Case Studies
Jenny Haigh
Jul
Jenny Haigh attended our Six-Month Diploma Course in 2014. Since she graduated, Jenny has been working as a freelance chef. She is very busy and always travelling but she managed to find time to answer some questions about her time at Edinburgh New Town Cookery School and to tell us what she has been doing since she left. To contact Jenny visit her website www.jennyhaigh.co.uk or Instagram page www.instagram.com/jenifersfood
Where did your passion for food start?
I didn’t realise at the time, but it was always there. I still have my recipe book from early school years and I remember distinctly being taught to lightly rub in the butter and flour to make a crumble at 11years old and the pride at taking it home.
At University, I would buy cheaper meats and fish. stuffing rainbow trout with bulghar wheat and herbs … seems relatively normal now but that was 1994.. houmous had barely made it here.
I travelled around the world, and my passion grew as each new country brought different inspirations…Canada’s Asian influences, New Zealand’s clean food, all the European melting pots and the spices of the Caribbean.
What encouraged you to follow your passion and undertake professional training?
I had taken myself as far as I could go on my own, I needed to go back to the basics to be able to create my own dishes instead of recipe following. To do this I needed to understand the roots of food and cookery
Why did you choose Edinburgh New Town Cookery School?
It is important to have a recognised qualification and the Edinburgh New Cookery School has a very good reputation. Fiona’s background and experience managing Leith’s Cookery School was a big influence on my decision. I wanted the classic French curriculum that Leith’s provided, however I felt the smaller classes and one to one attention that ENTCS could provide would more suit my needs. I have always liked Edinburgh and I felt that I could live here after the course if the opportunity presented itself, which it did!
What aspects of cookery inspire you?
I love the combination of creativity and organisation. The seasonality and quality of food here in Scotland is unique and I think provides some of the best food in the world.
The feedback from clients is very important to me as well as the inspiration through their ideas and needs.
What are the top things you learned whilst at ENTCS that have been most useful?
The things I learned pop into my mind constantly, I can hear the teacher’s comments and tips as I cook.
Learning the basics meant that I understand why things happen and therefore how to prevent and fix problems as I go.
Top things
Red wine reduction – I make a mean one.
Pastry – it’s so simple once you know how…
Time management and organisation – those day plans really make sure you can produce great food ON TIME with a clean station/kitchen/sink.
The importance of being and looking professional at all times.
Bread – any type anywhere!
Fish filleting and meat filleting – so often you are given a piece of meat or fish by your boss or a client and you need to know what you are doing.
So many more things, I could write a book!
Where has your career led you?
I now travel all over Scotland working in lodges and private houses. I work for a week or two, 7 days a week, 2 or 3 meals a day. Then I come back to Edinburgh and have 2 weeks off!
After I finished at ENTCS I worked in Edinburgh with various restaurants and cafes to get practical experience and improve my speed. I could produce good food, but I needed to produce it faster. I also needed to learn what food was available in Scotland, what suppliers to use, and what my niche might be.
I have got to where I am by having a genuine love for what I do, a curiosity for food and new ideas, and a commitment to cook the best food I can at all times. I also have a smile on my face and a positive attitude no matter what is going on inside (like a swan, calm on the surface, frantically paddling under the water!)
What would you say to someone considering doing the same course as you?
To get the most from the training, the self-learning must continue in the evening and at weekends. Do the written preparation; research the food you will be cooking.
It is such wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself into your chosen passion, do it justice by putting as much time and effort into it as you can. When you are back out in the world of work its harder to dedicate time to learning
Do you have any advice for newly qualified students?
Get as much experience as you can, work for free at lots of different places, work very hard and always maintain positivity when you go there. Not only do you make fantastic contacts in the industry but the knowledge you gain as well is invaluable.
Never stop learning and always put everything into any work you do.
Your reputation is everything.