You will prepare hot and cold sandwiches, fruits, salads and salad dressings as used in health care settings.

The course introduces the fundamental principles and methods that are the foundation of cooking in health care settings. You will study the major cooking methods and preliminary seasonings, flavoring, cooking, mise en place, and pre-preparation techniques as used in health care settings. You will learn the principles and procedures for the safe handling of tools and equipment and the principles of safety.

You will learn how to adapt menus to incorporate Indigenous, regional and cultural food practices.

You will learn cooking techniques for potatoes, vegetables, starches, and pasta as used in health care settings. You will use a variety of cooking techniques to prepare meals using these ingredients.

You will learn volume cooking and service techniques for soups and sauces. You will create a variety of soups and sauces as used in health care settings.

You will be introduced to the principles of human nutrition. Your studies will include how macronutrient intakes affect energy intake and overall health.

You will plan special events involving food service suitable for health care settings. This will include a catering function.

You will learn the procedures necessary to manage a kitchen in a health care setting. Your studies will include purchasing and inventory functions in a health care setting. You will also study the process of preparing and delivering food services off site (Meals on Wheels) and you will have an opportunity to plan and schedule staff and other functions. You will understand the principles of cook/chill and re-therming foods.

You will gain an understanding of the procedures related to safety in a professional kitchen. This will include the handling of workplace hazardous materials. You will learn how to prepare foods for customers while avoiding injury to yourself and your colleagues.

You will learn sanitary food handling techniques that reduce the risk of food poisoning. You will develop management skills and tools to foster a culture of food safety.

You will prepare breakfast and dairy products as used in health care settings. This includes cooking eggs using a variety of methods, preparing omelets, frittatas, pancakes, waffles and French toast, and cooking breakfast meats and potatoes.

You will prepare a variety of meals and food items appropriate for a short order cooking environment. You will integrate a wide range of skills you have learned in previous courses.

You will prepare foods in quantity. You will perform in a safe manner and comply with sanitation legislation as used in health care settings. You will be required to adhere to portion and quality controls for all types of food preparation.

You will learn cooking and service techniques for meat, poultry, fish, and seafood as used in health care settings. You will use a variety of cooking techniques to prepare meals using these meats.

You will examine the unique inner workings of health care facilities and how they operate with focus on Lean concepts, mental health, safety and security, policy and procedure development, and meetings.

You will learn about various disease states and their required specialized diets and apply menu modification techniques.

Building on the skills you developed in Special Diets 1, you will continue to learn about various disease states and required specialised diets and apply menu modification techniques.

You will learn the basic principles of menu planning and standardizing recipes as a tool for maintaining quality, controlling production, and simplifying purchasing. You will also plan various types of menus.

You will be introduced to the principles and procedures of preparing various yeast doughs, pastries, quick breads, pies, and pie fillings. You will prepare quick breads, pie fillings, baked and unbaked pies, and assorted cakes and cookies, as well as a variety of bakery products as used in health care settings.

You will learn strategies and skills needed to be successful in today’s job market, as well as develop a resume and apply job search skills relevant to the field of food services and hospitality. You will also explore effective customer service in the food service industry.

You will gain experience through on the job training in a healthcare food service facility. You will have the opportunity to observe and participate in the workplace and practice skills you have acquired throughout the HCC program.