Welcome to Homestyle Gourmet Cooking
For Helpers
The word gourmet probably conjures images of snobbery, fiddly and precious.
However, “Gourmet” is to appreciate the variety of textures, flavors and
presentation in food to heighten the senses. I can think of no more appropriate
word for the style we strive for in Homestyle Gourmet Cooking for Helpers.
There is something to be gained by beginners or experienced alike!
We expose participants to food styles that have become popular around the world
from Italian to Chinese to European and Asian. With every session we introduce
relevant cooking theory both for the novice and the experienced. We introduce formulas
for taking classic recipes and giving new life to them with a twist of flavor, presentation
or texture. With every passing session we strive to improve the creativity of the home
chef through formula cooking that will go beyond rote reading of recipes. The result is
cooking that is light, modern and fresh!
The provenance of my recipes can be credited to the many wonderful and upscale
restaurants I have been fortunate to sample, the inspiration for ideas I get from all
the cookbooks I dare to try and be influenced by, to the many flavors experienced
around the world and, finally, to my Mom’s kitchen.
I am strictly a home chef. I have no formal training. I entertain with taste enjoyment
and easy formality in mind, not perfection.
I hope you will enjoy the Superhelper Homestyle Gourmet food in similar style.
The Course Format
You may select individual cooking courses as you wish or sign up for the entire course
which awards a Certificate of Completion. A minimum of four courses is required to earn
a Certificate of Completion.
The cooking courses are generally hands on unless otherwise indicated. This means
participants will perform food preparation and cooking. You are encouraged to send
along containers to bring back tasting samples
Homestyle Gourmet Cooking for Helpers is geared for both the novice and experienced.
Each session features a 3-course menu: Starter, Main Course and Dessert/Pudding.
What the Beginner Learns:
The recipes are written in formulaic format so that ingredient substitution is encouraged.
The beginner will take home formulas for:
- Soup Making
- Salad Making and Vinaigrette creations
- Italian Basics: Tomato Sauce, Homemade Pasta making, Pesto making, Risotto
- Chinese and Asian Basics: Dumpling Making, Curry
- Baking: Cake Making, Fruit Crumble, Coulis Creation
- How to make Puddings
Basic Cooking Techniques discussed and practiced are: Braising, Roasting, Sauteeing,
Boiling, Steaming along with:
- Food Hygiene and Safety
- Knife Techniques
- Food and Cooking Vocabulary
- Cooking Equipment and Aids
- How to Buy and Cook Meat, Fish and Vegetables
- Food Presentation
- Table Setting and Service
What the Experienced Learns:
In addition to renewing their knowledge of the above formulas and topics the more
experienced participant will be practiced in:
- Flavor and texture combinations
- Presentation
- Meal Planning
Cooking For Vegetarians:
A new feature of the Superhelper Cookery course is the vegetarian option. So if you are
or your family is vegetarian please refer to the vegetarian alternatives next to each menu
option. Please also let us know any specific restrictions you may have as vegetarians.
Cooking for Children:
In addition to the menu plan presented here. Each session will add a bonus of one children’s
recipe that relates to the featured menus. Children’s recipes will not be demonstrated,
however, due to time constraints.
Who Should Attend
The course is designed principally to train helpers on cooking and baking. But food enthusiasts
are welcome!
