---
name: cooking-teacher
description: |
  Comprehensive cooking education system covering essential kitchen skills including knife techniques, heat management, seasoning principles (salt, acid, fat, heat), mother sauces, core cooking methods, food safety temperatures, and strategies for timing multiple dishes. Structured as progressive lessons from beginner to advanced.
  Use when the user asks about cooking teacher, or needs help with comprehensive cooking education system covering essential kitchen skills including knife techniques, heat management, seasoning principles (salt, acid, fat, heat), mother sauces, core cooking methods, food safety temperatures, and strategies for timing multiple dishes.
  Do NOT use when the request requires professional specialized advice or falls outside the scope of cooking teacher.
license: Apache-2.0
metadata:
  author: foundry-skills
  version: "1.0.0"
  tags: "cooking meal-planning guide"
  category: "home-household"
  subcategory: "cooking-meals"
  depends: ""
  disclaimer: "none"
  difficulty: "intermediate"
---

# Cooking Technique Teacher

## When to Use

**Use this skill when:**
- User asks about cooking teacher
- User needs guidance on cooking teacher topics
- User wants a structured approach to cooking teacher

**Do NOT use when:**
- Request requires professional consultation beyond educational guidance
- User needs emergency assistance

## Questions to Ask the User First

```
COOKING SKILL ASSESSMENT
===========================

1. EXPERIENCE LEVEL:
   [ ] Complete beginner (never cooked beyond basics)
   [ ] Novice (can follow simple recipes)
   [ ] Intermediate (comfortable with most home cooking)
   [ ] Advanced (looking to refine technique)

2. WHAT DO YOU WANT TO LEARN?
   [ ] Knife skills
   [ ] Understanding heat and when to use it
   [ ] Seasoning and flavor building
   [ ] Specific cooking methods (which: ___)
   [ ] Sauce making
   [ ] Food safety
   [ ] Timing multiple dishes
   [ ] Baking fundamentals
   [ ] Specific cuisine (which: ___)
   [ ] General confidence improvement

3. KITCHEN EQUIPMENT:
   [ ] Chef's knife     [ ] Cutting board
   [ ] Skillets/pans    [ ] Saucepans
   [ ] Sheet pans       [ ] Oven
   [ ] Thermometer      [ ] Mixing bowls
   [ ] Blender          [ ] Food processor
   [ ] Stand mixer      [ ] Dutch oven
   [ ] Cast iron        [ ] Other: ___

4. COOKING SITUATION:
   - Cooking for: ___ people
   - Meals per week you cook: ___
   - Biggest cooking frustration: ___
   - A dish you wish you could make well: ___

5. LEARNING STYLE:
   [ ] Step-by-step instructions
   [ ] Understanding the "why" behind techniques
   [ ] Practice exercises and drills
   [ ] Quick reference guides
```

## Knife Skills

### Essential Knife Types

| Knife | Size | Primary Use |
|-------|------|-------------|
| Chef's knife | 8-10 inches | The workhorse; 90% of cutting tasks |
| Paring knife | 3-4 inches | Small precision work, peeling, trimming |
| Serrated/bread knife | 8-10 inches | Bread, tomatoes, delicate items |
| Santoku | 5-7 inches | Alternative to chef's knife (Asian style) |

### How to Hold a Chef's Knife

```
THE PINCH GRIP (correct technique)
=====================================
1. Pinch the blade just above the heel (where blade meets handle)
   between thumb and the side of your index finger
2. Wrap remaining three fingers around the handle
3. Your thumb and index finger should be ON the blade, not the handle

This gives maximum control and reduces fatigue.

THE GUIDE HAND (non-cutting hand)
===================================
1. Curl fingers into a "claw" shape
2. Tuck fingertips BEHIND knuckles
3. Knuckles guide the blade (blade rests against knuckles)
4. Thumb tucked behind fingers
5. The blade never rises above your knuckles

SAFETY RULE: A sharp knife is safer than a dull one.
A dull knife requires more force and is more likely to slip.
```

### Core Cutting Techniques

**Slice:** Smooth forward-and-down motion through the ingredient

**Dice:**
```
STANDARD DICE SIZES
=====================
Brunoise:       1/8 inch cubes (fine garnish)
Small dice:     1/4 inch cubes (soups, sauces)
Medium dice:    1/2 inch cubes (general cooking)
Large dice:     3/4 inch cubes (stews, roasting)

HOW TO DICE AN ONION:
1. Cut in half through the root (leave root intact)
2. Peel the skin
3. Make horizontal cuts toward the root (don't cut through)
4. Make vertical cuts toward the root (don't cut through)
5. Slice across to release diced pieces
6. Discard root end
```

**Mince:** Very fine, irregular pieces (garlic, herbs, ginger)

**Julienne:** Matchstick cuts, approximately 1/8 x 1/8 x 2 inches

**Chiffonade:** Stack leaves, roll tightly, slice into thin ribbons (basil, spinach)

### Knife Practice Exercises

```
KNIFE SKILLS PRACTICE PLAN
=============================
Week 1: Practice slicing
  - Slice 2 onions into even rounds
  - Slice 3 carrots into even coins
  - Goal: Even thickness, steady rhythm

Week 2: Practice dicing
  - Dice 3 onions (small dice)
  - Dice 2 bell peppers
  - Goal: Consistent cube sizes

Week 3: Practice mincing
  - Mince 1 head of garlic
  - Mince a bunch of parsley
  - Mince 2 inches of ginger
  - Goal: Very fine, even pieces

Week 4: Speed and confidence
  - Repeat weeks 1-3 focusing on efficiency
  - Time yourself (track improvement)
  - Goal: Smooth, confident motion
```

## Heat Management

### Understanding Heat Levels

| Heat Level | Skillet Cue | Temperature | Use For |
|-----------|------------|-------------|---------|
| Low | Barely warm to touch near surface | 200-275F | Melting, sweating, gentle simmering |
| Medium-low | Light sizzle when food added | 275-325F | Sweating onions, slow cooking, reducing |
| Medium | Steady sizzle, oil shimmers | 325-375F | Most sauteing, pancakes |
| Medium-high | Active sizzle, slight smoke | 375-425F | Searing, browning, stir-frying |
| High | Oil smokes, instant sizzle | 425-500F | Searing steaks, wok cooking |

### The Maillard Reaction (Why Browning = Flavor)

```
THE MAILLARD REACTION
=======================
What: Chemical reaction between amino acids and sugars at high heat
When: Occurs at temperatures above 280F (137C)
Result: Complex flavors, aromas, and brown color

HOW TO ACHIEVE GOOD BROWNING:
  1. Surface must be DRY (pat proteins dry with paper towels)
  2. Pan must be HOT (preheat before adding food)
  3. Do NOT overcrowd the pan (moisture steams instead of browns)
  4. Do NOT move food too frequently (let it sit and develop crust)
  5. Use high smoke-point oil (avocado, vegetable, grapeseed)

OVERCROWDING TEST:
  Can you see the bottom of the pan between pieces of food?
  YES -> Good, food will brown
  NO  -> Too crowded, food will steam. Cook in batches.
```

### Smoke Points of Common Oils

| Oil | Smoke Point | Best For |
|-----|------------|---------|
| Extra virgin olive oil | 375F | Low-medium heat, dressings, finishing |
| Butter | 350F | Low-medium heat, sauces, baking |
| Coconut oil | 350F | Medium heat, baking |
| Vegetable/canola oil | 400F | All-purpose cooking |
| Grapeseed oil | 420F | High-heat sauteing, searing |
| Avocado oil | 520F | Very high heat, searing, grilling |
| Ghee (clarified butter) | 485F | High heat with butter flavor |
| Peanut oil | 450F | Deep frying, stir-frying |

### Pan Selection by Technique

| Pan | Best For | Why |
|-----|---------|-----|
| Stainless steel | Searing, deglazing, sauces | Develops fond (brown bits), non-reactive |
| Cast iron | Searing, baking, frying | Excellent heat retention, goes oven to stove |
| Non-stick | Eggs, fish, delicate items | Low-stick, easy cleanup |
| Carbon steel | Stir-frying, crepes, searing | Heats fast, develops seasoning like cast iron |
| Enameled Dutch oven | Braising, soups, stews, bread | Even heat, retains moisture, goes stovetop to oven |

## Seasoning Principles (Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat)

Based on Samin Nosrat's framework, these are the four elements of good cooking:

### Salt

```
SALT GUIDELINES
================
WHEN TO SALT:
  - Season proteins at least 30-60 min before cooking (or just before)
    The worst time: 5-10 min before (draws out moisture that hasn't reabsorbed)
  - Salt pasta water generously ("like the sea")
  - Salt vegetables early in cooking to draw out moisture and soften
  - Taste and adjust at every stage, not just at the end

HOW MUCH:
  - Start with less; you can always add more
  - Roughly 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt per pound of meat
  - Pasta water: 1-2 tablespoons per gallon

TYPES OF SALT:
  - Table salt: Fine, strong, use less; has iodine
  - Kosher salt: Larger crystals, easier to pinch; chef standard
    (Note: Diamond Crystal and Morton Kosher have different density)
  - Flaky salt (Maldon): Finishing salt, texture and crunch
  - Sea salt: Minerals, subtle flavor; good for finishing

1 tsp table salt = 1.5 tsp Morton kosher = 2 tsp Diamond Crystal kosher
```

### Fat

```
FAT FUNCTIONS IN COOKING
===========================
1. HEAT TRANSFER: Conducts heat evenly for browning and crisping
2. FLAVOR CARRIER: Dissolves fat-soluble flavor compounds
3. TEXTURE: Creates crispness, flakiness, creaminess, richness
4. MOISTURE: Prevents food from drying out during cooking
5. MOUTHFEEL: Provides satisfaction and richness

CHOOSING FATS:
  For high heat: avocado oil, ghee, vegetable oil
  For medium heat: olive oil, butter, coconut oil
  For flavor: butter, olive oil, sesame oil, bacon fat
  For baking: butter (flavor + structure), oil (moisture)
  For dressings: olive oil, nut oils, sesame oil
```

### Acid

```
ACID IN COOKING
=================
PURPOSE: Brightens flavors, cuts richness, provides balance

COMMON ACIDS:
  Citrus juice (lemon, lime, orange)
  Vinegar (red wine, apple cider, balsamic, rice, sherry)
  Wine (white, red)
  Tomatoes
  Yogurt / buttermilk
  Fermented foods (kimchi, sauerkraut)

WHEN TO ADD:
  - At the END of cooking to brighten (squeeze of lemon)
  - During cooking for depth (wine, tomatoes)
  - In marinades to tenderize (citrus, vinegar - limit time)
  - In dressings as the base (vinegar or citrus)

THE "SOMETHING'S MISSING" FIX:
  If a dish tastes flat or heavy, 9 times out of 10 it needs either:
  1. More salt, OR
  2. A splash of acid (lemon juice, vinegar)
  Try acid first - it often solves the problem instantly.
```

### Heat

```
HEAT DECISIONS
================
The type and amount of heat determines texture, color, and flavor.

GENTLE HEAT (low and slow):
  Produces: Tenderness, melting, soft textures
  Methods: Braise, poach, simmer, slow-roast
  Best for: Tough cuts, eggs, delicate fish, sauces

MODERATE HEAT (medium):
  Produces: Even cooking, moderate browning
  Methods: Saute, standard roast, bake, pan-fry
  Best for: Most everyday cooking

INTENSE HEAT (high and fast):
  Produces: Browning, crust, caramelization, charring
  Methods: Sear, grill, broil, deep-fry, stir-fry
  Best for: Steaks, vegetables for char, crispy textures

RULE: Tough cuts need low and slow. Tender cuts need hot and fast.
```

## The Five French Mother Sauces

All classical French sauces derive from these five bases:

### 1. Bechamel (White Sauce)

```
BECHAMEL
=========
Base: Butter + Flour + Milk

1. Melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat
2. Add 2 tbsp flour, whisk constantly for 1-2 min (makes a roux)
3. Slowly pour in 2 cups warm milk, whisking constantly
4. Cook until thickened (coats the back of a spoon), 5-7 min
5. Season with salt, white pepper, pinch of nutmeg

DERIVATIVES: Mornay (+ cheese), Soubise (+ onion), Mustard sauce
USES: Mac and cheese, lasagna, gratins, cream soups
```

### 2. Veloute (Blond Sauce)

```
VELOUTE
========
Base: Butter + Flour + Light Stock (chicken, fish, or veal)

Same technique as bechamel but substitute stock for milk.
Results in a lighter, more savory sauce.

DERIVATIVES: Allemande (+ egg yolk + cream), Supr-me (+ cream),
  Bercy (+ shallots + white wine)
USES: Pot pie, chicken dishes, seafood
```

### 3. Espagnole (Brown Sauce)

```
ESPAGNOLE
==========
Base: Brown Roux + Brown Stock + Mirepoix + Tomato

1. Cook mirepoix (onion, carrot, celery) until browned
2. Make a dark roux (cook butter + flour until deeply browned)
3. Add brown stock (beef or veal) gradually
4. Add tomato paste and bay leaf
5. Simmer 45-60 min, strain

DERIVATIVE: Demi-glace (espagnole + brown stock, reduced by half)
USES: Rich meat sauces, formal dinner sauces
```

### 4. Tomato Sauce

```
TOMATO SAUCE (French Mother)
==============================
Base: Pork/Stock + Tomatoes + Roux + Aromatics

1. Render salt pork or bacon
2. Saute mirepoix
3. Add tomatoes (fresh or canned), stock, and herbs
4. Simmer 45 min - 1 hour
5. Blend or pass through strainer

DERIVATIVES: Creole, Marinara (Italian adaptation), Portuguese
USES: Pasta, braised dishes, as a base for countless sauces
```

### 5. Hollandaise

```
HOLLANDAISE
=============
Base: Egg Yolks + Butter + Lemon (an emulsion)

1. Whisk 3 egg yolks + 1 tbsp water in bowl over simmering water
2. Whisk constantly until thick and pale (ribbon stage)
3. Remove from heat
4. SLOWLY drizzle in 1/2 cup melted clarified butter while whisking
5. Season with lemon juice, salt, cayenne

DERIVATIVES: Bearnaise (+ tarragon + shallot reduction),
  Choron (+ tomato), Mousseline (+ whipped cream)
USES: Eggs Benedict, asparagus, fish, vegetables

TROUBLESHOOTING:
  Broken/separated? Add 1 tsp cold water and whisk vigorously.
  Too thick? Add a few drops of warm water.
  Won't thicken? Heat is too low; increase slightly.
```

## Core Cooking Methods

### Dry Heat Methods

| Method | How | Temperature | Time | Result |
|--------|-----|------------|------|--------|
| Saute | Small amount of oil, high heat, toss/stir | Med-High | 3-10 min | Browned, tender |
| Pan-fry | Moderate oil, medium heat | Medium | 5-15 min | Golden crust |
| Deep-fry | Submerged in oil | 350-375F | 2-8 min | Crispy all around |
| Roast | Dry oven heat, open pan | 350-450F | 20-120 min | Caramelized exterior |
| Bake | Dry oven heat | 300-400F | Varies | Even, gentle cooking |
| Broil | Radiant heat from above | 500F+ | 2-10 min | Charred top |
| Grill | Radiant heat from below | High | 5-20 min | Char marks, smoky |

### Moist Heat Methods

| Method | How | Temperature | Time | Result |
|--------|-----|------------|------|--------|
| Boil | Full rolling boil | 212F | Varies | Fast cooking (pasta, potatoes) |
| Simmer | Gentle bubbles | 185-205F | 15-180 min | Gentle cooking (soups, sauces) |
| Poach | Barely bubbling | 160-180F | 5-20 min | Very gentle (eggs, fish) |
| Steam | Over boiling water, covered | 212F | 5-15 min | Retains nutrients, no added fat |
| Braise | Sear then cook in liquid, covered | 300-325F | 2-4 hours | Transforms tough cuts |

## Food Safety Temperatures

### Internal Temperature Reference

| Food | Safe Internal Temperature | Notes |
|------|-------------------------|-------|
| Poultry (all) | 165F (74C) | Breast, thigh, ground, stuffing |
| Ground beef/pork/lamb | 160F (71C) | No pink center |
| Beef steaks/roasts | 145F (63C) + 3 min rest | 130F medium-rare, 140F medium |
| Pork chops/roasts | 145F (63C) + 3 min rest | Slightly pink center is safe |
| Fish | 145F (63C) | Flakes easily with fork |
| Eggs | Cook until firm | 160F for dishes with eggs |
| Leftovers | 165F (74C) | When reheating |
| Casseroles | 165F (74C) | Internal temperature |

### The Danger Zone
- Temperature range: 40F-140F (4C-60C)
- Maximum time food should spend in danger zone: 2 hours (1 hour if above 90F ambient)
- "When in doubt, throw it out"

## Timing Multiple Dishes

### The Backward Planning Method

```
TIMING MULTIPLE DISHES
========================

Step 1: Set your TARGET SERVING TIME: ___:___

Step 2: List every dish and its cook time:
  Dish 1: _____________ Total time: ___ min
  Dish 2: _____________ Total time: ___ min
  Dish 3: _____________ Total time: ___ min
  Dish 4: _____________ Total time: ___ min

Step 3: Work BACKWARD from serving time:
  Serving:    ___:___
  Dish 1 start: Serving time - ___ min = ___:___
  Dish 2 start: Serving time - ___ min = ___:___
  Dish 3 start: Serving time - ___ min = ___:___
  Dish 4 start: Serving time - ___ min = ___:___

Step 4: Create your timeline:
  ___:___  Preheat oven to ___F
  ___:___  Start _______________ (longest cooking item)
  ___:___  Prep _______________ while that cooks
  ___:___  Start _______________
  ___:___  Start _______________
  ___:___  Start _______________ (quickest item)
  ___:___  Everything rests/plates
  ___:___  SERVE

KEY PRINCIPLES:
  - Start the longest-cooking item first
  - Do prep work while things cook
  - Items that hold well (braises, roasted veg) can finish early
  - Items that must be fresh (sauteed veg, steaks) cook last
  - Build in 5-10 min buffer for resting and plating
```

### Holding Temperatures
- Cooked proteins: can rest in 170F oven for 20-30 min
- Roasted vegetables: hold well at 200F for up to 30 min
- Sauces: keep warm on lowest heat
- Bread: can warm in oven for last 5 minutes
- Salads and cold items: prepare first, refrigerate, dress at service

## Quick Reference: Common Cooking Mistakes

| Mistake | Why It Happens | Fix |
|---------|---------------|-----|
| Meat not browning | Pan too cold, too crowded, surface wet | Preheat pan, dry protein, cook in batches |
| Sauce too thin | Not enough reduction or thickener | Simmer longer, add slurry (cornstarch + cold water) |
| Pasta sticking | Not enough water, not stirred initially | Use large pot, stir within first 2 minutes |
| Vegetables mushy | Overcooked, boiled instead of roasted | Cook less, use higher heat, keep some bite |
| Bland food | Under-seasoned | Salt at every stage; finish with acid |
| Burned garlic | Added too early or heat too high | Add garlic late (1 min before liquid), lower heat |
| Rice mushy | Too much water, stirred too often | Measure precisely, don't peek, let rest 5 min |
| Eggs rubbery | Heat too high | Use low-medium heat for eggs; patience |


## Output Format

```
COOKING TEACHER OUTPUT
======================

Section 1: Assessment / Analysis
- Key findings
- Recommendations

Section 2: Action Plan
- Step-by-step guidance
- Timeline if applicable

Section 3: Resources
- Relevant references
- Next steps
```

## Example

**Input:** "Help me get started with cooking teacher"

**Output:** A structured cooking teacher plan tailored to the user's specific situation, following the process outlined above.

## Edge Cases

- **Incomplete information:** Ask clarifying questions before proceeding. Do not assume details the user has not provided.
- **Out of scope requests:** Redirect to appropriate professional resources when the request exceeds educational guidance.
- **Conflicting requirements:** Present trade-offs clearly and let the user decide priorities.
