The Project: Top Chef University

As I may have mentioned in my previous post, I have decided to undertake a project (or my new years resolution) to *really* learn how to cook. I have thought about a variety of different options to accomplish this task, such as to take a cooking class. I did some research and found a very good cooking school near my apartment. It overs a variety of recreational cooking classes - from a couple of hours, to three three-hour sessions of the basics, to a weekend 101 class. However, the classes are not cheap. This was on the top of my list, however, I was doing some research and found a look to the Top Chef University website. Basically, its an online cooking school - it has videos (by former Top Chef contestants) that walk you through the basics and more advanced recipes. It includes recipes, instructions, and all sorts of interesting information. Ok, this looked very cool and very me - I can work at my own pace, I don't have to go somewhere to take the class (which is good considering how busy I am at work), I can cook what I want and don't have to cook what I might not like (a perfect example of me being a picky eater). To top it off, I found a Groupon for it (75% off!!), so I used my Xmas present from the Grandparents and bought it!

Therefore, the project: Completed Top Chef University (within a year). I think a year is more than enough time to work my way through the 12 courses and really practice my skills (plus the Groupon was for a 1 year membership).

While the boyfriend's new years resolution might be to try to get in shape and eat better, my thought process is this -- I want to eat less crappy food (such as junk food, pizza, chipotle, etc.) but that doesn't necessarily mean I have to bland, boring food. Rather, I want to eat food I can really appreciate - with good flavor,  fresh ingredients, classic combinations - overall, just good food.  I learned in my family that food is important - making food, eating food, was an important part of my family (even when I was a picky eater).  I think good, decent, food is much better than either junk food or bland, supposedly "healthy" food. I want to use olive oil and butter in my cooking - but I want to be able to appreciate the food while also eating healthy. Thus, I will undertake this endeavor to really learn how to create good, and healthy, food.