COOKING

• Cooking is one of the survival skills that each one

of us should learn. We need to eat and be
nourished so that we will have the energy to do
our work. In this chapter, you will learn the proper
ways of preparing and cooking appetizers, salad
and salad dressings, main courses, soups and
stocks, desserts, and sandwiches. You will also
learn the various classifications of these foods as
well as the ingredients used in preparing and
cooking them. Practical activities that involve
actual cooking and plating of these food items are
also included to further enhance your skills and
interest.
 APPETIZER
• Appetizer is a small dish that is served
before the main course to whet the
diner's appetite. It can be served as
simple as a fruit platter or as complicated
as canapés depending on the occasion or
the theme of any dining activity. It
should be made attractive and flavorful
to stimulate the diner's appetite.
• Appetizer is also popularly
known as starter, antipasti, or
hors d'oeuvre. It can be made
using several ingredients such
as vegetables, fruits, seafood,
bread, bacon, dips, and more.
It can be served hot or cold, or
in between mealtime, such as
snacks.
1. Canapé is basically
made with a crusty
base, such as bread,
cracker, puff pastry,
or biscuit. It is decoratively prepared with
various kinds of savory toppings such as
layers of cheese, tomato, bacon,
cucumber, and yogurt, among others. It is
usually served in bite sizes and can be
served either hot or cold.
• 2. Dips and spreads
• include different
• kinds of dressings,
• spreads, sauces,
• and salsa. They can be served hot or
cold depending on the required
temperature. Corn chips, small pieces
of bread, fruits, or vegetables should
complement with the dip or spread.
• 3. Crudités refers
to a platter of raw
vegetables such as
carrots and celery. The
ingredients are cut and blanched,
and are artistically plated. A dip is
served together with vegetables
to enhance their flavors.
• 4. Fresh fruit platter
consists of different fruit
combinations, which are
creatively placed on
serving platters. These fruits may include
grapes, kiwi, papaya, watermelon, and
strawberries. Health conscious people always
consider this type of appetizer because it
provides them an abundant supply of vitamins
and minerals, fiber, and ascorbic acid.
5. Deep-fried appetizer
is done by submerging
the ingredients into
hot oil for frying. Its
often served with a sauce or dip.
Examples of these fritters, calamari,
and buffalo wings with garlic
mayonnaise sauce.
6. Steamed appetizer is a low-
calorie food like
steamed gyoza,
shumai or siomai, and
dumplings. It is also
considered as dieter's delight.
• 7. Grilled appetizer
is a combination of
different cubed
vegetables such as
bell peppers, mushrooms, tomatoes, and
onions. It may also include cubed fish fillet,
meat, and chicken. These ingredients are
often marinated in lemon marinade
mixture then grilled over live coals.
• 8. Meat or cheese trays
are served with small
portions of breads and
crackers. Meat tray
consists of small, thin slices of cold cuts
like pepperoni, salami, bacon, and ham.
These ingredients are placed on the
serving dish and may be served with dips
or spreads.
 Helpful Tips in Preparing Appetizers
Appetizer is one of the food courses that is quick, simple,
and easy to
prepare. The following helpful tips will guide you in making
eye-catching and mouthwatering appetizers.
1. Serve a variety of appetizers with different and
interesting flavors.
2. Appetizers needs to be attractively and deliciously
plated. Dips should be placed in interesting containers or
vessels.
3. The seasoning, if any, should not overpower the flavor of
each ingredient to maintain its original taste.
4. Appetizers should match the taste of the foods to be
served during the meal.