Introduction to Cooking

As opposed to trying to learn to cook by following one recipe after the other, seeking some sort of pattern or logic, this course does the exact opposite. With an incredible gift for making the complex simple, the award winning Chef Dylan France teaches kids to understand the chemistry and principles behind how and why food cooks the way it does. Upon finishing this course, kids will not only be ready to prepare amazing and healthy dishes, but will have the knowledge and the confidence to "play" with food, and to "create." Chef Dylan France teaches that "recipes are recommendations," and encourages kids to "make food their own." This course should be mandatory curriculum for everyone.

Recommended Ages: 12 and Up

Recommended Number of Credits: ​5- (equivalent to one semester)

1. Basics
        1.1 Tools of the Trade
        1.2 Food Safety
        1.3 Using Knives
        1.4 Reading Recipes
        1.5 Food Prep & Marinating
        1.6 Leftovers: The Fridge & Freezer
2. Cooking Methods
        2.1 Broiling
        2.2 Frying
        ​2.3 Boiling
        2.4 Baking
        2.5 Grilling
        2.6 Braising
        2.7 The Microwave 
3. Flavors
        3.1 Salt & Pepper
        3.2 When to Season
        3.3 Common Spices
        3.4 Worldly Combos
        3.5 Ratios: Heat, Salt, Acid, & Umami
4. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
        4.1 Breakfasts
        4.2 Lunches
        ​4.3 Dinner
        4.4 Snacks
        4.5 Desserts
5. Get Cooking!
        5.1 Recipe 1- Cacio e Pepe (Fancy Mac n Cheese)
        5.2 Recipe 2- Stir Fry
        5.3 Recipe 3- Breading & Frying
        5.4 Recipe 4- Rice Dishes
        5.5 Recipe 5- Soups