With the rising popularity of home cooking, finding new and exciting recipes may seem difficult or daunting. Messing up a new recipe could lead to discouragement and a fear to reach outside your comfort zone. Del Mar College’s Continuing Education is ready to help, with a returning class available for students and non-students alike.
“Secrets of the Chef” is for anyone interested in expanding their home cooking expertise. The classes are taught by former Del Mar students eager to showcase and share their knowledge of the kitchen with the citizens of the Coastal Bend area. Classes are held at the Hospitality and Culinary Arts Building on Del Mar’s Oso Creek Campus and offers a variety of classes, some starting as early as 10 a.m. and some beginning as late as 5:30 p.m.
A recent class on Cajun cooking was headed by Chef Crystal Lamaya, a previous Del Mar culinary student. She has been a teacher in the class for the last three years. Lamaya expressed a passion for teaching and helping those interested in cooking to grow past any worries or fears they may have when it comes to tackling these new dishes.
“At times people are afraid to cook something they’ve never tried before, and I hope I can guide them and show them they definitely can do it,” Lamaya said.
Students learned how to prepare Cajun grits and fried deviled eggs with crab. The students ranged from nursing students at Del Mar to people simply interested in expanding their own personal home menu. “I saw the class mentioned on a Facebook post and I was really drawn by the opportunity to learn these recipes I may not usually cook, and of course to learn them from someone with a lot of experience in the kitchen,” explained Charlotte Carragher, a graduate from Del Mar.
The class followed along with Lamaya as she guided them through every step, ensuring they reached each checkpoint in creating their meal. By the end of the class, the students gathered at a table and were able to socialize and taste their newly acquired recipes, while Lamaya asked her students what they were interested in learning next.
“I would recommend the class to everyone wanting to learn dishes from new cultures,” said student Priscilla Fernandez, another Del Mar graduate. “I brought my two friends and we’ll definitely be back.”
Classes continue through the end of May, and more information is available at https://delmar.edu/ce.