Hello from Texas

[CatheyJ]

Hello, I just joined the forums tonight and wanted to take a minute to introduce myself. My name is Cat, I live in Texas, married, have three kids and am planning my "after life" LOL meaning when the last of my three kids is out of the house ( two down- one to go) and I re-enter the world of the working. I love to cook and entertain, love to share recipes, find new exotic foods and recipes to try. Currently I am checking into local culinary schools ( not much around here) and plan on begining my cuilnary adventures in 2008. LIke many of you ( in the posts I have read) I am trying to decide between diploma vs Degree. Most of the colleges around here offer degrees in Culinary management with not a lot of "hands on" actual cooking, and the trade schools offer "hands on" but no degree.
I am interested in pursuing either catering or personal chef.
I am looking forward to exchanging ideas , recipes and good conversation with like minded individuals.

[tessa]

nice to meet you from freindly new zealand

[CatheyJ]

Hi Tessa! Thank you for your welcome!

My best friend recently left Auckland and moved to Perth, Australia. We exchange recipes and I have tried some interesting dishes that our family loves... . ( Nasi Goreng etc)

[bughut]

So what did you do before?
Best of luck whatever you decide for your future catering.
I spent 15 years working as a chef without qualifications. Relying instead on ability and reputation. Did just fine.
I felt qualifications would give me confidence for working on my own and it did, I spent 3 years day release and a year full time so that (forgive my impudence) I could be qualified for what i knew I could do anyway, but it's not for everyone.You CAN make it on your own, doing things your way. ...It's a wee bit scary but worth it.
All the best

[tessa]

Originally Posted by CatheyJ

Hi Tessa! Thank you for your welcome!

My best friend recently left Auckland and moved to Perth, Australia. We exchange recipes and I have tried some interesting dishes that our family loves... . ( Nasi Goreng etc)

very cool , im in auckland too , which part of auckland did they live in
and just sing out if there was any particular kiwi dishes they mentioned as well

[CatheyJ]

What did I do before?

Well, I was an optometric assistant for several years.(pre-op and post op) I left that to homeschool my youngest son ( at his request) and have spent the last 5 years doing that. He has now returned to public school which frees me up to spend time on me. I do not care to return to optometry.
During my time home I have quite developed a love for cooking and have been pushing my skills with new recipes and foods and taking classes at Central Market, etc. Like you, I know I can cook, but want to increase my knowledge and skill level. Having a culinary degree woudl be wonderul.
I would LOVE to go to CIA but geez.. its expensive!

[CatheyJ]

I cannot for the life of me think of specifically where they lived. I sent her an email asking her to refesh my memory. They have moved around so much I cant keep up anymore. We have some other friends, now living in Texas that lived in Whangeri ( sp?)

As far as dishes go.. They mainly sent me Indonesian style dishes, and lots of fish and prawns, osso bussco, things like that. My son loves it when they send candies (Snifters are his favorite) I always send hot sauce and chili mix in return.
I recieved as a gift, New Zealand Food, wine and art ( cookbook) and a wonderful food encyclopedia by Margaret Fulton. I have a good collection of aprons and such from Winerys etc.

As soon as she responds I will let you know which are they were from.

[bughut]

Are there no courses at your local college you could enrol in?
I'm becoming more and more aware as i read various threads, that catering in general is sooo different in our two countries.
In Scotland you can do a 2 year full-time course at college and come out with Scotvec/City & Guilds Qualification= Chef. Course fees are applicable of course but well within the means of most folk. If however you are on benefits/main earner or low income, fees are reduced or waived completely ,often with a non returnable bursary grant available for living expenses. The other way is day release. - I did 3 years day release funded by my employer and a year full-time. On A bursary. It made it easier at the time as i was on my own with 2 young boys.
Hopefully you have some system in place too. Best of luck

[tessa]

Whangarei is about an 1.5 hour north of auckland its beautiful there its the gateway to some amazing scenery north of there.
Snifters are yummy,your son has good taste
you should get your freind to send you some pineapple lumps and perky nanas they are the very best chocolate candy your son would love them

Originally Posted by CatheyJ

I cannot for the life of me think of specifically where they lived. I sent her an email asking her to refesh my memory. They have moved around so much I cant keep up anymore. We have some other friends, now living in Texas that lived in Whangeri ( sp?)

As far as dishes go.. They mainly sent me Indonesian style dishes, and lots of fish and prawns, osso bussco, things like that. My son loves it when they send candies (Snifters are his favorite) I always send hot sauce and chili mix in return.
I recieved as a gift, New Zealand Food, wine and art ( cookbook) and a wonderful food encyclopedia by Margaret Fulton. I have a good collection of aprons and such from Winerys etc.

As soon as she responds I will let you know which are they were from.

[CatheyJ]

Aha! They lived in the Howick area! I will put in a request for Pineapple lumps and Perky nanas! Thanks!

[Mezzaluna]

Cathey, I'd like to add my welcome! It looks like you've already discovered a treasure here: meeting new people from all over the world.

I hope you take a look at all the great stuff we have here (cooking articles, cookbook reviews, recipes, photo gallery, search tool....) and visit often to enjoy it all.

We'll look forward to seeing you!
Regards,
Mezzaluna

[CatheyJ]

Thank you Mezzaluna, Tessa and Bughut for the great welcome! I am looking forward to meeting and chatting with you all.

[tessa]

its in the eastern suburbs , im out west

Originally Posted by CatheyJ

Aha! They lived in the Howick area! I will put in a request for Pineapple lumps and Perky nanas! Thanks!