Having trouble selecting an elective for next year? No problem. Ever considered taking a food class? Well, an introduction to foods can provide all sorts of knowledge. “What is an Introduction to Foods?” As stated by West Hartford’s Program of Studies, this course introduces students to the areas of nutrition, food preparation and meal planning. Through laboratory work students learn about kitchen tools, equipment, terminology, food groups, recipes and safety and sanitation procedures.” While cooking your dishes, you will also be cooperating with students with knowledge you will be learning from your teacher.

If you already did Introductory to Foods, why not take Culinary Arts? According to West Hartford’s Program of Studies, “Culinary skills such as garnishing techniques and mother sauces are explored, and students will demonstrate acquired knowledge through project-based experiences. The research of family dietary concerns and the exploration of personal nutritional habits round out this valuable course.” Before taking this course, you would need to take an Intro to Foods class.

Don’t believe me? Then take it from the teacher and two students I had interviewed. What is your full name and occupation? “Jessica Brand and I am an FCS teacher.” What is it like teaching a bunch of students how to cook? “It is fun, and controls chaos.” What do you think students should expect when taking an intro to foods, culinary arts, etc.? “Well, intro level class, they should expect introductory steps towards cooking, and being in a kitchen. All the other classes after that become challenging, and you use those intro skills to get to the next step.”

I interviewed the first student. What is your full name and occupation? “I am Julian Ortiz, and I am a student.” So, how do you like this class so far? “It’s pretty good, can’t really complain about it, the teacher is fine.” What did you hope to learn during your time in class? “The thing I was expecting the most would be making a lot of food items, I thought it was going to focus on lunch and dinner items, but it was so far breakfast and dessert items. “What do you have to say for the newcomers? “I would say keep up with your assignments, because if you were to miss a day of school, you would have to make up for that work.”

I then interviewed the second student. What is your full name and occupation? “My name is Marley Brown, Career and foods.” What was your experience working with other people in a kitchen for the first time? “It was fun, I was with a group of girls that I was friends with the experience for cooking was fun and safe.” What did you love or hate about the class?

“I love being able to cook the food and learn about the food I was cooking, I did not like washing the dishes.” Do you have anything to say for students who are willing to take a food class? “You sure can take it, it is super fun, and it is a good experience because you can be more independent at home and learn more independent skills unlike any other class.”

With all questions answered, “Who teaches the class?” Jessica Brand. “Where does it take place?” In classroom E105. “Where does the food go?” You cook it, you eat it. “How long does this elective last for?” Introduction to foods lasts for 1 semester. “How can I get involved?” You can register for the elective by asking your counselor if you can take the elective next year. Hope you learned something new about cooking class, and maybe consider taking one of these classes.