Welcome to Ready Steady Dine, where food takes centre stage as we learn to prepare healthy, delicious meals from around the world. This class is perfect for beginners who are just starting out in the kitchen, as well as those with some experience who want to challenge themselves. Our focus is on making cooking fun, affordable, and accessible. Each session covers the essentials of following recipes, using a variety of ingredients and measurements, and working with different kitchen utensils.

Students will also learn about kitchen hygiene and safety, ensuring a clean and organized cooking space. Beyond cooking, we’ll explore the art of table setting, plating, and serving meals to be enjoyed together as a group. Alongside basic table etiquette, this course offers a holistic approach to meal preparation, encouraging a love for cooking and the joy of sharing food with others.

+ Consumables Cost $60 to be paid to the tutor week 1.

The program is for persons with an intellectual disability. This course runs for 2 hours per week and is run from our Jannali site.

Course Outline:

• Introduction to Kitchen Basics
• Kitchen safety, hygiene, and essential tools
• Preparing a simple recipe together
• Recipe Skills and Ingredients
• Learning to follow recipes accurately
• Using different ingredients and measurements
• Cooking Techniques and Meal Prep
• Hands-on practice with main dishes and sides
• Focus on affordable, healthy dinners
• Table Setting and Plating
• Basics of setting a table and plating food attractively
• Dinner Etiquette and Group Meal
• Practicing table manners
• Enjoying a shared meal as a group

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand and apply kitchen hygiene and safety practices
• Demonstrate basic cooking techniques, from preparation to plating
• Follow recipes accurately, using correct quantities and measurements
• Learn to set a table and present meals beautifully
• Practice basic table etiquette and enjoy a communal dining experience
• Gain confidence in cooking meals independently

What to Bring:

• An apron to keep clean in the kitchen
• A container to take any leftovers home
• A small fee (payable to the tutor in Week 1) to cover consumable ingredients used in the class

About the Facilitator:

Vicki has a rich history of family feasts and the experience of running her own café, where she turned simple ingredients into meals full of love and flavour. Vicki’s passion for cooking is contagious, and she loves sharing her skills with others, guiding them through the process of creating delicious meals that are both budget-friendly and full of taste.

Whether teaching the fundamentals of home cooking or inspiring students to try new culinary techniques, Vicki’s approach is hands-on and supportive, ensuring that all students feel confident in the kitchen. She believes that cooking should be fun and accessible, transforming everyday ingredients into culinary delights. Through her classes, Vicki empowers her students to discover the joy of cooking and make flavourful meals without breaking the bank