Ta-Da!

Hey, and welcome to the “Grand Opening” of jeremycooks.com. I am not an expert at “blogging”, actually I have never blogged until we started this project, but I am sure I’ll get the hang of it. Let me explain how this works. On jeremycooks.com. you can follow me on my journey to becoming a chef. You can read my blog, get recipes, tips, watch videos and more. Each week a new tip or technique will be added. There will also be a “new” word of the day with it’s definition (you never know when it will come in handy). I will also be posting recipes. These will be dishes that I have recently made and will suggest you try them. Those things are currently up and running, but soon you can watch me on my Cookisodes™.

Cookisodes™ are webcasts of me out in the culinary world. Sometimes I will be cooking by myself preparing dishes that are simple to extraordinary. I will also be cooking with local and big name chefs (I cant give any names yet, it’s a surprise!) I will talk about everything culinary related: cookbooks, chefs, the Food Network, the difference between organic and regular eggs and so much more! As jeremycooks.com begins to grow we will be launching a global Teen Chef Network where you guys can talk to other teens that enjoy cooking as well.

I’m so happy this is up and running there are lots of things to come... so stay tuned. Keep on cooking!

C’est Si Bon Blog #1

Here in Chapel Hill North Carolina, (“The foodiest town in America”) is the extraordinary culinary school, C’est Si Bon! Two years ago in the summer of ’07 my parents and I came across an add for a cooking school that offered summer programs for teens. At first we thought it might be another attempt to teach kids how to make grilled cheese (I have nothing against grilled cheese, but come-on), however after checking them out and many conversations with Dorette (owner of the school and mentor of mine) we decided to give it a try. At the end of my one week there  (the name of the program is “‘Carolina on my Plate”) my whole perspective about food changed. Dorette and the local chefs in Chapel Hill are unique and inspirational. I learned to expand my culinary horizons, be creative, and understand that food is universal and brings everyone together.

With farms nearby and large leafy trees you definitely get a sense of comfort here in Chapel Hill. Every morning I wake up and get a rush of adrenaline to start the day. I can’t wait to work with the enthusiastic Kid Chefs (C’est Si Bon has a day program for kids and pre-teens) and the other interns. Now, if that’s how I feel every morning (this is my third year here) I can only imagine how Dorette and her husband Rich must feel after doing this for 12 years. Not only do they raise turkeys and chickens but they built their own brick oven ( we just cooked Grouper with a crab and jalapeno stuffing). They also have a wonderful herb garden and every time I pass by I’m always swept away by the scents of rosemary, sage, dill and lemon balm. When the Kid Chefs cook their not just boiling of pot of pasta and throwing some tomatoes in, they are leaning to create. They have recently cooked meals such as Spinach Gnudi Ravioli with basil béchamel and bittersweet chocolate, Rolled Turkey Scaloppini with prosciutto and pomegranate, and caramel gelato ( it's Italian week!).

After having a cup of iced coffee and feeding the turkeys with Dorette, words can’t describe how much I love it here. Each day I’m learning something new and my appreciation for food just keeps on growing. The Teen Chefs are arriving this Sunday, so the fun has only just begun.

When in doubt, eat apple pie

This is a short blog but I really wanted to share this experience with you. Its Tuesday, and it’s the second to last day of school. I was on the way home with my mom and I was on top of the world. When we arrived at our house we hit the garage button, but it didn’t seem to lift the door. So we decided to try it by hand, no luck. Well, we had no key to the front door and no one was around to help. We were locked out of the house, it was 100 degrees and I was missing Tyler’s Ultimate. After 25 long minutes we finally got in. Once inside I realized that the house was really hot, that meant one thing…..no power. (Florida thunderstorms).  Things soon became stressful. After sitting for a couple of minutes with my mom, she promptly stood up and walked around the corner into the kitchen. I wondered what she was doing. My mom returned with two forks in one hand and a plastic container in the other. In this container was the most beautiful, all-american, delectable…..Apple Pie ( last nights dessert). We didn’t say a word (we already knew what each other was thinking), we just took our forks and dug in. The creamy inside and spiced crunchy crust made us feel better. It was a great moment, just sitting in the house with my mom and a slice of apple pie. I thought about this situation and came to realize that even in the worst of time’s food can cure the moment and bring people together. After awhile the power went back on but it made me realize  that no matter where you are or who you are with, sitting down to good food and conversation is always the best medicine!