Culinary Arts

The French Culinary Institute (ICC)

French Culinary Institute is one of the best in the world today. It is also recognized as the International Culinary Center. They have established a reputation as one of the best schools for international cuisine, culinary arts and other related areas within the field like pastry making and restaurant management.

For decades, this school has always remained on top of the list of the best culinary schools. In fact, FCI has been getting a lot of awards and recognition from trusted award giving bodies. FCI got the Award of Excellence for Vocational Cooking Schools which was given by the International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP). This was awarded to them three times, in 2006, 2010 and 2012.

French Culinary Institute History

It was Dorothy Cann Hamilton who founded this institute in 1984. Initially, it was named as the French culinary Institute. However, the school expanded into a training ground which enhances the skills of individuals by giving them much more than just the basic cooking skills. Along with the success of FCI is its recent renaming to International Culinary Center.

Degrees Offered in Different Campuses

There are three major campuses of the International Culinary Center. All of which are equipped with state of the art appliances and facilities which will contribute a lot in honing the skills of the students. Aside from that, their academe is also composed of only the best among the experts in the field. ICC does not only teach theoretical knowledge to their students. They also immerse them to practical training using multimillion-dollar-worth classrooms, libraries, event spaces and industrial kitchen set-up.

The New York City campus of ICC which is at Broadway St. is not just a venue for education but also an establishment for L’Ecole Restaurant and International Culinary Theater. These two commercial spaces contribute in the exposure of students to actual demonstrations. Among the courses that are offered in this branch include the Classic Culinary Arts, Bread Baking, Cake Designing, Pastry Arts, Italian Studies, Food Media, Wine Studies and Restaurant Management.

The California campus of ICC is strategically located right in between Napa Valley and Monterey Bay, giving students an easy access to the best wines and freshly caught seafood. There are three primary courses offered in this branch which are the Classic Culinary Arts, Classic Pastry Arts and Intensive Sommelier Training. This is the perfect school for preparing individuals to become professionals in the culinary field.

Since ICC believes that immersion is the best way to obtain in-depth knowledge about Italian Cuisine and Spanish Culinary Techniques, they also allow their students to gain more knowledge and experience right in Italy. ALMA is the International School of Italian Cuisine which is headed by Gualtiero Marchesi. For more extensive learning about Spanish, students can go through the program which is headed by Jose Andres. He is the dean of Spanish program and he has received multiple recognitions and one of which is the James Beard Award. In 2012, he is also included in Time Magazine’s list of most influential people. Hence, the program which he designed will truly benefit the students of ICC.

Minnesota Culinary Schools

Finding a reputable culinary school in Minnesota is a simple thing to do. This state is the home for the most revered institutions that are known across the globe. People who are dreaming of eventually becoming a chef or a manager for a hotel no longer need to go far just to fulfill their wishes. For some who simply want to transform their home kitchen to a wondrous place where sumptuous meals are made, there are also certificate and diploma programs which will contribute in enriching one’s culinary knowledge.

Which Culinary School in Minnesota is the Best?

There are plenty of options for culinary schools in Minnesota and it is important to find one that perfectly matches the needs and preference of the student. What aspects should be considered when choosing one among the MN culinary schools?

Program option is one of the most important aspects. For those who are just testing out the waters, it is best to enroll in a certificate or diploma course. Usually, schools allow their students to go on and continue with a bachelor’s or master’s degree.

Of course, it is important that the school’s curriculum should not only involve theoretical courses but also practical training. There should be a fully-functioning, industrial-grade kitchen that is loaded with the latest facilities. To be attuned with how the real culinary world is, experiencing internship and apprenticeship would be a great way to enrich knowledge too.

Schools which have a pool of professors who are the cream of the crop in the culinary field would be a smart choice too. There is no better teacher than those who have immersed themselves into the culinary field for years and learned the nooks and crannies through their extensive experience.

Which Culinary Schools in Minnesota Satisfy the Criteria?

The International Culinary Schools at The Art Institute is among the best culinary schools in Minnesota. Over the years, this school has tailored their curriculum such that once their graduates step out of the school realms, they would be geared with the knowledge that they need to face the real challenges. Among the programs that are offered in this school include Culinary Arts, Baking and Pastry, Art of Cooking and Culinary Management.

When it comes to culinary schools in Minnesota, one name that also stands out is the Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Minneapolis. Their widely known expertise when it comes to culinary enables graduates to easily earn their spot in the industry after stepping out of the school’s boundaries. Among the programs that are being offered by the school are Certificate in Culinary Arts and in Baking and Pastry Arts.

What is a Kitchen Scale?

What is a kitchen scale? What is its difference from the typical bathroom weighing scale? It is true that a kitchen scale has the same mechanism as the typical weighing scale. However, it is not recommended to use the usual weighing scale because of issues with accuracy.

A kitchen scale is specifically designed to measure various ingredients that are used for preparing all sorts of dishes. It can quantify liquid, dry, chopped or mixed ingredients and give the accurate measurement. That way, you do not have to rely solely on kilograms or pounds. This does not work for some kitchen ingredients since they weigh much lighter. With the use of this type of scale, you can even see the exact measurement in grams.

Why having a kitchen scale is necessary

While other chefs and cooks do not rely much in exact measurements, there are some recipes which can not possibly turn out right without the use of a scale. For example, when baking cakes or cookies, the amount of sugar, flour and other dry ingredients need to be measured very accurately. Or else, the end product would not look and taste the way it is supposed to.

Aside from ensuring that the recipe is carefully followed, this is also a practical way to check the ingredients that you bought in the market or grocery. For example, you can ensure that the chunk of meat that you paid for really is 1 kilo in weight and nothing less.

For people who would like to regulate their diet, having a kitchen scale is also a smart thing. Some kitchen scales are designed to indicate exact portions. For example, if you are only allowed to eat a portion of steak for dinner, better check the measurement using the scale first so you would not end up eating more. There are also digital scales which can be programmed to measure the nutritional value. For example, once you have specified the function that you need, it will tell you the amount of calories that a certain food contains.

Which kitchen scale to use

There are different types of kitchen scales that are available in the market these days. Top-loading scales which are spring operated are more common in many homes. This type of kitchen scale is easy to identify because it has a platform on the upper part and a slanted dial which shows the weight measurement. Scales which use spring for measuring ingredients also have a tare control. That way, it is possible to bring the dial’s hand back to zero so the container of the ingredients would not be included in the final measurement.

The more modern type of kitchen scale these days are the digital ones. Typically, this type of scale uses a flatbed surface where you will put the ingredients that you need to measure. EatSmart Precision Pro Digital Kitchen Scale is a good example. Since it is digitized, it will show the exact measurement down to the last increment. This is more advisable for commercial use because it can also be programmed to reflect price and nutritional value, using the digital keypads.

Which Culinary Institute Offers the Best Baking Classes?

Baking is more than just coming up with all sorts of sweets and fancy cakes. It is a form of art that delights all senses using gastronomic creations. Some people would say that baking is merely a hobby. The truth is, this is not just a wonderful method of beating stress but also a great way to establish a really profitable business. Whether you are into baking as a hobby or it is for profit, the good news is that there are a lot of excellent baking classes which will make your sweet dreams come true. Gone are the days when baking means experimenting with recipes in your own kitchen just to come up with the right mix. All it takes now is finding a culinary institute that will help you hone your skills and will teach you the secret techniques in baking.

Top Picks for Baking Classes

If you would like to explore the realm of cakes and pastries, might as well trust only a culinary institute that has years of background in the industry. Here are some of the most renowned schools for baking and pastry arts:

photo credit: flickr.com/f_shields

Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts is definitely among the most prestigious ones. This school has multiple branches across the US, allowing more people to easily enroll in one of their baking and pastry arts courses. Patisserie and Baking program is more than just creating ordinary cakes and cupcakes. The program that they offer will teach students about the more complex principles and techniques of baking, allowing them to create delicious and intricate cakes and fancy pastries that are seen only in hotels and high-class venues. Since this school has established an excellent reputation not just within US, but also in other parts of the world, graduating from their courses also means finding a great job in no time.

Culinary Institute of America is also an excellent option. It is considered as one of the most revered culinary schools across the globe and their experience in teaching baking techniques dates back to 1946.

Johnson and Wales University may be a non-profit school but the education that they provide is acknowledged even by culinary experts, high-class restaurants and the most sophisticated hotels. Their baking classes are more than just knowing how to mix ingredients in the classroom. JWU also ensures that their students are highly-trained even before they get their certification and diplomas. Graduates from this school are known for their refined skills. The Bachelor of Arts in Baking and Pastry Arts that the school offers is a stepping stone towards a successful career in the future.

Del Mar College in Corpus Christi is also respected in the field of baking. Interestingly, they offer the Rapid track program which is perfect especially for people who want to shift careers or to those who currently has a job but would like to venture into baking. The school was established in 1935 and up until today, they are one of the most respected institutions when it comes to baking and pastry making.

What is a Melon Baller?

Are you wondering what a melon baller is? It does sound like a name for a child’s toy but really, this is a handy kitchen tool. It looks similar to the ordinary teaspoon but it has a tip that is spherical in shape. It is not used for eating but for preparing ingredients.

Though it is called a melon baller, this tool is not only used for melons. It is can also be utilized for other types of fruits like cantaloupe, watermelon, mangoes and other soft fruits which need to have a rounded shape. Another use of this tool is to form balls of mixed dough or other dry mixtures that are used in baking or making pastries.

melon baller

Types of Melon Baller

These days, there are different types of melon baller in the market according to the material used for it. Metal ones are more versatile because these are perfect for both soft mixtures and fruits with more firm meat. Metal melon baller is also more durable. So long as it is properly washed and dried before storing, it could last for many years. Another material used for melon baller is plastic. One advantage of plastic melon ballers is that the scoop is usually thinner, making it easier to poke through various ingredients. Plastic ones are often made with easy to grip handles so maneuvering it would not be too tasking. Problem is, if the plastic is not so durable, there is a tendency for it to bend or even break. Wooden melon ballers are quite rare but these are also available. These are great to use because it is lightweight but if not taken cared of the right way, the wood may easily rot and break.

Some melon ballers only have one scoop. However, there are also others which are double sided. It is good to invest on one that has double scoops. Usually, double-sided ballers have scoops of different sizes. So, with a double-sided baller, there is no need to buy two just to get the size that you want.

How Melon Baller is Used

Using the melon baller for the first time is quite a challenge for a lot of people. If you are also having trouble in achieving the perfectly spherical shape that you want, do not worry because all it takes is a little practice and some simple techniques.

To achieve the desired roundness, the melon baller has to be angled when poking it into the fruit. Allow the side of the scoop to dig in to the fruit. Slowly rotate the spoon to 360 degrees until the spherical shaped-portion is detached from the rest of the fruit. Sometimes, when the penetration of the melon baller is not deep enough, the shape would not come out perfectly. Hence, it is important to push a little harder when using the melon baller.

After pulling the melon baller out of the fruit, it only takes a light tapping so that the spherical fruit would come out. Do not force the fruit out using your fingers because this might ruin the shape.

Although cantaloupe strips are often added to make cantaloupe juice (known as Melon juice in the Philippines) , I found that cantaloupe balls shaped from a melon baller also works. It is like having one of those bubble teas.

What Is a Pressure Cooker?

If you do not habitually spend so much time on the kitchen, you would probably find yourself asking, what is a pressure cooker? Pressure cooker is a convenient invention because this helps a lot in preparing more complex dishes in less time. This is often a big pot which comes with a lid that can be tightly closed and sealed. The lid does not allow water or air to pass through once it is locked in place, so a vent is necessary. Since steam tends to come out of the pot when food is being cooked, the lid also has a small spout on top where air can go out.

Importance of Pressure

The main reason why it is called as such is because it utilizes pressure to be able to cook food. Compared to typical pots and pans, this type of cookware has the capacity to regulate pressure inside it. Aside from subjecting the food to heat, it also uses the pressure to tenderize and cook it.

Advantages of Using Pressure Cooker

If it looks just like any other pot, what makes it so special? What is a pressure cooker capacity that other pots would not be able to deliver?

Pressure cooker is recommended for a wide variety of dishes because of how it improves taste and texture. Since this type of pot is tightly sealed, it traps in the natural flavor and moisture of the food. Hence, whether the food inside are vegetables, meat or other ingredients, the natural flavor would remain intact and would not simply evaporate in thin air.

The capacity of the pressure cooker to lock in moisture is also integral for cooking meat. When meat is subjected to heat, the amount of water that it holds would be greatly reduced. Oftentimes, moisture in the meat evaporates too fast, leaving it dry. When this happens, the meat becomes stringy, rigid and difficult to chew. That is not exactly how you want your meat to be, right? With the use of a pressure cooker, meat would not end up dry and hard, making your dish even more pleasing to the palette. I used pressure cooker to cook bulalo, which is a type of Filipino beef shank soup. It came out great!

Since pressure cooker uses heat, moisture and pressure for cooking vegetables, meat and others, you no longer have to spend so much time in the kitchen too just to wait until the dish is done. The combination of heat and pressure significantly cuts down cooking time. Hence, this is recommended for people who want to finish cooking in a much shorter period of time without jeopardizing the taste and texture of the food.

Buying a Pressure Cooker

The traditional ones have that rattling, jiggling and noisy vent on top. The mere sound of the steam coming out of it is scary enough. If you want to invest on one, you should opt for the more modern designs. These are created to lock in moisture and flavor inside without causing a major noise in the kitchen when it is used. The vent is also re-engineered such that it would let out enough amount of pressure. Check the lid too and see if the rubber and lock mechanism would do a great job in sealing the pot.

One of my trusted pressure cooker is Presto 01781 23-Quart Pressure Canner and Cooker. It functions well as a pressure cooker and canner and it is affordable.

California Culinary Academy

California Culinary Academy was once one of the most recognized culinary institutions on the West Coast, known for its affiliation with Le Cordon Bleu and for training thousands of students in culinary arts and pastry. This article explores its history, programs, legacy, and what today’s prospective students should know as they research culinary education in California.

A Brief History of California Culinary Academy

California Culinary Academy was established in 1977 in San Francisco. It became widely known for offering a blend of classical culinary instruction and modern industry-focused training. Over the years, it educated more than fifteen thousand students through programs in culinary arts, baking and pastry, and kitchen management. Its recognition grew even more during its partnership with Le Cordon Bleu, which added prestige and international appeal.

The school later became part of the Career Education Corporation network, expanding its course offerings and reach. However, rising tuition, industry scrutiny, and student outcome concerns eventually led to declining enrollment. The institution later closed and no longer operates under the California Culinary Academy name.

Programs the School Offered

While active, the California Culinary Academy offered several structured programs designed to introduce students to professional kitchen standards. These included:

Certificate in Culinary Arts
Certificate in Baking and Pastry Arts
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

The curriculum emphasized hands-on training in hot and cold kitchens, baking, pastries, sanitation, food costing, and professional kitchen operations. Short courses such as the Master Chef Cooking Classes were also popular among hobbyists who wanted structured culinary instruction without enrolling in a full degree program.

Why the School Became Popular

During its peak, California Culinary Academy was known for several strengths that drew students from across the country:

Strong culinary foundations that helped graduates transition to restaurant and bakery jobs.
Affiliation with Le Cordon Bleu which boosted the school’s reputation for a number of years.
Location in San Francisco that provided students with abundant externship and employment opportunities.
Diverse program options suitable for both full-time students and short-course learners.

Closure and Legacy

The closure of the California Culinary Academy was influenced by several factors including changes in the culinary education industry, rising tuition costs, and public scrutiny of for-profit culinary schools. Although the school is no longer operating, many alumni credit the academy for giving them the foundational skills that helped launch their culinary careers.

Today, its history serves as a reminder for students to review accreditation, tuition, job placement assistance, and program transparency when choosing a culinary school. California continues to offer many active culinary programs, and you can explore them through this complete list of culinary schools in California for updated training options.

What Prospective Students Should Do Now

Anyone considering culinary training in California today should take time to compare current programs, review graduation outcomes, and consider community college culinary programs that offer strong training at more affordable tuition levels. It also helps to review guides such as this main cooking schools overview which provides broader insight into culinary career paths and education choices

Its Place in Culinary Education History

California Culinary Academy played an important role in shaping many culinary professionals across several decades. Even though the school has closed, its impact remains through the graduates who worked in restaurants, hotels, bakeries, and culinary businesses throughout the country. Its story illustrates how culinary education continues to evolve and why students benefit from being informed, practical, and selective when choosing a school.

Disclaimer: This article summarizes information from publicly available sources for historical reference. California Culinary Academy is no longer operating, and prospective students should verify all details with currently active culinary institutions.

What Is Bran?

Have you ever paused for a while and asked, what is bran? How come this is recommended by nutritionists and fitness experts? How can this help you improve your overall health?

Technically, bran refers to the outer covering of grain products such as wheat, oats, rice and other types of grains. Yes, this has to be removed after harvesting the grains. When the grains are milled, bran is already stripped off. Of course, grain products which went through more extensive processing have less bran. For example, rice has different colors, particularly white and brown. Rice which is whiter is more polished and has less bran. On the other hand, brown rice still has bran residue which gives it a brown hue.

Bran Nutrition and Health Benefits

The main reason why less processed grain products are considered to be more nutritious is because of the remaining bran. Bran is known to posses a whopping amount of vitamins and minerals. Using rice again as an example, brown rice is more health friendly than white.

Bran is a good source of protein. Hence, for people who would like to boost the growth of their muscles and make their arms and legs much stronger, this would be a great addition to the daily diet. One reason why it is excellent for people who would like to lose weight is that it has high amount of dietary fiber too. Grain products which have high content of remaining bran can easily make a person feel full even if the amount of serving eaten is actually less. Aside from helping in lowering the amount of food to eat, it also improves the performance of the digestive system. Fiber flushes out toxins and contributes in regular cleansing.

Due to the benefits of bran for the digestive system, this has always been known as a great remedy for constipation. There is no need to take meds and pills just to put the digestive system back to its regular rhythm.

For people who want to regulate their cholesterol level and limit their intake of unhealthy fat, whole grain products which have enough bran is ideal too. The monounsaturated fats that it has, plus all the vitamins and minerals in it would make it easier to avoid hypertension and heart ailments.

Eating More Bran

There are different sources of bran which you can add to your daily diet. One is to switch from the regular polished rice to brown rice. There are also whole wheat oat cereals or oatmeal which contain generous amount of bran. Some baked goods also have impressive amount of bran like muffins, loaf breads and others.

If you are not used to eating food with high amount of bran, it is better to start on minimal amount first. For example, if you want to eat whole oatmeal, limit yourself to one serving per day only. Then gradually increase it if you need to. It is also important to keep in mind that since whole grain products also contain calories, make sure that you would also regulate your intake.

What is a Dutch Oven?

Have you ever heard about a Dutch oven? Are you also wondering what is a Dutch oven? Contrary to its name, this is not really a type of over but a kind of pot. It looks somewhat similar to the typical pots that you use on a daily basis. It has a main tub and comes with a lid. The primary difference is that this is made of thick walls and heavy material. Usually, cast iron is used for making this type of pot to achieve the needed thickness and durability.

More sophisticated Dutch ovens these days also have an enamel coating. The ones with this coating are preferred by some people because it looks better. Aside from that, cleaning it up is much easier too compared to the ones which do not have an enamel coat. With the traditional Dutch oven, there is a tendency for food residue to stick on the cast iron. Long term use will also result to stains which are way too difficult to remove. Sometimes, the food would also stick to the pot. On the other hand, if there is an enamel coat, it is easier to remove stains and food deposit.

Dutch Oven Over the Years

Dutch oven is actually a very traditional type of pot. This has been used across the globe for centuries. Even the earlier designs of the Dutch oven have thick walls, heavy cooking pot and solid metal cover. Some are made with feet because people used to put it on top of burning wood, coal or directly to the fireplace. Interestingly, there are also old models of Dutch oven with a lid that is depressed in the middle. This serves as the place where burning coal can be put to ensure that the pot is heated well.

Today, there is no need to exert so much effort in using wood or coal just to utilize the Dutch oven. Modern designs of this pot can already be placed directly to the gas stove. In some cases, this can also be put inside the oven, depending on the dish being prepared.

Advantage of Dutch Oven

Why is there a need for a Dutch oven if it looks similar to other ordinary pots? The fact that it is made of cast iron actually makes it absorb less heat. Hence, it takes longer time before it warms up. On the plus side, once heat penetrates its thick walls, it is retained inside for a longer period of time.

This is ideal for soups, stew and casserole because it can withstand long period of cooking. The gradual heating will also draw out the flavor of the ingredients. Aside from that, it will keep the food warm.

This can also be used for roasting, baking breads and frying. Since it is made of pure metal, the heat distribution is even. Its ability to trap heat also helps the cook to control the cooking process much easier. The lid is also an integral part. Because of its heaviness, moisture and flavor is locked in so the food would not end up dry and bland.

There are many kinds of dutch oven. Aside from the traditional ones that are used in campsites, new colorful ones are available in the market. I personally like the Lodge Color Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven. It comes in many colors and it is very durable.

Top Culinary Schools in Virginia

Richmond may be bursting with so much energy but the rest of Virginia has preserved a quintessential charm. It is true that the food and cuisine in a specific place is reflective of the society. Virginia has a rich history which dates back to the indigenous groups called Powhatan to the Native Americans. Even the Europeans and Africans have left traces of their culture and tradition in this place. Because of the mixture of multiple cultures, even the dishes and cuisine in Virginia have vast diversity. The food scene in Virginia is full of color. Thanks to the Top Culinary Schools in Virginia which never cease to produce top quality Chefs.

Of course when it comes to food and dining, the wine from Virginia should never be forgotten. Whether it is Chardonnay, Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, wine from one of the 200 Virginia wineries will always defeat the others. Even the seafood from Virginia can not be underestimated particularly the catch from the Tangier Island which is considered as the soft shell capital of the world. Since the Commonwealth of Virginia has more than 47,000 farms, the agriculture products are also bountiful.

With the rich resources that surround this state, coming up with the most sumptuous meals should not be a such a difficult challenge.

Place for Enriching Culinary Knowledge

When it comes satisfying the hunger for more knowledge in culinary, there is no need to search outside Virginia. There are private institutions, community colleges and culinary schools in Virginia which can provide the best training and education. The level of the programs also varies from diploma and certificates up to bachelor’s and master’s degree.

Culinary Schools in Virginia

Culinary Institute of Virginia is always one of the first names which come up when it comes to culinary programs. Aside from providing top notch Culinary Arts program, this school also offers Food Service Management. Their programs are not just made for people who would like to become professional chefs, but also those who want to venture into other jobs within the field.

Stratford University has also helped thousands of students to hone their skills when it comes to culinary. The university does not merely provide technical knowledge but also invests on the practical skills of their students so they could excel in the field if they opt to practice professionally. Their Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management Department offers several courses from diploma up to master’s degree. Aside from the traditional culinary arts course, they also have programs for baking and pastry arts, hotel and restaurant management and hospitality management.

The Art Institute of Virginia Beach also has the most esteemed programs for culinary arts. Among the programs that they offer are Culinary Arts Associate in Arts, Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts Management, Baking and Pastry Diploma and Culinary Arts Diploma. This school is a superb training ground especially for those who are aiming for a professional culinary career because of their up to date facilities, modernized teaching techniques and experienced professors. Students definitely learn much more than just the basic skills.

With the multiple options for culinary schools in Virginia, the dream of becoming a professional chef or an admired home cook should not remain as a fantasy. Enrolling in one of top culinary schools in Virginia is the key in gearing up with the necessary culinary knowledge and skill.