Some people think that learning how to cook gourmet foods is a difficult task because it is costly and the techniques are difficult. This is true in some cases but not in others. Sure, you can go ahead and enroll in a culinary arts school if you have the money. Of course, it is better because you will be learning from the experts. But what if you do not have enough money to pay for the exorbitant fees that culinary arts schools usually charge their students? Is there an alternative?

The answer is yes, there is a more affordable and practical alternative, especially in this period when spending money for the food itself is more important than spending money to learn how to prepare food. What you need to do is to learn the basic or fundamentals of gourmet cooking. Learning the essentials of gourmet cooking is also taught in the culinary arts school. But if you study by yourself, you do not have to pay for the high fees.  All you need is to do research for you to get important information about gourmet cooking.

In learning the essentials of gourmet cooking, you should focus first on the ingredients. Some people think that gourmet cooking use expensive ingredients that is why the foods served in gourmet restaurants are expensive. This is not always true. The essence of gourmet cooking is using fresh ingredients. This means no powdered garlic, frozen meat, dehydrated herbs, and anything that is processed.

For example, if the recipe requires herbs, you should buy fresh herbs from the supermarket or better yet, pick it form your own garden, if you have one. Do not use those herbs that are already in small containers—powdered and dehydrated.

Learning the essentials of gourmet cooking is important for you to be a great gourmet cook even without formal training.