own recipes, knowing how to handle usual kitchen items and stoves and having a sound knowledge of a multitude of cooking methods. They have a knack for producing food that is both delicious and beautiful to look at. They also ensure that the area in which food is being prepared in is sanitary.

It is of utmost importance to consider the level you wish to work at in this field(head chef or soup chef), your employer of choice( two hat restaurant or seven star hotel) and the genre of cooking that appeals to you(pastry chef or sushi chef, for example).

Professional training is mandatory. There are many culinary institutions and hotel schools that exist for this very purpose.Fundamentals include important terms, culinary standards and common equipment used. An apprenticeship to supplement your initial fundamental training will give you experience in the industry and allow to hone the skills you learn. This will considerably boost your chances of being hired by a renowned restaurant or hotel. Culinary apprenticeships are often sponsored by professional culinary institutions for these purposes.

Aim for an American Culinary Federation as certification from here will be an extra benefit for you. Although it isn't compulsory to have this in order to secure a job, it certainly would boost your rankings in the industry. All the steps given here will prove to be very useful if professional cooking is your chosen career path. However, keep in mind; cooking is more than just an occupation. The culinary arts is incredibly intricate and requires dexterity and out-of-the-box thinking. If you have a passion for it, it'll translate in your cooking and result in a dish with unparalleled taste and presentation. The best chefs are therefore, the most passionate ones.




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