A day in the life of a professional: Cooking is fun
Celebrated food vlogger, Sweet Adjeley (Marklina Naa Adjeley Quaye) shares with the Junior Graphic what it takes to be a chef.
Who is a chef?
A chef is someone who is skilled and trained to prepare foods in a hotel or restaurant. He or she is normally the one who manages the kitchen of the restaurant or hotel. They may also have a private catering business, where they cater for parties and special occasions.
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What should a child interested in cooking do?
I believe that if you are a child and interested in cooking - the best place to grow that interest is with your parents. When you see your parents cooking, be there to help, in so doing you would learn more and the kitchen becomes a fun place for you, rather than it being a chore it would become a hobby.
What courses should a student pursue?
In Ghana, you should be considering Home Economics for Senior High School. Some of the technical universities in Ghana offer Cookery as an elective course.
Tell us about a day in the life of a chef
I am currently not working as a chef. But a chef is in charge of the kitchen in restaurants or other places where food is served. He or she watches all activities and food preparation with any staff that would assist in the kitchen.
He or she supervises the preparation of food for its garnishing and presentation, as well as the seasonings for a perfect taste. A chef orders food or kitchen supplies and provides cost estimates to the employer. He or she monitors any staff requirements and production schedules to be sure any service is delivered on time.
What are the job prospects?
There are many restaurants, hotels, pubs, food joints, schools, and other institutions that need the services of chefs. I believe it has a very good job prospect.
Why would you recommend it?
If you have a passion for the food industry, I would highly recommend it because it is a very fulfilling job and a highly respected one as well. The joy a person feels when they see the pleasant look on people’s faces while they enjoy a meal they’ve prepared is priceless.
Gone are the days when girls were made fun of for taking Home Economics. Remember, every president eats, every doctor eats, every lawyer eats, every judge eats and every being eats… So if you are a young lady or young man who is interested in this field, I’ll urge you to go for it.
Briefly tell us about yourself
I’m a 42-year-old mother and wife. My passion for food started as a young girl growing up in La, Accra. I attended Tema Secondary School where I studied Home Economics and furthered my education at the New York Restaurant School where I studied Culinary Arts. I now live in New Jersey with my husband and three beautiful children. I thank God for how far He’s taken me.
What other projects are you involved in?
I have produced my own brand of spices: All-Purpose Seasoning, Kelewele Seasoning, and Natural Spice Mix. There are other projects that I will be announcing pretty soon. I will encourage you reading to follow me on all social media platforms so you are the first to hear it when I announce new projects at Sweet Adjeley.
I would like to share this Bible Scripture that has been an encouragement to me since I was young: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 and remember to be you and never stop working at your dreams. Listen to mummy and daddy as they guide you to becoming an amazing adult.
