While it is often said that people should choose to do what they love for a career- so few of us actually get to. I am one of the lucky miniority, who’s career is one of my top passions.
When I was in high school leading into post-secondary studies, cooking professionally was one of the furthest options I considered. Actually, I attended a year of business school and a year of liberal arts before accepting university was not the place I would develop my career.
After several provinces and ending up in several dead end jobs, I made the wise decision to go to culinary school. It was a challenging two year program, but I am glad I graduated with a degree in culinary arts.
Cooking is so rewarding and it involved a transformation in outlook and even mere thought process. Cooking allows me to have a professional career, where I can combine my skill, knowledge and creativity.
I love being able to work with my hands and the finality that every day brings. The comradity and appreciation cooking enables makes me feel that my choice is validated.
Thinking back. I can remember I always had an interest in cooking. My first memory involving cooking in any sense was being around three and getting up in the morning; where I headed to the kitchen and grabbed the containers of sugar, flour and salt. I then proceeded to dump them of the carpet and mix them together. I was having fun, but my parents didn’t seem to find it funny!
After that, I can remember making bread with my Dad. Also, watching my Mom, aunts and grandmothers cooking as I grew up. I’ve always had a passion for food, even when I was not aware.
Cooking whether at home or professionally, it is an honor to be able to prepare delicious food for someone to nourish their body and soul.
Also, the physics and chemistry in cooking and baking is astounding! The geltainization of proteins, the creation of gluten, the explosion of starch molecules are sheer miracles!
Finally, the last amazing thing about cooking in my eyes is: how no matter what happens prior to service….the food always goes out. People are always fed, even on bad days it just seems to come together. It’s as if all the experience and knowledge of cooks before you is there to support you. It is a sheer delight in life to cook, withouy cooking our life would be so bland!
BJV
