My birthday present - how cool is this?!

16 years ago

Last night was my family's combined celebration for my sister's and my birthdays. Her gift to me - a 25 hour course at the Institute of Culinary Education. The course is Fine Cooking 1:

These are the classes on which our recreational programÂs reputation was built. Over 15,000 students have taken this series. Once you master essential cooking techniques, you possess the culinary grounding to cook both classical cuisines and the latest cooking styles. These full-participation classes teach fundamental skills, not recipes. Instead of narrowly focusing on a roast duckling recipe, for example, youÂll master roasting techniques that can be applied to foods from fish to fruit. The curriculum was designed under the guidance of Director of Education Richard Simpson. YouÂll learn all the important cooking methods, from simple grilling to mousse making. As you advance through the series, youÂll gradually come to understand each cooking concept. YouÂll have a firm grasp of ingredients and equipment; youÂll know why things happen and how to avoid and correct mistakes. Most importantly, youÂll gain the experience you need to cook with confidence and pleasure---without relying strictly on recipes. Each class culminates with a student-prepared meal. Each course consists of five five-hour classes.

I'm so psyched!!!

Here is a link that might be useful: Fine Cooking 1

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Comments (21)

triciae
16 years ago
That is one very cool present! My DS & DDIL gave me a class at Johnson & Wales two years ago for Christmas. It was so much fun. Yours sounds better though. Mine was just a one day class so not nearly as indepth. I'll be anxious for reports on how you like the classes.

BTW, Happy Birthday!

/tricia
doucanoe
16 years ago
Very cool, indeed!

Linda
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canarybird01
16 years ago
That is a really great gift! Lucky you.

SharonCb
stacy3
16 years ago
oh James, that sounds wonderful - something I would benefit from, too. I can't wait to hear all about it!
chase_gw
16 years ago
That is a very special birthday gift! I would love, love ,love to attend something like that.

Make sure to keep us posted on the classes.
riverrat1
16 years ago
Very nice gift! I can't wait for you to attend and tell us all about it. Happy Birthday!
wizardnm
16 years ago
What a great present!!

I'd love something like that...or a cooking cruise....

Happy Birthday!

Nancy
ann_t
16 years ago
The perfect birthday gift James. Can't wait to hear all about your experience.

Ann
annie1992
16 years ago
James, that sounds like a perfect gift. I'm going to be looking for all the pictures of wonderful things you learn to cook, you know.

Annie
Carol Schmertzler Siegel
16 years ago
That sounds like a perfect gift, James! I'd be pysched, too, it's a great gift! Happy Birthday!
sheshebop
16 years ago
Yes, happy birthday James. You are a great value to our forums here. Just think how much you will be able to contribute to all of us. I am looking forward to hearing about it.
Sherry
fenworth
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks all. I'm really excited. I've been wanting to do something like this for years, but it's only recently that work has let me stay local long enough to make even a brief commitment.

And thanks for the birthday wishes - but you all sent them weeks ago on my actual birthday! ;)

p.s. Annie - I immediately thought of you when I read the sentence "Most importantly, youÂll gain the experience you need to cook with confidence and pleasure---without relying strictly on recipes." LOL!
artsyshell
16 years ago
Wow! wish I had a sister like yours. Very cool gift and I hope you will keep us informed on how it goes.

Shelley
jcrowley99
16 years ago
What a wonderful birthday gift! You are so lucky. I hope you will tell us all about it.

Joanne
chancesmom
16 years ago
Wow, that sounds very special. What a nice sister.
lsr2002
16 years ago
Very, very cool! I will be watching for dish by dish updates. I know you'll have a wonderful time.

Lee
hawk307
16 years ago
Hey James:
Maybe you will learn to Reseason a Wok, that was cleaned to look like new?
LOU
lackboys3
16 years ago
James,

That would be a dream birthday gift for me - but I'm so happy for you:-) I've always wanted to attend culinary classes, especially pastry and bread baking. Please, PLEASE share lots of photos, if you can, from the course. Good luck and enjoy this wonderful birthday treat!
DONNA
Marigene
16 years ago
Great gift, James.
hawk307
16 years ago
James I hit the wrong button.
I wanted to add ( LOL )
LOU
fenworth
Original Author
16 years ago
I know Lou; I was LOL-ing with you!