Why Take Cooking Classes?

Why should I take a cooking class? Why bother learning to cook at all when there's so much takeout around, right?

Learning to cook is like learning to dance. When you've never done it, it can be very intimidating, something easier to avoid. However, once someone shows you a few basic steps, all of a sudden you realize, hey, this is fun! It is no longer a chore to be dreaded but an activity to be anticipated, savored, relished. Taking a cooking class will launch you far faster into having fun than trying to learn on your own, without the benefit of an experienced eye and hand to guide you.

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Like dancing, cooking can be social, whether you cook side by side with that special someone, have a few of the gang over once or twice a month (barbecues count!) or enjoy cooking for crowds. Anyone with kids (who are naturally creative and experimental) can tell you how much fun they have in the kitchen!

You can even share learning how to cook with a friend, attending demonstrations and taking cooking classes together. Activities are that much more fun when shared with a buddy. Take it to the next level and plan to get together once a week or twice a month to practice, experiment, and try out new recipes. Make enough for both of you to take home for another day's meal. Cooking classes are also a great way to meet other people who share your passion for food.

Taking a LA cooking class, particularly for the beginner, gives you the opportunity to develop and master skills, from basic to advanced levels. They enable you fairly quickly to whip up a diverse and reliable repertoire of dishes. For beginners, it's not about tackling Julia Child's Boeuf Bourguignon on Day One-although there'll be plenty of opportunities to do so later on, if you're motivated!

By taking a cooking class, you'll learn how to keep things simple. And that also goes for equipment. Taking a good cooking class is an opportunity to learn what key items you should always have on hand. You may be surprised at how many kitchen essentials really aren't all that essential. A professional chef can also recommend what to look for in cookware, knives and the pros and cons of materials such as nonstick versus stainless steel, aluminum or cast iron. Don't be afraid to ask questions.

Access to a professional chef means you have someone who can guide you in not just the art of cooking but what other types of classes may suit your interests and talents. There are countless different classes available, ranging from overall international cuisines to individual ones such as French, Asian or Italian. Specialty classes range from making breads, candy, desserts, hors d'oeuvre or amuse-bouche, to vegetarian or other diet-specific cuisine. Check out classes geared toward quick family meals, entertaining or overall presentation, too. Learn to make upscale, restaurant-quality meals for far less money than eating out.

Why Take Cooking Classes?

So take the plunge. Sign up for that first Cooking Class, whether it's a demo at a kitchen or grocery store or a full-fledged series of classes at your local cooking school or night class program. Get cooking now!

Sophie Mitchells is a professional food photographer in Santa Monica, CA. When she is not photographing food she enjoys reading her favorite Cooking Blog for new recipe ideas.

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