Student Testimonial: "I love your course so far. I wish I discovered it 22 years ago when I first got married. But it's never too late to improve yourself, I am very happy with your suggestions."
"Every item that Jenna recommended is one that I've been using often since I've watched the course"
Course updated October 25th, 2016
My goal is for you to feel equipped to make savvy, resourceful choices with building your kitchen. That each time you cook, you think "I'm so glad I have this."
Read more
Student Testimonial: "I love your course so far. I wish I discovered it 22 years ago when I first got married. But it's never too late to improve yourself, I am very happy with your suggestions."
"Every item that Jenna recommended is one that I've been using often since I've watched the course"
Course updated October 25th, 2016
My goal is for you to feel equipped to make savvy, resourceful choices with building your kitchen. That each time you cook, you think "I'm so glad I have this."
Student Testimonial: "I love your course so far. I wish I discovered it 22 years ago when I first got married. But it's never too late to improve yourself, I am very happy with your suggestions."
"Every item that Jenna recommended is one that I've been using often since I've watched the course"
Course updated October 25th, 2016
My goal is for you to feel equipped to make savvy, resourceful choices with building your kitchen. That each time you cook, you think "I'm so glad I have this."
April 2016 update: I'm proud to announce that 85% of the proceeds from this course has been donated to the medical care of rescued cocker spaniels in the NYC area via Abandoned Angels Cocker Spaniel Rescue.
In less than an hour:
- this course will walk you through the best recommendations for which cookware equipment to invest in, so you spend your money wisely;
- then we get into what basic ingredients to keep stocked in your kitchen so you can always put together a flavorful, simple, nutritious meal without relying on a recipe every time you want to cook;
- and finally, we talk about what to do if you don't get around to using your fresh food or to eating your cooked food.
The course does not get into specific food preparation nor does it provide recipes or cooking techniques. It does, however, show HOW to use the recommended cookware.
The information in the course is based on equipment and ingredients typical to the US, however, I've tried to keep it basic enough that it can translate to any country/culture.
The course will be updated with new information, so you'll always be up-to-date on the latest experiments and findings.
This course is set up to watch it once and have a better grasp of your options and how to make strategic decisions. You will feel equipped to buy what you need and avoid being distracted by what you don't really need (no matter how nifty is looks/sounds. ). As I update the course with new information, you'll be notified to take part in the updates.
If you're starting a new diet, this course is extremely important to helping you stay Your health will increase due to eating fresher foods, especially increasing your vegetable intake. This course is even beneficial to vegetarians, where cooking vegetables is a huge component to staying energized and healthy.
Entrepreneurs, freelancers, web designers, coders, work from home-ers - this course was made for you. You sit at a desk all day, most likely at home, and your creativity is paramount. Be efficient with your time in the kitchen and invest in yourself with cooking.
At the end of the day, eating is a necessity of life and it heavily affects health and happiness. The only way to control what you eat is to fix it yourself. With food being so important to life, make the effort to enjoy the process. Start your lifelong relationship with food and cooking with this course.
This course is unique because of my personal background. As a certified Health Coach and former Associate Dean of Entrepreneurship and Coaching Skills for a major online nutrition school, I've spent years breaking down "assumed" or "second-nature" information so it can be absorbed and put into action, whether for personal health goals or business-oriented dreams. I get that the simplest things aren't the easiest things and when it comes to cooking and eating, we may have forgotten how natural it is. And we may need to be taught that intuitive nature again. I take that approach in this course with the goal of getting you into the kitchen.
What's inside
Learning objectives
- Feel more confident in the kitchen
- Understand which cookware to invest in and when expensive price tags are unnecessary
- Choose the best cookware for flawless cooking
- Lose weight, get healthier, and reduce stress by cooking more at home
- Feel more confident in the kitchen
- Understand which cookware to invest in and when expensive price tags are unnecessary
- Choose the best cookware for flawless cooking
- Lose weight, get healthier, and reduce stress by cooking more at home
Syllabus
At the end of this section, you'll have the why, what, and how to stocking a useful kitchen.
A free ebook to meals in bowls!
Welcome to Cooking Essentials!
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Syllabus
A free ebook to meals in bowls!
Two main elements to consider when shopping.
What role does stainless steel play in cookware?
Why is there so much aluminum cookware?
Is copper really the best?
What does triply mean?
Why are some sets so much cheaper than others?
Is expensive really better?
Discover the cookware most used on the stovetop for daily cooking. We'll cover which type of pan you'll most often use, how big your pots should be, and how many pots you need to get started.
Some sources recommend making cast iron part of a starter kitchen. I have my own opinion on that.
After this class, you'll know which pieces you're likely to use in the oven regularly. Unless you're a baker, you don't need much.
The types of plug-in appliances you'll regularly use. From food processors to blenders to mixers.
Should you have a microwave? I don't own one, but it doesn't have anything to do with safety.
An overview of my stainless steel pieces. I talk you through how I use each piece and why I recommend it to you.
Here I cover my dutch ovens and stockpot. You'll get an idea of what size is best for how you plan to use yours.
In this video I demonstrate how to tell when your pan is hot, the number one mistake people use when cooking with stainless steel (versus non-stick), how to cook meat in the pan and make a pan sauce from the browned bits, and the easiest way to clean your fancy pan.
How to shop for non-toxic non-stick cookware & why it may not be necessary.
Don't clutter up your drawer with things you don't need. This class lays out the most used utensils for cooking, including visual examples of each utensil mentioned.
More visuals from my own kitchen!
How many? Which ones? Why those? What materials? Cutting boards? Wood versus glass versus plastic?
Odds, ends, and extra notes on what to (not) buy.
Links to items on Amazon. Either use these links to purchase for yourself or give yourself an idea of what the product looks like and educate yourself with product reviews.
A comprehensive list of equipment and accessories to build a starter kitchen or registry. Includes notes on sizes and investment pieces.
Space is a huge constraint, so you want only the necessities. This list includes both investment pieces and budgetary compromises for the same pieces.
What you should always - ALWAYS - have on hand.
The dry goods to keep in a pantry for quick, easy preparation.
Keep your frig looking like someone actually lives in your apartment.
Store more than vodka and ice cream in there.
Add some flare to your food!
In addition to vegetables, meat, and other food you regularly purchase.
A summary of condiments, goods, and produce to shop for.
Using your well-stocked pantry and cooking repertoire, you'll now piece together a full meal.
Creatives will enjoy the inspiration; logicians will appreciate the directions.
How to save and preserve your food.
For those who want to read in more depth about the recommendations.
Suggestions for how to move forward with your new knowledge.
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Reviews summary
Essential kitchen gear for home chefs
Appreciated the clear and engaging teaching style.
Helps you save money on kitchen tools.
Provides advice you can immediately use.
Teaches you which kitchen gear is truly needed.
Activities
Review Basic Knife Skills
Show steps
Refresh your knowledge of basic knife skills to improve food preparation efficiency and safety, which are essential for using the cookware effectively.
Browse courses on
Knife Skills
Show steps
-
Watch videos demonstrating basic knife cuts.
-
Practice different cuts with vegetables like onions and carrots.
-
Focus on safety and proper technique.
Inventory Your Current Kitchen Equipment
Show steps
Start a project to assess your current kitchen equipment to identify gaps and prioritize purchases based on the course recommendations.
Show steps
-
List all your existing cookware, appliances, and utensils.
-
Evaluate the condition and usefulness of each item.
-
Identify items you need to replace or add based on the course content.
Review 'Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat'
Show steps
Review this book to gain a deeper understanding of the fundamental principles of cooking, which will enhance your ability to use kitchen equipment effectively.
View
Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat: Mastering the Elements...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the sections on salt, fat, acid, and heat.
-
Experiment with different techniques in the kitchen.
-
Take notes on key concepts and insights.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a Kitchen Wishlist
Show steps
Create a wishlist of essential kitchen equipment based on the course recommendations to guide future purchases and avoid unnecessary spending.
Show steps
-
Review the course materials on recommended cookware and utensils.
-
Research different brands and models within your budget.
-
Create a prioritized list with links to online retailers.
Follow Tutorials on Stainless Steel Pan Use
Show steps
Seek out and follow tutorials specifically focused on using stainless steel pans to master techniques like searing and deglazing, which are highlighted in the course.
Show steps
-
Find online tutorials demonstrating proper stainless steel pan usage.
-
Practice heating the pan correctly and preventing sticking.
-
Experiment with searing meat and making pan sauces.
Review 'The Food Lab'
Show steps
Review this book to understand the science behind cooking techniques and equipment, which will enhance your ability to make informed decisions about your kitchen setup.
View
The Food Lab: Better Home Cooking Through...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read chapters related to cookware and cooking techniques.
-
Conduct experiments based on the book's recommendations.
-
Analyze the results and apply them to your cooking.
Document Your Cooking Experiments
Show steps
Create a cooking journal to document your experiments with different cookware and ingredients, reinforcing your understanding of the course materials.
Show steps
-
Record your cooking experiments, including ingredients and equipment used.
-
Note the outcomes and any challenges encountered.
-
Reflect on what you learned and how to improve your technique.
Review Basic Knife Skills
Show steps
Refresh your knowledge of basic knife skills to improve food preparation efficiency and safety, which are essential for using the cookware effectively.
Browse courses on
Knife Skills
Show steps
- Watch videos demonstrating basic knife cuts.
- Practice different cuts with vegetables like onions and carrots.
- Focus on safety and proper technique.
Inventory Your Current Kitchen Equipment
Show steps
Start a project to assess your current kitchen equipment to identify gaps and prioritize purchases based on the course recommendations.
Show steps
- List all your existing cookware, appliances, and utensils.
- Evaluate the condition and usefulness of each item.
- Identify items you need to replace or add based on the course content.
Review 'Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat'
Show steps
Review this book to gain a deeper understanding of the fundamental principles of cooking, which will enhance your ability to use kitchen equipment effectively.
View
Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat: Mastering the Elements...
on Amazon
Show steps
- Read the sections on salt, fat, acid, and heat.
- Experiment with different techniques in the kitchen.
- Take notes on key concepts and insights.
Create a Kitchen Wishlist
Show steps
Create a wishlist of essential kitchen equipment based on the course recommendations to guide future purchases and avoid unnecessary spending.
Show steps
- Review the course materials on recommended cookware and utensils.
- Research different brands and models within your budget.
- Create a prioritized list with links to online retailers.
Follow Tutorials on Stainless Steel Pan Use
Show steps
Seek out and follow tutorials specifically focused on using stainless steel pans to master techniques like searing and deglazing, which are highlighted in the course.
Show steps
- Find online tutorials demonstrating proper stainless steel pan usage.
- Practice heating the pan correctly and preventing sticking.
- Experiment with searing meat and making pan sauces.
Review 'The Food Lab'
Show steps
Review this book to understand the science behind cooking techniques and equipment, which will enhance your ability to make informed decisions about your kitchen setup.
View
The Food Lab: Better Home Cooking Through...
on Amazon
Show steps
- Read chapters related to cookware and cooking techniques.
- Conduct experiments based on the book's recommendations.
- Analyze the results and apply them to your cooking.
Document Your Cooking Experiments
Show steps
Create a cooking journal to document your experiments with different cookware and ingredients, reinforcing your understanding of the course materials.
Show steps
- Record your cooking experiments, including ingredients and equipment used.
- Note the outcomes and any challenges encountered.
- Reflect on what you learned and how to improve your technique.
Career center
Personal Chef
Catering Cook
Food Blogger
Recipe Developer
Kitchenware Retail Associate
Culinary Instructor
Nutrition Consultant
Food Stylist
Home Economics Teacher
Food Photographer
Health Coach
Restaurant Consultant
Food Science Technician
Dietitian
Food Product Developer
Reading list
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