Cookery

What will the course Cover?

You will learn different cooking styles, techniques and methods, understand supermarket deals, how to use your money effectively and how to make nutritionally balanced meals for all to enjoy. We will suggest veggie, meat and fish alternatives so you develop different types of cooking skills.

Who is this course for?

For people on a low income who aim to develop healthy, cost-effective cooking skills and achieve the L1 Home Cooking Skills Award.

What skills, knowledge or experience do I need to start this course?

No previous experience is necessary, just an enthusiasm to learn practical skills in the kitchen including how to cook and how to manage utensils and time.

What should I be able to do by the end of the course?

You will be able to carefully follow a recipe, select varied ingredients, measure ingredients and use correct cooking temperatures and timings. You will be able to manage kitchen equipment and utensils. You will be able to make nutritional meals for yourself, friends or family on a budget.

How is the course organised?

Each session will demonstrate new recipes and techniques. You will learn varied skills (e.g. chopping, mixing, kneading, shaping, simmering, boiling, using hobs, oven, griddle). You will discuss hygiene, sourcing ingredients, nutritional value, cost, options, labelling, equipment, cooking tips, seasoning, serving. You will make and cook the recipe, practising the new skills. You will be supported by the tutor throughout.

What extra study or practice is expected outside of the class?

Practice skills gained by cooking recipes at home. Continuously build your confidence through hands-on learning. Reflect on the benefits to you and others, such as friends and family, of your new abilities.

How will my progress be assessed?

Preparation of ingredients and cooking of meals. Tutor observation. Q&A and group discussion. Photographs of finished dishes. Continuous assessment for L1 Award in Home Cooking Skills.

What can I expect to go on to after this course?

In future, you may be able to join a Level 2 Award in Home Cooking Skills course or other courses within the curriculum offered here or elsewhere to continue building the skills you have learnt and develop more confidence.

Are there any other costs and what do I need to bring?

Instead of a materials fee, you are asked to buy and provide your own ingredients each week, based on the tutor's suggestion. Please wear stout shoes and hair tied back or covered in the kitchen. Please bring your own apron and a lidded, heat-proof container in which to take home your cooked food. Some dishes will be eaten in class. Please bring pen and paper for note-taking.

What support is available?

You may be able to join courses leading to the Level 2 Award in Home Cooking Skills or other courses in the Food Science curriculum offered at HFALS or elsewhere, if you wish to continue building the skills learnt and to develop more confidence.