Understanding the Structure of the Professional Kitchen

When moving from the home kitchen into the professional kitchen, it is necessary to rethink the habits of a lifetime. Cooking cannot make the leap from chore to art without many principles, rules, and terms becoming second nature. Before the basic cooking skills are taught, the fledgling cook must acquire a complete understanding of the classic culinary terms, the rules guiding personal and workspace hygiene, and the standards of food preparation. When contemplating cooking or pastry making as a profession, it is important to realize from the outset that a professional cook’s life is a disciplined one guided by a set of unwavering standards. If you follow these standards and guidelines, the rewards will be greater efficiency and ease of preparation, as well as more enjoyment performing the tasks at hand.