If I were starting out and had very limited fundage......
(1) Utelize the library....they can order books if they don't already have them at another branch. Even Julia Child's television series is on DVD, again at our library. They may even get in a cooking series of DVD's if you request them.
(2) Volunteer to work on events....there is ALWAYS a need for good volunteers at ACF or other offsite events. I've got a Food Show the end of Jan and normally have 5 externs from CIA, my buddy who sourced (hired) them for his huge hotel has moved on.....I'm looking for competent "yes mam" staff.....AND it is paid.....AND you get to work with television personalities....+ drink wine if you're of age, usually good shtuff.
(3) Find out if there are farmer's markets in your town....growers only preferable. Volunteer to cook demo samples. Not only do you get to meet cool people growing "your" local food, but it's fun to work with really great ingredients.....stretches culinary muscles to work with very little equipment.
(4) Work with fruits and veg when your child is old enough to eat purees....6-12 mos.
(5) Check out Cooking Schools for "at home cooks", most are taught by local restaurant chefs, caterers or cooking teachers. That's how Lynn Rosetto Kasper started in Denver Colorado. I've taught wild mushroom classes around the USA......took in numerous dried, fresh samples......basically anybody in the room gets to taste a huge variety of mushrooms and gets a smattering of cooking info.
(6) Find a mentor, hopefully one at work.
(7) Cheftalk is one of the most giving culinary communities around, just continue asking for help......
If you stop learning you die.....or are outrageously boring, which is about the same thing. JMPTC
Self motivation is the strongest ingredient any of us has, Curiosity's a big one too....looks like you are filled with both. |