2012 was the first year that I stood up in front of people and cooked something. I did two demos that year and cooked different dishes at each one. They both went well; I didn’t trip up, forget anything or burn myself so I’d call it a roaring success. There was a little incident with some beetroot juice but the less said about that the better. This year I had three cookery demonstrations planned in all at different food festivals: Eat Reading, Petersfield and Newbury. So after cooking in front of a crowd five times I thought it would be useful to pass on what I’ve learnt.
- First and most importantly cook something that you like and that you are passionate about. This is for two reasons: you will cook it better and you can talk about it with ease.
- Practice, practice, practice. It’s amazing how much longer or shorter something takes outside than inside. For example it can take an age to bring a pan of water to boil on a gas hob with the wind blowing. If you are well rehearsed then if something doesn’t go quite to plan you won’t panic.
- Take notes with you that you can refer to. I would have forgotten to add some ingredients if I didn’t have my notes to remind me!
- Think about some interesting things you can talk about. You need some facts or stories to fill in the gaps between boiling, chopping or grating otherwise you’ll just be standing in silence.
- Get the audience involved; talk to them, ask them questions. In my experience it’s far more enjoyable for the audience and you if you engage with them.
- Make sure you know what equipment is provided and what you might need to bring yourself. It’s remarkable how many times I could have been short of a peeler if I hadn’t taken one just in case!
- Relax. I just think that I’m in my own kitchen showing a friend how to cook something. If you’re calm and relaxed you’ll enjoy yourself much more.
I always get really nervous before I start cooking so this year I cooked the same dishes for every demo I did; it got easier every time I cooked it. The time seems to fly by and at the end I have no idea where the last 30 minutes went, what happened or what I said but the food always gets eaten up and a few members of the audience come and ask questions which is always nice. If you’re thinking of doing a demo yourself I hope the above will be helpful information; you never know unless you try.
I love cooking but would not have your confidence to rustle up something in front of a crowd, so kudos to you!
Its all about practice and experiences. You are certainly doing very well. Thumbs up.
I love that you are doing this – go you!!
I’ve done one cooking demonstration before and wish I had had some of this advice!
I’ve never done a cooking demo, or even thought about it. And I doubt if I’d ever do one, but these are great tips. Sounds like you’ve had a lot of fun – I hope you get to do more!
Great job, Caroline! Do video it down sometime and show it us!
Very good tips and lots of them I use myself when teaching. Involving the audience or learners for me, is a big part of it and I always have extra things prepared in case things move along too swiftly. I hope to do some demos in Surrey either this or next year but think they may be on a smaller scale than yours!
I so wouldn’t have the confidence to do this! well done
Cooking and baking, I think I’m good at. But cooking in front of a crowd is a different story! Seems like you’re a natural and did a great job! Thank you for sharing your tips.
Scary Mary! To cook and talk at the same time! I mean I can do this but usually it’s not interesting stuff. Usually to my teenagers and it’s them that is doing all the talking.
I’m full of admiration, would be scared silly standing up and cooking in front of an audience – well done!
You are SO cute! Thanks for all the demo tips
You sound like a natural to me Caroline! No evidence of being nervous or stressed. Well done!
awesome job! I totally admire your courage – you are such a natural!
AWESOME! This is fabulous, Caroline!