We're all guilty of it: those trusty recipes we churn out again and again, taking them from delicious to dire. And given we're all cooking at home every night right now, hands up if your dinners are lacking a little chutzpah?
Whether you're already a kitchen pro or more on the calamity spectrum of things, a cooking course is bound to provide inspiration. Let's be real: Instagram and YouTube videos can only do so much. It's time to get the professionals involved. So where better to learn than Continuing Education classes at George Brown College?
There is something for everyone in their Hospitality and Culinary Arts programs, whether you're into baking or beer. And, as of the fall, you will be able to finish the entire certificate of each program from wine specialist to professional fromager completely online.
You can nail cake decorating; prepare authentic Thai dishes; or boost your plant-based cooking — no matter what your heart (and stomach) desires, George Brown College has got you covered with more than 90 online courses.
What makes it the real deal is the way George Brown College's courses are designed to empower you in the kitchen, teaching you the techniques and the theory behind the recipes, so you can go on to create your own dishes.
At George Brown College, active industry professionals teach you about the technique and theory behind a recipe, not just how to follow it
Classes are generally six to twelve weeks long, taking place in the evenings and on weekends, but there are heaps of one-day courses for those looking for a shorter commitment. And even when the college reopens, most of the courses will still be available to do online.
What to expect from an online course from George Brown College:
- You'll learn from active industry professionals whose main goal is for you to cook without relying on recipes so you can acquire the confidence to create your own dishes.
- Online classes are based on a variety of material — handouts, readings, etc. The chef’s demo is delivered via pre-recorded video that you can watch at anytime. There is a live session so you can talk to a chef about the recipes, your questions and meet your fellow classmates .
- Students should be mindful of prerequisites and will need to take Culinary Arts 1 first. You'll need to purchase your own materials (including groceries and wines), with support from the chef who helps students figure out where to get specialty ingredients and how to make substitutions if needed.
- For cooking classes, students will be graded on submitted photos and a reflection on what you have cooked that week.
- For beverage classes, students will submit a report of their tasting from home.
- There are also short online quizzes to test yourself on your knowledge of the techniques learned each week.
6 more reasons to take one of George Brown College's Hospitality and Culinary Arts courses online:
- More than 90 online classes in culinary, baking, wine, beer, spirits, cheese, chocolate, bread, healthy eating, hospitality and event management.
- Specialty classes include topics like international cuisines (Thai, Caribbean, Italian, etc.) as well as cake decorating, sourdough bread baking, preserving and canning, chocolate making and more.
- There is no application process for Continuing Education. To begin, you can simply register at any time for the courses you wish to complete first and work your way through the required courses from there.
- Students in Continuing Education programs self-monitor to complete all the required courses in their certificate programs.
- You have three years maximum from the time you start to complete the program, but many students are able to complete it in a year.
- Because courses are designed to empower you in the kitchen, they are appropriate for any skill level — beginners and more advanced cooks included.
Want to find out more? Check out the full list of online classes in Hospitality and Culinary Arts at George Brown College.