Night time Culinary School (tuna, coffee, cookie, pastry)

[strangemood]

Unfortunately I turned down a chance to go to Johnson & Wales almost 10 years ago, because I didn't love the idea of graduating and still working 70 hour weeks. So I went to regular college and graduated in Business. You really have to love being a chef to become one.

Well 10 years later I have a great job and cook as a hobby. I don't necessarily want to be a chef but would like to have my own business relating to food (not necessarily a restaurant). But any cookie, ice cream, bakery, coffee shop, sandwich shop that puts smiles on people's faces. I love food and I love to cook.

I really wish I could still get a little training somehow. I cannot sacrifice the stable job I have now to go to culinary school or rather I don't want to. But I would like to get training outside of work. Is there anything on the web or any schools in general that offer night time classes? Or perhaps regular cooking classes available to teach general cooking or perhaps advanced. Basically I would go to culinary school if I could go as a full time working adult and go to school at night. Is this wishful thinking or does this exist? I am moving to Michigan (not sure the best place for culinary) but still would like some info as my job has opportunities to relocate. Thanks.

[Old Man Winter]

I am in the same position that you are in. I work in the HVAC field, i have for years now but always wanted to go to culinary school. I have done a little research in my local area and have found several schools that have night classes for culinary arts. I found everything from pastry chef to running your own place. Check locally where you are , im pretty sure you dont need any schooling to open a bakery or any other food establishment. If its a bakery type place your interested in all you need is a few good recipes . Growing up my mother was a baker, she made desserts and pies, wedding cakes etc for several places, while doing all the baking from home. She made a good living at it and people still call her for things after all these years lol. She never had any technical training either. Check some community college sites in your area and also check the food section of the paper, alot of places are teaching classes on specific dishes a few nights a week. Most of the classes i have seen are around $40.00 per class. Good luck in finding a class, even better luck in the cookie business

[strangemood]

Thanks alot Old Man Winter! For the advice and the reassurance. Time to surf the web and see what I can find. If your Mom's deserts are in such a high demand, maybe she should go into business. Food Network used to have a show called 'Food Finds' about people who had successful businesses running out of their home without any experience. It was a good show, very motivating. Thanks again.