Now We’re Cooking!
Essential Cooking Tools Donated to Culinary Arts Program – January 4, 2021
In our Culinary Arts program, students gain authentic food preparation and hospitality skills. By learning to multi-task, listening carefully, and communicating clearly, students develop the proficiency, knowledge, and skills necessary for success in the food, beverage, and hospitality industry.
However, before one jumps into cooking, there are basic essential cooking tools every aspiring chef needs. During distance learning, that can be a challenge. Thanks to the Massachusetts Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (MRAEF), which has generously donated 48 sets of cooking tools, students are ready to get cooking from their home kitchens. The set includes an instant-read probe thermometer, a 15" x 20" commercial cutting board, a 10" aluminum sauté pan, stainless steel measuring spoons and cups, and a Dexter 8" Cooks Knife.
Culinary Arts Instructor Chef Matthew Williams explained that the 48 sets would be broken up and distributed to sophomores, juniors, and seniors. "We will supplement the kits with our own fundraising money because it essential for Culinary Arts students to have the proper tools in their kitchen. Much of what we do is rooted in science, history, and math, but there is no substitute for hands-on experiences."
"I am writing a new curriculum," said Chef Williams. "It will incorporate the use of new tools and ideas that will open up a world of possibilities. We are also in the midst of a lesson on knife skills with our sophomores. Having all students work at home with the same commercial equipment that we have at BVT helps them be as prepared as possible for our industry, and maybe more importantly, it gives all students equal access to an enhanced curriculum."
"As a ProStart school, we utilize a curriculum from the National Restaurant Association and are in contact with our local ProStart advisors through the Massachusetts Restaurant Association, said Chef Williams. “They've been incredible supporters and very creative in their responses to supporting the many ProStart programs throughout the Commonwealth. We are thankful that the MRAEF was able to supply our students with these tools. With the proper tools, our Culinary Arts students graduate well-educated, well-trained, and ready to join the workforce."