Essential Certificate in Practical Cookery

This four week culinary certificate is ideal for those new to cooking, or for Gap Year students and those heading off to University. This course is designed to teach the fundamental skills needed to become a confident, efficient and resourceful cook. Suitable for those planning to cook in chalets, villas, lodges, or simply wishing to acquire an essential life skill, the course is open to anyone aged 18 and over. Students are organised into similar age groups.

Sample recipes • Roast beef with Yorkshire puddings and horseradish sauce • Duck breasts with sour cherry sauce • Pesto pizzas • Leek and ham quiche • Rack of lamb with mustard and breadcrumbs • Fish pie • Chelsea buns • Soda bread• Individual chocolate mousse cakes • Plum and pecan crumble • Lemon and raspberry crème brûlée

Sample techniques • Knife skills • White sauce • Stocks and soups • Cake baking • Using eggs (mayonnaise, omelettes, poaching, meringues) • Italian cookery (fresh gnocchi, homemade pasta) • Canapés • Sunday roasts • Choux pastry • Ice creams • Breads

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The day is divided between practical cooking sessions and demonstrations. The dishes prepared are interesting yet uncomplicated, with a balance between classic techniques and modern recipes so that cooks build up an impressive and well-rounded repertoire.

Students learn practical advice for buying produce, healthy eating, cooking on a budget, matching food with wine and writing menus, while Alison Cavaliero, head of Leiths List, provides an introduction to freelance work.

Students take the Level Two Award in Food Safety and Catering, an external examination, which most future employers require. At the end of the course students undergo a practical assessment in groups and will also sit a written theory test.

Students on the Essential Certificate will require knives and an equipment wallet (£50), chefs jackets and hats (£35) and Leiths Bible (£30), these will be invoiced as extras. Order forms for these extras are sent out with the final invoice.

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Course Level

Foundation Course

 

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"Being at university means that you have to fend for yourself. The Leiths Essential Certificate qualification has ensured that I can cook meals for not just myself but my whole house. Leiths has also taught me to cook healthy food, whilst sticking to a reasonable budget. During the holidays there are always jobs available, which is useful when cashflow as a student is difficult!"