The idea came to her while sitting on porch steps in New Orleans. Alexis Krcelic, now 14, and her father were with a church group helping repair a house damaged by Hurricane Katrina. That day, they were grouting floors.
She’d taken a break. While sitting outside, “It popped into my head that I wanted to open a cooking school for kids,” she recalls. Caught up by the idea, Alexis went directly into the house and told her dad, Gene.
“He laughed a little bit and said, ‘OK.’ Because I have a lot of ideas and projects I come up with.”
But she kept thinking about it. She decided she wanted her cooking school to be nonprofit and to reach underprivileged children. “There are already cooking schools for kids who can pay,” she explains.
Classes at her school might one day lead to careers as chefs. But mainly Alexis was interested in teaching kids how to cook and eat healthy for not much money, so they didn’t feel they had to rely on fast food.
They would learn about good nutrition. And the kitchen skills that kids picked up at her school would serve them well a lifetime — for both their health and their budgets.
Even after returning home to Easley, Alexis kept thinking about her idea. She came up with a name for the school: Cook It Forward. Still the problem was, “I didn’t know where to get the money to get started. I’m a 14-year-old girl.”
Then her dad one day read about the Pepsi Refresh Project (www.refresheverything.com). The company was holding a nationwide online competition for grants to good causes. Each month, the public would vote online for 1,000 new ideas, and the top 10 vote-getters in each category would win grants.
Each month up to $1.3 million in all would be awarded. And the top 100 runner-ups in each category would automatically be entered in the next month’s contest for another chance.
The categories are according to the size of the grants, the smallest being $5,000 and the largest, $250,000.
Alexis figured out a budget for her school and then entered the competition for $50,000. She created a Web site (www.refresheverything.com/cookitforward).
As of Friday, Cook It Forward ranked at No. 128 in this month’s $50,000 category. Voting ends March 31.
Alexis has nearly always loved to cook. When she was younger, she conducted pretend cooking shows in her family’s kitchen, like the ones she avidly watched on the Food Network.
At age 10, she took cooking classes and won a chef’s jacket in a cook-off. At age 11, she wanted (and got) a KitchenAid mixer for Christmas. At the store, her mother, Mary, asked out of curiosity, “How many 11-year-olds have you sold these to?”
After high school, Alexis wants to take a year off and do mission work in Africa. Then she hopes to go to Columbia or Harvard University and major in business so one day she can open a bakery in New York City.
It would be the kind of bakery that people stop by after dinner out in a restaurant or when they’re just walking along the street.
With any luck and enough votes, Cook It Forward will be well established by then.
Jeanne Brooks can be reached at (864) 298-4261.
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Such a nice story of a girl who took-up cooking school and be competitive online.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Italian Culinary Schools
Culinary being one of the most growing industry of recent times, attracts a number of young enthusiasts to join the rank of increasing number of cooks, chefs and hotel management professionals. The culinary sector proffers with a wide range of job opportunities in various countries for men and women alike.
Italian food is one of the most delicious cuisines in the world, which includes classic Tuscan dishes and Italian Mediterranean cuisines imitated all over the world. Italian cuisine is extremely varied with culinary influences from Arab, Greek, Roman, and Norman civilizations. The charm of real Italian foods is olive oil, cheese and balsamic vinegar makers and wine. It is typically famous for its coffee topped with whipped cream and sprinkled with cinnamon.
Many of the culinary institutes in the United States provide specializations in Italian cooking. The students can opt for special courses, which concentrate specifically on all kinds of Italian delicacies. Since, the Italian culinary is influenced by so many other civilizations which resided in it, the students are taught all the mixed food innovations which resulted due to the external influences. The traditional Italian cooking style differs greatly from the new age methods. There are separate courses for both the old as well as the new cooking methods. They can also opt for a dual course, which offers training on both the contemporary as well as the long-standing techniques.
Some of the famous Italian culinary schools are Antica Cucina Genovese, Apicius, Arte Culinaria, CookinItaly, Divina Cucina, Mami Camilla, Peggy Markel's Culinary Adventures, Rhode School of Cuisine, Sorrento Cooking School, Toscana Mia, Chef Paolo Monti's Italian Cooking School, Alberta Umbria Perugia, Peccati di Gola, and Amelia Sicily, just to name a few.
Students interested in applying for admission to Italian cuisine schools can log on to the website portals to search related information regarding the admission procedure, eligibility criteria, and course fees. Aspirants are advised to be careful while carrying out their search and adhere to the guidelines of each institute. The candidates can even fill out the application forms online and hence, register from home.
Italian food is one of the most delicious cuisines in the world, which includes classic Tuscan dishes and Italian Mediterranean cuisines imitated all over the world. Italian cuisine is extremely varied with culinary influences from Arab, Greek, Roman, and Norman civilizations. The charm of real Italian foods is olive oil, cheese and balsamic vinegar makers and wine. It is typically famous for its coffee topped with whipped cream and sprinkled with cinnamon.
Many of the culinary institutes in the United States provide specializations in Italian cooking. The students can opt for special courses, which concentrate specifically on all kinds of Italian delicacies. Since, the Italian culinary is influenced by so many other civilizations which resided in it, the students are taught all the mixed food innovations which resulted due to the external influences. The traditional Italian cooking style differs greatly from the new age methods. There are separate courses for both the old as well as the new cooking methods. They can also opt for a dual course, which offers training on both the contemporary as well as the long-standing techniques.
Some of the famous Italian culinary schools are Antica Cucina Genovese, Apicius, Arte Culinaria, CookinItaly, Divina Cucina, Mami Camilla, Peggy Markel's Culinary Adventures, Rhode School of Cuisine, Sorrento Cooking School, Toscana Mia, Chef Paolo Monti's Italian Cooking School, Alberta Umbria Perugia, Peccati di Gola, and Amelia Sicily, just to name a few.
Students interested in applying for admission to Italian cuisine schools can log on to the website portals to search related information regarding the admission procedure, eligibility criteria, and course fees. Aspirants are advised to be careful while carrying out their search and adhere to the guidelines of each institute. The candidates can even fill out the application forms online and hence, register from home.
Culinary Schools provides detailed information on Culinary Schools, Top Culinary Schools, Online Culinary Schools, Culinary School Scholarships and more. Culinary Schools is affiliated with Culinary Arts Colleges.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ken_Marlborough
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Culinary Arts Online Courses Certification
Your PC and internet access are not only restricted for cyber chats and online correspondence. They can actually let you acquire a culinary arts online courses certification. If you have the passion for cooking and food preparation or if you feel that you want to pursue a career in the food service industry, you can further develop your skills through the numerous online programs.
Some schools give culinary arts online courses certification after completing programs like the Online Associate Degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management. The successful students are not only provided with the skills needed for career advancement, but are also given certificates from the American Hotel and Motel Association (AHMA). A student who completed his online courses can then qualify to be a Certified Hospitality Supervisor.
The culinary online courses certification does not discourage real classroom setting and attendance. However, there are those who don't have the luxury of time. Some people also find good culinary schools to be too far from where they live. Hence, they resort to the most convenient - a culinary arts online courses certification.
This convenient method of learning was designed to provide a one-on-one interaction with the instructor.
Also, this program allows students to communicate and work together online to complete projects. Students who wish to get culinary arts online courses certification need not opt to take the whole program online. There are students who take some courses in a classroom setting and take the remaining courses online. The choice is actually for the students to make.
There are various online cooking schools available. There are some that give you the option to enroll in a basic course or one with a Continuing Education Units and a culinary arts online courses certification for a higher price. Programs like these offer online correspondence with an instructor who is an expert in this field of study. The instructor does not only take care of your culinary arts online courses certification whish you can add to you resume', but he also gives out personalized assistance and does documentation of all your progress online.
When choosing an online school, make sure that it is accredited. Go over the programs and get to know the school a bit before signing up for any courses. There are several accrediting organizations and if the culinary arts online courses certification you have comes from an accredited school, then you have better odds of finding a good job. Most of these online programs promise to provide their students career opportunities after course completion. The school will be assessing your performance and helping you find the most suitable job for you. This means there will be more chances of joining the workforce.
Some schools give culinary arts online courses certification after completing programs like the Online Associate Degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management. The successful students are not only provided with the skills needed for career advancement, but are also given certificates from the American Hotel and Motel Association (AHMA). A student who completed his online courses can then qualify to be a Certified Hospitality Supervisor.
The culinary online courses certification does not discourage real classroom setting and attendance. However, there are those who don't have the luxury of time. Some people also find good culinary schools to be too far from where they live. Hence, they resort to the most convenient - a culinary arts online courses certification.
This convenient method of learning was designed to provide a one-on-one interaction with the instructor.
Also, this program allows students to communicate and work together online to complete projects. Students who wish to get culinary arts online courses certification need not opt to take the whole program online. There are students who take some courses in a classroom setting and take the remaining courses online. The choice is actually for the students to make.
There are various online cooking schools available. There are some that give you the option to enroll in a basic course or one with a Continuing Education Units and a culinary arts online courses certification for a higher price. Programs like these offer online correspondence with an instructor who is an expert in this field of study. The instructor does not only take care of your culinary arts online courses certification whish you can add to you resume', but he also gives out personalized assistance and does documentation of all your progress online.
When choosing an online school, make sure that it is accredited. Go over the programs and get to know the school a bit before signing up for any courses. There are several accrediting organizations and if the culinary arts online courses certification you have comes from an accredited school, then you have better odds of finding a good job. Most of these online programs promise to provide their students career opportunities after course completion. The school will be assessing your performance and helping you find the most suitable job for you. This means there will be more chances of joining the workforce.
Click here Now for more FREE information about Culinary Arts and Culinary Arts Grants and Scholarships and develop the necessary knowledge to be a successful culinarian.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Milos_Pesic
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Evaluating the Best Culinary Schools
If considering culinary schools, there are many things to take into consideration before choosing a college. Finding the best culinary schools is necessary to ensure that you will be attending the best courses made available to you. Not only are there multiple top notch schools, there are also many different types of culinary programs to choose from.
When considering attending culinary school, many first ask, "What is the best culinary school in the USA"? There are many ways to evaluate a school's academic offerings, and what the school can do for you. But, just because you find an institute to be the best for you, it may not be as great to someone else. There are many
factors one must first consider when evaluating the best schools.
Culinary School Ratings
Taking a look at a schools rating (or ranking) has been a way to identify which schools rate as the best culinary schools. These ratings are placed in bulletins (such as the Princeton Review). These ratings issue the "top 10 best culinary schools". According to the ratings, the top ten in the United States are as follows (not in order):
1. Ottawa Culinary Arts Institute
2. The French Culinary Institute of New York City
3. Johnson & Wales University
4. The Culinary Institute of America
5. New England Culinary Institute
6. California Culinary Academy
7. George Brown Chef School
8. Tante Marie's Cooking School
9. Kendall College
10. L'Academie de Cuisine
These are based on reviews from critiques. Remember, information such as this can be based on advertising and other strategies that some may not see as "top school" information. There are thousands of top notch schools, don't limit your searches just because of the "top ten" that are recognized.
Finding the Best Culinary Schools
Each person comes with different learning styles and demands. The only way to choose the "best" school is to research the schools personally. There are certain things that are important to you, that may not be important to others. By recognizing these things and looking for schools that satisfy those needs, you will find the college that will work best for you and make you happiest.
What to Look For
Location.
The importance of location varies for everyone. Some people want to stay closer to their home states while others want to travel. Based on your needs, look up a school with locations that pertain to your situation.
Cost.
While most schools accept financial aid, you must be aware of those that do not. If you are relying on financial aid to cover your schooling, take this into consideration. You may also want to look into some scholarships that the school may offer.
Course Types.
Online schooling has become very popular. Based on your schedule and your learning style, if you want to pursue schooling online, make sure the schools you're looking into offer online courses. You should also look into the types of courses they have. If you are going into a specialized field, make sure they offer the courses you desire.
Only you can choose what makes the best culinary schools. Your lifestyle and your needs will help shape your decision.
When considering attending culinary school, many first ask, "What is the best culinary school in the USA"? There are many ways to evaluate a school's academic offerings, and what the school can do for you. But, just because you find an institute to be the best for you, it may not be as great to someone else. There are many
factors one must first consider when evaluating the best schools.
Culinary School Ratings
Taking a look at a schools rating (or ranking) has been a way to identify which schools rate as the best culinary schools. These ratings are placed in bulletins (such as the Princeton Review). These ratings issue the "top 10 best culinary schools". According to the ratings, the top ten in the United States are as follows (not in order):
1. Ottawa Culinary Arts Institute
2. The French Culinary Institute of New York City
3. Johnson & Wales University
4. The Culinary Institute of America
5. New England Culinary Institute
6. California Culinary Academy
7. George Brown Chef School
8. Tante Marie's Cooking School
9. Kendall College
10. L'Academie de Cuisine
These are based on reviews from critiques. Remember, information such as this can be based on advertising and other strategies that some may not see as "top school" information. There are thousands of top notch schools, don't limit your searches just because of the "top ten" that are recognized.
Finding the Best Culinary Schools
Each person comes with different learning styles and demands. The only way to choose the "best" school is to research the schools personally. There are certain things that are important to you, that may not be important to others. By recognizing these things and looking for schools that satisfy those needs, you will find the college that will work best for you and make you happiest.
What to Look For
Location.
The importance of location varies for everyone. Some people want to stay closer to their home states while others want to travel. Based on your needs, look up a school with locations that pertain to your situation.
Cost.
While most schools accept financial aid, you must be aware of those that do not. If you are relying on financial aid to cover your schooling, take this into consideration. You may also want to look into some scholarships that the school may offer.
Course Types.
Online schooling has become very popular. Based on your schedule and your learning style, if you want to pursue schooling online, make sure the schools you're looking into offer online courses. You should also look into the types of courses they have. If you are going into a specialized field, make sure they offer the courses you desire.
Only you can choose what makes the best culinary schools. Your lifestyle and your needs will help shape your decision.
My dad was a shipping magnet and because of that, me and my family had to travel with him constantly.I gained a lot of knowledge through that. With my dad's influence I went into importing and exporting and this kept me on the road. I am settled now in one place and find it most fulfilling in writing articles. View more articles by Marc Willis at http://www.culinaryschoolsreview.net.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marc_Willis
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Cooking Classes - How to Select One That is Right For You
In order to do this, however, it is very important that you choose the right cooking classes to go on so that you do not end up wasting time and money learning things that you might already know or are not as interested in. Here are a few tips.
First of all, contact local colleges. They will offer a lot of different classes that you can choose from and most of these will be open to the public and will cater for all levels of experience. Often they will be taught at the evenings and weekends which make then very convenient.
Next, you need to consider your own current level of skill. This will make sure that the classes that you choose to sign up to are not either too simple and boring for you or too complicated and advanced for you to grasp. Choose a class that is going to be perfect for your level of skill.
You should also carefully read any descriptions about the class. This will include all of the relevant information about the class such as the date and time and duration of it.
You also will want to think about the cost. Price is obviously going to be a significant factor and some classes can be more expensive than you might be willing to pay. Therefore you need to make sure that you take your time and check through the entire range of prices before you make your choice.
Last of all, make sure that you choose a class that is actually going to work for you and be useful. You might think that Chinese cooking techniques are interesting but if you are not actually going to be using the skills you learn, its best to go for something more practical.
First of all, contact local colleges. They will offer a lot of different classes that you can choose from and most of these will be open to the public and will cater for all levels of experience. Often they will be taught at the evenings and weekends which make then very convenient.
Next, you need to consider your own current level of skill. This will make sure that the classes that you choose to sign up to are not either too simple and boring for you or too complicated and advanced for you to grasp. Choose a class that is going to be perfect for your level of skill.
You should also carefully read any descriptions about the class. This will include all of the relevant information about the class such as the date and time and duration of it.
You also will want to think about the cost. Price is obviously going to be a significant factor and some classes can be more expensive than you might be willing to pay. Therefore you need to make sure that you take your time and check through the entire range of prices before you make your choice.
Last of all, make sure that you choose a class that is actually going to work for you and be useful. You might think that Chinese cooking techniques are interesting but if you are not actually going to be using the skills you learn, its best to go for something more practical.
To find out more about cooking education online, go to this cooking classes website, and read about cooking class to help you choose what schedule and education is right for you.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_G_White
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