Any great Chef, worthy of his reputation, will tell you that Gourmet cooking is an art form. To prepare a truly genuine gourmet meal you must be willing to cook from scratch using the best of everything that is required for your recipe and, of course, this will mean being very selective in your choice of meat, fish or produce. Food items should be chosen for their freshness and quality and appearance.
Those who possess the ability to achieve the highest standards in creating gourmet cooking are usually very successful in this field. As well as being able to command a high salary for their services they can achieve a high status in this profitable, yet meticulous, industry. For those talented professionals endless opportunities are open to them whether it be opening and running a catering establishment, designing cookery books or guesting in cookery programmes on television. The better they master their craft the more in demand they will be.
Being a successful gourmet cook is not only reliant on a certain amount of artistic flair but an element of science is required. Gourmet cooking does require study and dedication, but, above all, will only succeed if the gourmet cook is brave enough to experiment with ingredients that he or she knows will combine well together. A good gourmet good will possess an exceptional palate. So, with the courage of their convictions they can create a sublime taste experience.
The choice of menu for a gourmet cook is in some way reliant upon what ingredients are at their best for that time of year. A good gourmet cook would make a sacrifice on the quality of their meat or produce. Knowing how to flavour your dish correctly is quite a talent. You need to be able to distinguish subtle flavours of herbs and spices in your dishes, as well as whatever else you have included in your creation. Your ingredients should complement each other, not one overpowering the other.
We take our enjoyment in gourmet food from many of our senses. Of course, the flavour and texture must be perfect, but your dish must be visibly appealing. Garnishing is an important element to gourmet cooking and will enhance the appearance of your dish. We also rely on our sense of smell to increase our pleasure in food and the inclusion of ingredients that have a wonderful bouquet all add to the experience All your dishes should be presented with care and creativity, and skillfully arranged.
Attention should always be taken when displaying your meal, regardless how simple or complicated it may be. With a little artistic license even an ordinary meal can be transformed. Gourmet cooking is a subject that is limitless. New recipes or ingredients from other parts of the world are constantly being experimented with. Gourmet cooking is exciting and challenging but certainly not for the unadventurous or those who wish to stick to tried and tested philosophy.
For those who wish to push the boundaries of their knowledge are willing to learn more about gourmet cooking there is a wealth of support, advice and hands-on training programmes.
Great gourmet food is ever changing and evolving. This is largely due to those enthusiastic individuals who are passionate about achieving the highest standard in gourmet cooking and are unafraid to try new and interesting combinations by experimenting with previously untried ingredients. Gourmet cooks never compromise in their quest for excellence and our always accepting of new and interesting ideas from whatever part of the globe they come from. Like any other subject in life the more effort that is put in the greater the rewards. But the key to success is to enjoy being creative and take the greatest of pleasure in what you are doing! If you possess these qualities you may be on the road to a wonderful career in gourmet cooking.
