Culinarians Day a feast of cooking history
July 25 annually is observed as Culinarians Day. It is to honor cooks and chefs. Who is a culinarian? It is someone who cooking and serving food is both a science and an art. This includes cooks, bakers, and all staff who prepare meals in restaurants. While I do not fit this category I do love food and the work culinarians’ create.
Cooking began in a far more humble way than we think of it today. The beginning of culinary arts can be seen as when someone place a slab of meat on fire. The first chefs were employed by kings, nobleman, and priest households. Poorer classes prepared their meals for their families. Class differences in cooking contributed to the emergence of a diverse range of cuisines. Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin pioneered the culinary arts in Europe. Gastronomy and the scientific study of food have been used to elaborate on his ideas. A similar study and progression was followed in Asia. At the end of the Renaissance culinary arts began to expand in the Western world. In 1879 the Boston Cooking School opened its doors. It was America’s first specific cooking school. Culinarians Day can be celebrated by anyone who enjoys cooking or eating! Here are few ways you can celebrate.
Eat at your favorite restaurant. What better way to celebrate then to enjoy good food. We have many wonderful local restaurants that would love to serve you today. If you are feeling really creative yourself you can even send a thank-you note. We have card making classes that can help you create card or give you inspiration to create something new. A culinarian would appreciate your creative thank you since they are most likely art lovers as well.
Cook for someone else. We have a large collection of cookbooks. We have over 700 cookbooks in our collection. They include many different types of cultures and diets. We should have something for everyone. We also have databases that can help you find recipes from all over the world. A to Z World Food lets you explore recipes and food culture in countries around the world. This database can be access from anywhere with an internet connection, and your library card number. We also have A to Z world Food America. This database has up to date information about the American Cuisine, including recipes, history, and collection of rare cookbooks.
Watch a cooking show. You might ask how the library can help with this. We actually have several options when it comes to this. We have a kit with book and DVD on the cooking basics: what everyone should know. We also have several other DVDs about cooking you can enjoy year round.
Try our spice club. Did you know we have a spice club? We have kits that each month feature a new spice. In the kit you will receive the spice along with suggested recipes to try at home. Then watch on Facebook the history and more ways to use the spice. We are hoping to create this experience in person. The goal is to partner with local restaurants to feature spices from their dishes and highlight their talent. If you own a restaurant and would like to partner with us please reach out to me at the library. You can call me at 575-885-6776 or by email at sejones@cityofcarlsbadnm.com.
Sarah Jones is the Carlsbad Public Library executive director. Sarah can be reached by phone 575-885-6776 or by email at sejones@cityofcarlsbadnm.com. Visit the Carlsbad Public Library website at https://cityofcarlsbadnm.com/departments/carlsbad-public-library/.
This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: Culinarians Day a feast of cooking history
