Top Chef University

Recently Groupon had an offer for Top Chef University which is series of online cooking classes taught by former contestants on the Top Chef show.  Now I love culinary classes but prefer a live instructor and class.  But since it was a crazy price and the fact that I had credit in my Groupon account from a local spa experience that went terribly awry, I decided what the heck.  I’m of the mind that if there is an opportunity to learn one nugget of information, then it is worthwhile.  And while I think I’m pretty well versed in the kitchen, I’m well versed as a ”home cook”, certainly not a chef!  I have plenty of nuggets to learn.

The site has a professional feel complete with a report card, a tattletale report to track your frequency of logins (hello accountability!), as well as a certification upon completion.  It appears there are well over 200 videos and lessons.  Oh, and tests too.  So this is definitely not something I’m going to sit down with and blaze thru in an afternoon. 

A couple of days ago I started the coursework.  The first session is on the basics.  There are 19 videos on the basics.  Nineteen!  Carla Hall, one of the instructors and a finalist from Top Chef New York, is very pleasant and fun in her presentation.  Oh, and she’s a Southern girl as she likes to say, so we have that in common.  And she loves peas.  Carla, you and I are going to get along fabulously!

In one of the basic lessons Carla covers the julienne cut.  Now I’ve cut julienne carrots before, but she made it look super easy and didn’t include all those extra little cuts I have to make to get them into those perfect little matchsticks.  I’m intrigued!  At the end of the lesson she said, “Now go grab a bag of carrots and start cutting”.  I’ve never been so excited about a freaking bag of carrots! 

So last night I played with my carrots and made beautiful little matchsticks and some little carrot cubes.  I was so inspired and excited I created a yummy and gorgeous side dish to complement last night’s dinner-Fresh Steamed Green Beans with Meyer Lemon Olive Oil and Julienned Carrots.  I went to bed excited about the improvement on my skill.  Yep this is going to be worth the investment!

Fresh Steamed Green Beans with Meyer Lemon Olive Oil and Julienned Carrots

1 lb. Fresh Green Beans

2 Cloves of Garlic, minced

Meyer Lemon Olive Oil

1 Carrot, julienned

Kosher Salt

Wash beans and remove ends.  Place in a steamer basket and steam for 8 minutes.  Heat Meyer lemon olive oil over medium heat and add garlic.  Sweat garlic for 2 minutes then add green beans, carrots and salt.  Cook over medium heat for 3 minutes tossing occasionally with tongs.