Learning To Cook

Before taking this course, I never once attempted cooking something from scratch. I never knew what any kitchen utensil was used for or even the fact that such things as a cookie cutter or a pastry dish existed.. I learned how to even use a stove, at least somewhat- The flame still freaks me out. However, from going into that cramped busy kitchen at NHS, I learned more in 2 months than out of my15 years. I always pictured myself being that person in college, who had no clue how to do anything but put cereal in a bowl and call it a meal. I still somewhat do, but I definitely find it amazing how much more comfortable I feel in a kitchen now. I'm used to everything being made by store bought cookie dough or bread, ect. So being able to actually create food, with my own hands and doing, it's something I never imagined myself doing, till this class. I've tried new foods, made pn my own, also unfortunately made mistakes in some of the recipes but I still learned from it. Most of all, I grew a broader view and greater appreciation for those who dedicate their careers to cooking/baking and are really good at it. While most people would take this course for the food, as it is indeed a benefit, I feel as if I benefit more out of the experience than anything else. Measuring dry ingredients, liquid ingredients, how to use a cookie cutter, how to follow the recipe, how to blend, ect- everything. I don't know how else to sum up what I'm saying other than- the fact that making food or food in general never exactly appealed to me until the day I actually started trying to make some in the kitchen. Talk about life experiences... as corny as it sounds, this is the only experience I'll have and remember for when I attempt making decent foods in the future. I don't get how people can say baking and pastry or culinary is a pointless class. Because obviously, without it I would be stuck trying to figure out how to cook when I'm older, and ending up miserably failing as well as potentially burning the kitchen down. No joke!
-Jamie D