UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN PHILIPPINES

COLLEGE OF HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM MANAGEMENT

KITCHEN ESSENTIALS AND BASIC FOOD PREPARATIONS

INSTRUCTOR: HARVEST TOBIA MAHOR

CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION TO COOKERY

COOKERY
Cookery is considered to be both an art and technology.
Cookery is defined as a “chemical process”, the mixing of ingredients; the application and
withdrawal of heat; decision making, technical knowledge, and manipulative skills. In the more
advanced stages, a further element occurs- that of creativity.
Food preparation is a modern term in professional cookery. It denotes preparation and cooking.
It follows a flow pattern which commences with the purchasing and selection materials, their
handling, processing and the ultimate presentation of dishes to customers, where “food service”
takes over.
In French, the word “cuisine” denotes –the art of cooking and preparing distinctive ingredients,
techniques and dishes, and usually associated with a specific culture or geographic region.
Restaurant is a destination where one can savor a quality experience. To provide this experience a
number of things go hand in hand.
At the front of the house, it’s the manager and his team who provide impeccable service in a beautiful
and apt restaurant setup, but the most important figure is the chef who with his brigade of staff churns
out exquisite food to satisfy every palate.
Although cooking may have once been considered a less desirable job; today, chefs are a new breed-
respected, even admired, for their skill, craftsmanship and even artistry. The elevation of the status of
the chef helps attract bright and talented people to the industry.

LIFE LESSONS FROM THE KITCHEN

IT TEACHES YOU TO CONQUER FEAR
For kitchen virgins, fear is a big hindrance. The fear of splattering hot oil, of cutting oneself, of
burning what is being cooked, or even being judged for what one cooks prevents a lot of people from
learning to cook. But in cooking and in life, conquering your fears is the first step to getting things
done and starting new adventures.
IT TEACHES YOU RESPECT AND HUMILITY
No matter how good you are. you can only cook within the confines of natural law. You cannot
command a pot to boil on a whim. It is dependent on the flame's heat and the water's boiling point.
You become a cook by learning to flow in the kitchen, by feeling your way around it. Mastering the
element happens by respecting its nature and using it to your advantage as a cook. You will also learn
to respect your own limitations and learn to cook based on your own capacity.
IT TEACHES YOU TO BE DISCIPLINED AND TO BE PATIENT
When you cook, there are things you can do, but there are things only time can do. So, when cooking,
there are things you work for and some things you wait for, like when you have to cook the meat until
tender. Good food cannot be rushed. Just like developing your skills. It takes time and effort.
IT TEACHES YOU TO PLAN AND TO ORGANIZE.
The success of your cooking greatly depends on how well you plan and organize not only your
kitchen but also your ingredients and the cooking process itself. This is why mise en place is a
cornerstone of a Cook's kitchen practice, not to mention what planning and organizing can do for your
budget. So when you make it part of the way you live, it can have a powerful impact.
IT TEACHES YOU TO CLEAN UP.
When you work in the kitchen, you amass a pile of garbage and a load of dishes, pots and pans to
wash, which can amount to a lot if you don't clean up as you go along. Cooking trains you to go after
yourself, which may also serve you well in other aspects or your life. When you move ahead without
obstruction, you can flow.
IT TEACHES YOU TO FOCUS AND TO TAKE YOUR MIND AWAY FROM NEGATIVE
VIBES.
Cooking has both therapeutic and spiritual benefits. To cook well, one has to be focused and act
towards cooking something delicious. No one intentionally cooks to make something bad or awful.
It's against the nature of the act, which is grounded on love and service.
IT TEACHES YOU TO DO YOUR BEST.
When you cook. you rarely do it for yourself. You cook for other people, most often the people you
care about and love. When you learn to cook, you are motivated to aspire to become better every time.
And because it is such a selfless activity. you cannot help but want to do your best all the time. You
become better in the process and continue to raise the bar for your personal best.
IT TEACHES YOU TO LET GO. COOKING TEACHES YOU IMPERMANENCE
It teaches you to detach from things that are fleeting, such as praise and criticism Your cooking, no
matter how perfect, will be consumed in minutes, and criticisms. When they do come, will be
forgotten when you are able to redeem yourself with the next meal you prepare. So, take in criticism
graciously and use it to further improve your cooking. There is always room for improvement
IT TEACHES YOU TO FIND PEACE IN YOURSELF.
If you love cooking. it makes you happy and you feel fulfilled with what you do. And that gives you
satisfaction enough to be at peace with yourself. That is all that matters. And you will cook because
you love to cook.
IT TEACHES YOU TO LOVE.
When you immerse yourself in the selfless act of cooking. you put your ego aside and cook out of
service and generosity. You become a kinder person and make loving easier by cooking for others.

References:
2021: Essentials Hubx E-book
2021: M. Sarthou III, Simpol Kitchen Secrets