Culinary studies grows at CAC

As foodies grow in numbers, so do career opportunities in the culinary field.

Central Arizona College this spring semester will begin its second year offering culinary programs at its Maricopa campus. The districtwide program has been a success at the campus, filling classrooms with both the professional and the enthusiast chef.

The program offers associate degrees, certificates or hands-on knowledge for home chefs and bakers. It attracts students of all ages, eager to live their culinary dream or even start a home business at a time when good food is in.

“There is definitely a trend,” said Carol Bennett, chef and culinary program coordinator. “You can see it in the foods that are offered in restaurants, in the types of restaurants that are opening, in all of the food trucks.”

With that opportunity comes responsibility, and Bennett said the programs also teach safety and sustainability — using healthy and organic or non-genetically modified foods when it makes sense, and always putting health first.

“These are people who are choosing to master culinary and the culinary world,” Bennett said. “Because they are passionate about it, employers are happy to get them. They care about how a plate looks, how a sauce tastes, not just following what they are told to do. These are really creative people.”

Students also are taught business practices for those who want to start their own restaurant, food truck or home cake-decorating business. At the campus, students grow their own garden, compost and recycle.

“Responsible, good food, I would say,” Bennett added. “We want to teach the art and science of cooking, but also sustainable cooking, sustainable food practices and good nutrition.”

Starting January courses offered at the Maricopa campus will include Latin American cuisine and Asian cuisine, said Oralia Cardenas, chef and fellow culinary program coordinator. Both classes offer an education in how to cook among many ethnicities, from South American to Indian and Pilipino dishes. Another course features how to bake artisan breads.

“No other college offers pastry and baking like we do,” Cardenas said. “We are one of the few anywhere to teach these skills.”

While Cardenas offers experience in the savory aspects of culinary, Bennett brings an emphasis on baking and decorating, she said, providing a comprehensive opportunity.

***ADVERTISEMENT***The culinary program is expected to continue to expand in the future, with the high demand that has been filling classes.

“We saw changes start to happen eight or 10 years ago,” Cardenas said. “People didn’t just want to go out to eat; they wanted it to be professional. Today, people want good food; they want art on a plate.”

But, Bennett added, the stronger their program grows, the more good food the public can expect.

“I just see, the more people know about good food and food safety and nutrition, the better it drives expectations,” she said. “It raises expectations for restaurants and diners, and the public.”

Students offer catering services. They also regularly offer their cooking to a variety of school events and fundraisers.

Classes started Jan. 21 Certificate programs range from 16 to 25 credits, and an associate degree is 65.

CentralAZ.edu/culinary