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Archive note: This page is retained for historical interest.
If you would like to know about our current courses please go to the Cordon
Vert pages |
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Based at Parkdale, it was in 1982 that The Vegetarian Society's pioneering Cordon Vert Cookery School first opened its doors. When it comes to vegetarian cuisine, there's nowhere better to come and learn. | |
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There had long been the realisation that in order for vegetarianism to achieve its full potential in the UK, both in the public and private realms, expert knowledge concerning the preparation of fantastic vegetarian food had to be made available to everyone -- top industry professionals and budding amateurs alike. The perfect solution was to provide a wealth of multi-level courses, covering cuisine from all over the world, delivered by
a team of highly experienced food professionals at the very headquarters of vegetarianism.
The Cordon Vert Cookery School was the perfect solution. A relaxed and friendly approach at the school ensures an atmosphere in which an individual's talent and creativity can be positively encouraged. |
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As the flagship of the school, the Cordon Vert runs a Diploma course, with qualifications widely recognised throughout the industry, qualifications which are absolutely invaluable to anybody planning a career in vegetarian catering.
The course consists of Foundations 1, 2, 3 and 4; each taking place over one week, Monday to Friday, where students can be either residential or non-residential. To achieve the full Diploma, all levels must be taken in sequence, over a period of time to suit the individual. |
As well as the very best tuition available, a relaxed and friendly atmosphere is always guaranteed at The Vegetarian Society's ground-breaking Cordon Vert Cookery School |
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It really is a course for all, where students receive a thorough grounding in a broad range of invaluable skills and techniques; practical cookery
tuition and experience; nutritional information and menu-planning advice; familiarity with the use and culinary properties of a wide range of foods;
and an introduction to the very best in international vegetarian cuisine.
The course builds from providing basic skills and nutritional information on Foundation 1, to Foundation 2, which extends these skills and develops creativity, while also introducing Chinese, Mexican and Indian vegetarian dishes. Foundation 3 is aimed at the more accomplished cook, offering further expert knowledge and experience of such things as advanced doughs and pastries and Greek, Italian and Far Eastern cuisine. Students who progress onto Foundation 4 are encouraged to develop their own initiative and creativity and be experimental. It also extends to include Californian and Spanish cooking, as well as advanced pastry techniques. Students also have to prepare a dinner party for three guests and submit a brief written thesis on a chosen vegetarian food topic, as well as undertaking a short written exam. Students are continually assessed on their practical skills and theoretical knowledge throughout the four stages of the Diploma. But the accent is well and truly on fun, enjoyment and the social aspects of the course, in a friendly atmosphere where students get to chat with like-minded people and sample the delicious fruits of their labours. |
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Other courses available at the Cordon Vert include day courses on gourmet and dinner parties, also Italian, Middle Eastern, Cajun, Caribbean,
Japanese, South East Asian and British cooking. Students are also taught how to prepare a range of breads and pastries, soups and sauces, as well as fabulous ideas for vegan dishes.
The delivery of these courses takes the form of interactive demonstrations, designed as 'leisure days' when students can relax, watch, learn and then taste the results, which are accompanied with a glass of fine veggie wine. Such courses are hugely popular, with those attending able to pick up many useful tips. |
| In addition, students can also take the opportunity to enjoy a weekend break at the school and learn. Topics covered include starting up a vegetarian food business, vegetarianism and alternative therapies, learning how to demonstrate vegetarian cooking, collecting naturally found ingredients and cooking Mediterranean or Far Eastern dishes. |
| By popular request the school has introduced a week-long holiday course, when guests can expand their repertoire of vegetarian dishes without the formality of the structured courses. Following a self-service breakfast cookery demonstration and practical tutoring session, a buffet lunch is taken. Afternoons are purposely left free and guests are encouraged to enjoy the very best of the North West's attractions and amenities, including shopping, museums, art galleries, stately homes, hill walking -- whatever they like. |
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In 1999 renovation work was finally completed which has resulted in a comprehensive revamp of the entire cookery school, creating an ultra-modern, bright spacious and user-friendly facility, equipped throughout with the state-of-the-art. Many companies generously donated equipment and cookery ware to show their support.
The Cordon Vert Cookery School continues to go from strength to strength, with courses proving to be in big demand and very good value for money. The school also provides first class en-suite accommodation in the form of 12 rooms (one-twin; three-double; and eight-single) and the site offers convenient access by public or private transportation, located as it is in rural Cheshire, right in the centre of the country. The school continues to reflect current trends in vegetarian world cuisine, with ideas that are fresh and innovative. Graduates from the school take with them a life-enhancing, practical understanding of just what excellent vegetarian food is all about. The results of which are to be found in top restaurants, public eateries and homes all over the country. Importantly the Cordon Vert is a very special seat of learning, offering something for anyone interested in learning how to prepare excellent vegetarian dishes. Those interested in taking part in any of these enjoyable and invaluable courses should contact The Vegetarian Society for further details.
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information about courses and bookings is at: www.vegsoc.org/cordonvert |
| www.vegsoc.org/21cv : 21st Century Vegetarian |