Professional Documents
Culture Documents
SITHCCC007
Prepare stocks, sauces and
soups
Learner Guide
Page |1
Table of Contents
Unit of Competency.............................................................................................................................5
Application..........................................................................................................................................5
Performance Criteria...........................................................................................................................6
Foundation Skills.................................................................................................................................8
Assessment Requirements..................................................................................................................9
1. Select ingredients..........................................................................................................................13
1.1 – Confirm food production requirements from food preparation list and standard recipes...........14
Confirming food production requirements.......................................................................................14
Activity 1A.........................................................................................................................................15
1.2 – Calculate ingredient amounts according to requirements...........................................................16
Calculating ingredient amounts........................................................................................................16
Scaling...............................................................................................................................................16
Scaling example.................................................................................................................................17
Reasonable rounding........................................................................................................................18
Activity 1B.........................................................................................................................................19
1.3 – Identify and select ingredients for stocks, sauces and soups from stores according to recipe,
quality, freshness and stock rotation requirements.............................................................................20
Identifying and selecting ingredients from stores.............................................................................20
Dos and don’ts..................................................................................................................................20
Stock date codes and stock rotation.................................................................................................21
Activity 1C.........................................................................................................................................22
1.4 – Check perishable supplies for spoilage or contamination prior to preparation...........................23
Checking perishable supplies for spoilage or contamination............................................................23
Activity 1D.........................................................................................................................................25
2. Select, prepare and use equipment................................................................................................26
2.1 – Select type and size of equipment suitable to requirements.......................................................27
Selecting types and size of equipment..............................................................................................27
Activity 2A.........................................................................................................................................30
2.2 – Safely assemble and ensure cleanliness of equipment before use..............................................31
Safe assembly of equipment.............................................................................................................31
Equipment cleanliness......................................................................................................................31
Activity 2B.........................................................................................................................................33
2.3 – Use equipment safely and hygienically according to manufacturer instructions.........................34
Using equipment safely and hygienically according to manufacturer instructions...........................34
Activity 2C.........................................................................................................................................35
3. Portion and prepare ingredients....................................................................................................36
3.1 – Sort and assemble ingredients according to food production sequencing...................................37
Sorting and assembling ingredients..................................................................................................37
Mise en place....................................................................................................................................37
Sequencing........................................................................................................................................37
Activity 3A.........................................................................................................................................39
3.2 – Weigh and measure ingredients according to recipe...................................................................40
Weighing and measuring ingredients according to the recipe..........................................................40
Scales................................................................................................................................................40
Measuring jugs..................................................................................................................................41
Measuring spoons.............................................................................................................................42
Conversion........................................................................................................................................42
Portions.............................................................................................................................................42
Activity 3B.........................................................................................................................................43
3.3 – Clean and cut ingredients as required using basic culinary cuts according to culinary standards44
Cleaning and cutting ingredients as required....................................................................................44
Basic culinary cuts.............................................................................................................................44
Activity 3C.........................................................................................................................................47
3.4 – Minimise waste to maximise profitability of food items prepared...............................................48
Minimising waste to maximise profitability......................................................................................48
Waste from the kitchen....................................................................................................................49
Waste from the menu.......................................................................................................................49
Activity 3D.........................................................................................................................................50
4. Prepare stocks, sauces and soups...................................................................................................51
4.1 – Follow standard recipes, select and use cookery methods to prepare stocks, sauces and soups 52
Selecting and using cooking methods according to recipes..............................................................52
Stocks................................................................................................................................................52
Sauces...............................................................................................................................................53
Soups.................................................................................................................................................53
Activity 4A.........................................................................................................................................55
5.6 – Clean work area, and dispose of or store surplus and reusable by-products according to
organisational procedures, environmental considerations, and cost reduction initiatives...................82
Cleaning work areas..........................................................................................................................82
Disposing of or storing surplus and reusable food............................................................................83
Activity 5F..........................................................................................................................................84
Summative Assessments.......................................................................................................................85
References............................................................................................................................................86
Unit of Competency
Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to prepare various stocks,
sauces and soups following standard recipes. It requires the ability to select and prepare ingredients,
and to use relevant equipment and cookery and food storage methods.
The unit applies to cooks working in hospitality and catering organisations. This could include
restaurants, educational institutions, health establishments, defence forces, cafeterias, kiosks, cafes,
residential caterers, in flight and other transport caterers, and event and function caterers.
It applies to individuals who work with very little independence and under close supervision and
guidance of more senior chefs. They follow predefined organisational procedures and report any
discrepancies to a higher level staff member for action.
No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time
of publication.
Pre-requisite Unit
Competency Field
Unit Sector
Hospitality
Performance Criteria
Element Performance Criteria
Elements describe the Performance criteria describe the performance needed to
essential outcomes. demonstrate achievement of the element.
2. Select, prepare and 2.1 Select type and size of equipment suitable to requirements
use equipment 2.2 Safely assemble and ensure cleanliness of equipment before
use
2.3 Use equipment safely and hygienically according to
manufacturer instructions
3. Portion and prepare 3.1 Sort and assemble ingredients according to food production
ingredients sequencing
3.2 Weigh and measure ingredients according to recipe
3.3 Clean and cut ingredients as required using basic culinary
cuts according to culinary standards
3.4 Minimise waste to maximise profitability of food items
prepared
4. Prepare stocks, sauces .4.1Follow standard recipes, select and use cookery methods to
and soups prepare stocks, sauces, and soups.
4.2. Use flavouring agents according to standard recipes.
4.3. Use clarifying techniques according to standard recipes.
4.4. Use thickening agents and convenience products according
to standard recipes.
4.5. Make derivations from basic sauces, both hot and cold
where required.
4.6. Make food quality adjustments within scope of
responsibility.
5. Present and store 5.1 Reconstitute or re-thermalise stocks, sauces and soups to
stocks, sauces and required consistencies
soups 5.2 Present soups and sauces attractively on appropriate
service-ware
5.3 visually evaluate dish and adjust presentation
5.4 Store dishes in appropriate environmental conditions
5.5 Clean work area, and dispose of or store surplus and
reusable by-products according to organisational
procedures, environmental considerations, and cost
reduction initiatives
Range of conditions
Specifies different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating
conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility
of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included.
Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work
environment
Foundation Skills
This section describes language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills incorporated in the
performance criteria that are required for competent performance.
Assessment Requirements
Performance Evidence
Evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit in
the context of the job role, and:
Knowledge Evidence
Demonstrated knowledge required to complete the tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria
of this unit:
Culinary terms and trade names for ingredients commonly used in the production of different
stocks, sauces and soups relating to:
o convenience products
o thickening agents
Contents of stock date codes and rotation labels and their implication for food quality standards
Characteristics of stocks, sauces and soups listed in the performance evidence:
o appearance and presentation
o classical and contemporary variations
o dishes to which they are matched
o freshness and other quality indicators
o nutritional value
o preparation methods
o production and cooking durations
o service style
o taste
o texture
Derivatives of base stocks and sauces
Mise en place requirements for stocks, sauces and soups
Appropriate environmental conditions for storing stock, sauces and soups products to:
o ensure food safety
o optimise shelf life
Safe operational practices using essential functions and features of equipment used to produce
stocks, sauces and soups.
Assessment Conditions
An industry workplace
A simulated industry environment, such as a training kitchen servicing customers.
omicrowave
osalamander or other form of griller (one per four persons)
ostorage facilities:
shelving
trays
Small equipment:
o containers for hot and cold food
o cutting boards
o food handler gloves
o graters
o knife sharpening equipment
o sharpening steels and stones
o knives:
carving knives
utility knives
o measurers:
metric calibrated measuring jugs
measuring spoons
portion control scoops
o mouli
o oven mitts
o pots and pans:
fry pans
stainless steel stock pots (large and small)
o scales
o scoops, skimmers and spiders
o sets of stainless steel bowls
o service-ware:
platters, dishes, and bowls
cutlery and serving utensils
o small utensils:
flour and drum sieves
peelers, corers and slicers
scrapers
spatulas
strainers and chinois
tongs and serving utensils
whisks:
fine stainless steel wire
coarse stainless steel wire
o spoons:
large plain and slotted metal spoons
ladles in a variety of sizes
serving spoons
wooden spoons
o thermometers
Cleaning materials and equipment:
o cleaning cloths
o commercial cleaning and sanitising agents and chemicals for cleaning commercial
kitchens, equipment and food storage areas
Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisations’ requirements for assessors;
and:
Have achieved the Certificate III in Commercial Cookery or Certificate IV in Commercial
Cookery to assess this unit as part of a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery or
Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery qualification; and
Have worked in industry for at least three years where they have applied the skills and
knowledge of this unit of competency.
Links
1. Select ingredients
1.1. Confirm food production requirements from standard recipes
1.3. Identify and select ingredients for stocks, sauces and soups from stores according to recipe,
quality, freshness and stock rotation requirements
1.1 – Confirm food production requirements from food preparation list and
standard recipes
Next, you need to check all food preparation lists to clarify what you have to do; which ingredients and
foods you need to prepare and in which quantities.
Food preparation lists help to improve organisation and efficiency in the kitchen, while recipes provide
specific instructions for the preparation of ingredients and foods. They are important because when
chefs know what they have to do at all times, they are much more likely to be prepared for service. They
also help chefs to react more effectively to unforeseen events, deal with problems with more
confidence and complete tasks using their own initiative.
Activity 1A
Scaling
Scaling is the technique of adjusting ingredient amounts in order to cater for more or fewer people than
the recipe serves.
In general, scaling ingredients in a recipe up or down is fairly simple. For example, you may need to
simply double, treble, or halve the amounts. However, the scaling of ingredients will become more
complex if the number of people the recipe serves and the number of people you need to serve are not
multiples.
Luckily, although this type of scaling may be more taxing, there is a calculation method for adjusting
ingredient amounts to meet requirements, no matter what ingredient quantities the recipe calls for.
Multiply the ‘per person’ measure for each ingredient by the number of people you
need to serve.
Scaling example
Although the following recipe is for a seafood dish rather than a stock, sauce or soup, it serves as a good
example of how to scale for non-multiple servings.
This
standardised recipe serves four. But imagine the requirements for a particular service call for 15
Step 1: divide each ingredient quantity to establish the ‘per person’ amount
In this example, each ingredient amount must be divided by 4 as this is the number of people the recipe
serves. This is straightforward when dividing amounts (such as 100g) but when dividing whole objects
(such as a chilli), you will need to work in fractions or decimals.
Step 2: multiply the ‘per person’ quantities by the number of servings required
To adjust the recipe correctly, the values calculated in step 1 need to be multiplied by the number of
portions/people to be served, which in this example is 15.
6.25g butter x 15 = 93.75g butter (this would be rounded to the nearest gramme which would be 94g)
Reasonable rounding
As with the above example, some values end up in decimal or fractional amounts. As kitchen measuring
equipment is usually not precise enough to measure accurately to a tenth of a gramme, it will be
necessary at times to round to the nearest whole gramme or item.
For instance, you may decide to use 4 whole chillies rather than 3 ¾ stipulated in the scaled recipe. If
you are required to round, it should be to a reasonably near amount and should be confirmed with the
head chef if you are unsure.
Activity 1B
1.3 – Identify and select ingredients for stocks, sauces and soups from stores
according to recipe, quality, freshness and stock rotation requirements
Follow basic ‘dos and don’ts’ for identifying and selecting ingredients.
Fresh meat
Fresh fish.
Do:
Consider using whole peppercorns and bay leaves, as these are relatively easy to
separate from the rest of the mixture
Use vegetables that are a day, or several days, old – as long as they are in good
condition
Don’t:
Use cabbage family vegetables in stocks
Whatever ingredients you choose, try to strike a balance between quality and taste. After all, it would
be inefficient to select the most expensive ingredients in your stores for simple stocks and sauces, when
– with a little creativity – you can achieve the same quality for less money.
Date labelling on ingredients must provide a ‘best-before’ or ‘use-by’ date. If a best-before date, you
may use this after the date shown, but the quality will begin to diminish; therefore, supplies should be
used before the date expires. A use-by date must never be ignored; products with this type of date may
be harmful if consumed after the date has passed. When ingredients must be used within three months,
the date will be shown as the day and month; for products over a three-month shelf-life, this is given as
a month and year.
Your organisation may use stock rotation labels; this system helps busy
kitchens to easily identify which ingredients are freshest and which are soon
to expire. Labelling is placed on containers and ingredients with a specific
date or indicator for when products must be used by.
Day-of-the-week labels
Shelf-life labels
Stock labels may include information such as ingredient batch codes, best-
before dates, use-by dates, freeze-by dates and storage instructions (such as store below 5 degrees
Celsius). These help to maintain ingredients in storage and show others that you are actively monitoring
stock storage and usage.
Activity 1C
Describe why spoilage and contamination of supplies is a problem and explain why it is
important to check your supplies for these issues
When supplies spoil or suffer from contamination, so too will your profit margins. You will lose valuable
stocks and supplies and have to expend time and resources disposing of them and ordering
replacements. It may also sabotage your other plans; for certain meals and recipes from your menu.
Having discovered that certain supplies have spoiled, you may have to re-think your menu and make
last minute orders or corrections, which ultimately could lead to customer satisfaction.
Given the difficulty of assessing supplies purely through visual means, it is important to review the
transport temperature records so that you know whether the food was kept at the right temperature
during delivery. Many delivery companies now use temperature recording devices in their lorries and
vans to help kitchen staff assess whether supplies were stored in the correct conditions
You should also think about using temperature-monitoring systems, which record storage temperatures
and allow you to review the fluctuations in temperature over a given period.
Activity 1D
o commercial:
food processor
planetary mixer
freezer
o double sink
o microwave
o storage facilities:
shelving
trays
Small equipment:
o cutting boards
o graters
o knife sharpening
equipment
o sharpening steels
and stones
o knives:
carving
knives
utility knives
o measurers:
measuring spoons
o mouli
o oven mitts
fry pans
o scales
o service-ware:
o small utensils:
scrapers
spatulas
whisks:
o spoons:
serving spoons
wooden spoons
o thermometers.
The type and size of equipment you use will depend on a variety of factors, including the size of the
kitchen area, the tasks you need to complete, the time you have to complete tasks, and your level of
skill and experience of operating specific items of equipment.
Activity 2A
Identify at least three stipulations in the Food standards code 3.2.3 Food Premises and
Equipment (2001).
Equipment cleanliness
Using clean equipment ensures that the food you prepare and produce will be safe to eat. Cleaning
equipment also protects the longevity of the appliance in question.
You should always check the cleanliness of equipment prior to use, as it is impossible to know for sure
whether the last user cleaned it thoroughly after they finished their task.
Clean-in-place equipment should either have a self-drain system or have the ability to be drained
effectively so that cleaning and sanitising solutions can be removed from the equipment and not
contaminate any food. Any in-place equipment must be constructed so that all parts and components
can be cleaned and sanitised thoroughly.
The Food standards code 3.2.3 also provides an overview of factors that make the equipment much
easier to clean.
These include:
Smooth surfaces which have
curved edges and no open
seams
No embossing or coarse
surfaces where dirt can easily
build up
Easy-to-reach-and-remove
duct panels
Adequate space between the wall and mounting shelves to prevent food becoming
trapped
Wires, pipes and hosing that can be disconnected (or disconnected long enough so that
equipment can be moved) to enable cleaning and sanitisation.
Just like when assembling equipment, you should always clean equipment according to manufacturer
instructions and your workplace’s health and safety policies and procedures.
Activity 2B
Use alternative resources when there are no available manufacturer’s instructions, e.g.
technicians, troubleshooting websites, etc.
To understand these points of information, you will have to read and understand the
manufacturer’s instruction manual. Every item of equipment – unless it has been bought second hand –
should come with a list of instructions for safe, hygienic and effective use.
If there is no instruction manual available, or if the instruction manual is unclear, you should consult:
The manufacturers’ troubleshooting hotline
Technicians
Whatever the circumstances, do not proceed to use any items of equipment unless you know how to do
so safely and hygienically. This is the quickest way to cause an accident and you will be risking not just
your own health and wellbeing, but that of your colleagues and customers too.
Activity 2C
3.3. Clean and cut ingredients as required using basic culinary cuts according to culinary standards
It also important to work efficiently and without distraction; having to keep leaving your station to fetch
things from stores can result in you forgetting which stages of the recipe have already been completed.
Mise en place
‘Mise en place’ is a French term meaning ‘everything in its place’. It refers to the process, prior to
cooking, of arranging ingredients and items of equipment required for menu dishes to be prepared.
Chefs have used this technique for centuries, as a way to attain a strong measure of control over the
cooking process and ultimately produce perfect dishes.
Failure to read a recipe properly is one of the main reasons for dishes going
awry but if you use mise en place, all the ingredients are already weighed and
prepared (cut, sliced, crushed etc.), so you can focus entirely on cooking the
dish and paying close attention to timings.
It is vital to note that the mise en place technique of assembly does not just refer to ingredients but also
to equipment. You will have little luck making a risotto without a pan. Similarly, a cake will not rise well
if you have failed to preheat the oven.
Sequencing
The order in which you assemble and prepare ingredients will depend on how soon each dish needs to
be ready. This process is called ‘sequencing’.
It is important to sequence the production of a meal so that it turns out as fresh as possible and with
great visual appeal.
For example, cutting slices of apple for a cheese platter to be served after the main course before diners
have been served their starters would not be effective food production sequencing. The apples would
begin to brown before being served and this will make the dish look unappealing.
Generally speaking, it is good practice to prepare and gather all ingredients for the first course, then the
main course and so on. The exception to this will be instances where food requires a long cooking or
setting time (e.g. a dessert containing jelly).
Activity 3A
o electronic
o mechanical
Measuring jugs
Measuring spoons.
Scales
Scales are used for measuring predominantly non-liquid ingredients such as flour, butter, rice etc. where
the quantity stipulated by the recipe is given as a unit of weight.
Kilogrammes (kg)
Pounds (lbs)
Ounces (oz).
There are different types of weighing scales. You may wish to use a digital scale which takes precise
measurements, leaving less room for human error. Alternatively, you may wish to use mechanical
scales. Another factor you might consider is which scales you find easiest to read clearly and accurately,
which equipment is within your budget or, how many portions you need to cook and the quantity the
scales can hold. For example, you may be using it for industrial purposes, catering on a large scale.
If you have smaller scales, this will not necessarily prevent you from cooking on a large scale as you can
measure the ingredients in several stages.
Always read the manufacturer instructions that come with weighing scales. You might not need help
when using or reading a simple scale. However, some digital scales can be more advanced (showing
calorie or nutritional values, etc.) so you may need to read the manual before you can accurately read
and attribute the different figures shown on the scale.
Make sure that the scale is set to zero before you begin
o the scales should read zero with the empty bowl already on
Place the ingredient to be measured in the weighing bowl and continue to do so until
the scales display the desired amount
o make sure you are reading the scales in the correct unit
Remove the ingredient from the scale, either still in the bowl or transfer to another
container
Wash and dry the weighing bowl or place a clean bowl on the scales
Weigh the next ingredient and repeat until all ingredients have been weighed.
Remember to read the ingredients carefully because they may specify certain requirements that can
affect weight. For example, whether the ingredient should be weighed, cooked or uncooked.
Measuring jugs
Measuring jugs are used to measure out liquid ingredients such as cream, milk, wine etc. and provide
readings in units of volume or capacity as opposed to as a weight.
Centilitres (cl)
Litres (l)
To use a measuring jug, ensure it is clean and placed on a flat level surface; otherwise the reading will
be inaccurate. Pour the ingredient into the jug until you have measured the desired amount. You will
need to read the scale that runs up the side of the jug to determine this.
Measuring spoons
Many recipes call for small quantities of ingredients such as a teaspoon of salt or a tablespoon of soy
sauce. These quantities cannot really be measured using the equipment already discussed. Instead,
values such as this need to be measured either by using the specified cutlery or by using standardised
measuring spoons. Measuring spoons are available in both metric and imperial units of measures and
can be used for dry and liquid ingredients.
Conversion
There may be occasions when a recipe calls for a given amount of ingredients in a measure that the
equipment in your workplace does not cater for. In order to remedy this, the values will need to be
converted (e.g. from pounds to grammes).
Portions
As mentioned, the number of dishes a recipe states it serves is often going to be different to the number
of people that you need to prepare the dish for. This may be especially true in catering and hospitality
where the number of people to be served is not always known.
Where the ingredient amounts need to be adjusted to cater for larger or smaller quantities of people,
use the calculation method outlined in section 1.2 to establish how much of each ingredient will be
required.
Activity 3B
3.3 – Clean and cut ingredients as required using basic culinary cuts according to
culinary standards
o the Chiffonade
o Mince.
If using a cutting board, place a damp cloth beneath it to stop the board slipping
Use your fingertips to steer the knife along the ingredient you are cutting.
means chopping off the ends, slicing them into 4cm (2 inch) lengths and then slicing them again so that
the ingredient resembles a three-dimensional rectangle (ask your supervisor to demonstrate this if you
are unsure of how to proceed).
Once you have squared off your ingredients, you are ready to proceed.
The Chiffonade
Mince.
It is a relatively easy cut which simply requires you to go one step further than the Julienne method.
Simply the Julienne cuts, bunch them together and cut them into 2mm x 2mm x 2mm portions.
The Chiffonade
The Chiffonade is used mainly for cutting leafy vegetables (such as spinach) and fresh herbs. It involves
bunching ingredients together, rolling them into a cigar-shaped cylinder and then slicing quite finely to
create a garnish or small cut suitable for stirring into stocks, sauces and soups.
Mince
Mincing is essentially the same as a small dice but with less precision. You will often mince garlic and
other vegetables from the onion family to add lots of flavour.
Activity 3C
o inspecting all food orders when they arrive for quality and freshness
o when bringing food out of storage, only taking what will actually be needed for
that service/day
o ordering produce according to its longevity and date of intended use to minimise
risk of spoilage before using
o considering making portions smaller or offering the same dish in different sizes
including children’s portions
o creating a specials dish that uses some of the same ingredients so that they are
not wasted
It is estimated that half of all food is wasted between ‘field and fork’
around the world (National Food Waste Assessment, June 2011) but
much of this waste can be avoided. Through better control of food
portions, more creative preparation techniques and smarter storage
methods, it is possible to significantly cut down on the amount of waste
you produce in the kitchen. It also helps to pay closer attention to
customer reservations so that you can make more informed decisions
about the amount of food that needs to be ordered and prepared.
However, there are a number of steps you can take to ensure you are using as much of the food stock as
possible and thereby maximising profit.
When bringing food out of storage, only take what will actually be needed for that
service/day
Order produce according to its longevity and date of intended use to minimise risk of
spoilage before using
Activity 3D
4.4. Make appropriate derivations from basic sauces, both hot and cold where required
4.1 – Follow standard recipes, select and use cookery methods to prepare
stocks, sauces and soups
That said, as a junior-level chef, it pays to learn and follow standard recipes and to select and use
recognised cookery methods as doing so will help to build your confidence in the kitchen and provide a
platform for future experimentation.
Stocks
A stock is, essentially, flavoured water, though it differs from culture to culture.
Australian stock, for instance, will be made using certain cookery methods, as
will Japanese stock, Mexican stock, French stock etc.
Stocks include:
White stock
Brown stock
o the best bones to use are typically the knuckle/shank from veal, as they contain
higher collagen content, which includes gelatine
o to create a brown stock, you must first roast the bones; this creates a rich brown
colour
Fish stock
o fish stock is clear with a strong fish flavour and light body
Vegetable stock
o vegetable stocks are used to add flavour to vegan, vegetarian and meat dishes
alike
Sauces
Sauces tend to be derived from stocks, are thicker than stocks and rich in flavour. Although there are
many sauces, the majority of them are varieties of five sauces known as ‘the Mother Sauces’.
Velouté
Espagnole
Tomato
Hollandaise.
Soups
Thicker, more wholesome and more nutritious than stocks and sauces, soups are meals in themselves.
They can be
o Consommé
o Pot-au-feu
o Minestrone
o Scotch Broth
Thick soups
o Pumpkin
o Cream of mushroom
o Cream of tomato
o Cream of cauliflower
o Velouté Andalouse
o Lobster bisque
o Yabby bisque
o Prawn bisque
o Kidney
Miscellaneous soups
o Mulligatawny
o Vichyssoise
o Gazpacho
o Cherry
o Congee
o Avgolemono
o Miso
o Laksa
o French onion
o Cock-a-Leekie
o Fish Chowder
o Sweetcorn Chowder.
Activity 4A
Ask the more experienced chefs in your kitchen for advice on which flavouring agents to use for which
meals, and try experimenting yourself.
Fresh herbs
Fruit
Spices
Nuts
Wine
Vegetables
Cheese rinds
Yoghurt
Leaves
Clarifying agents
While flavouring agents are used to adjust the taste and aroma of a dish, clarifying agents are used to
adjust texture; to remove solids from liquids.
Aluminium chlorohydrate
Aluminium sulphate
Aluminium sulphate
Calcium oxide
Calcium hydroxide
Iron sulphate
Iron chloride
Polyacrylamide
PolyDADMAC
Sodium aluminate
Sodium silicate.
Isinglass
Gelatin
Guar gum
Given the wide variety of chemicals they consist of, you should refrain from using clarifying agents until
you fully understand what’s in them, how they work and how they should be used. Handling of
clarifying agents can pose risks not just to you and your colleagues, but also the customer.
Activity 4B
Most thickening agents have starch as their base ingredient. When starch cooks, it becomes gelatinous,
creating a thicker overall texture. Importantly, gelatinised starch has a neutral flavour so as long as
thickening agents are used in moderation, the taste of the stock, sauce or soup to which it is added will
remain the same.
Cornstarch slurry
Whitewash
Liaison
Arrow root
Beurre manie.
The key word, when using thickening agents, is ‘moderation’. If you use too little, the thickening agent is
unlikely to increase the viscosity of a stock, sauce or soup to any noticeable degree, but if you use too
much, you risk diluting the dish’s flavour.
It is also important to ensure that thickening agents are cooked thoroughly, as uncooked starch can
produce a very bland ‘starchy’ flavour, which customers will notice. One simple way to ensure
thickening agents are cooked thoroughly is to taste the food continually as you work.
Activity 4C
4.4 – Make appropriate derivations from basic sauces, both hot and cold where
required
Velouté
Espagnole
Tomato
Hollandaise.
Béchamel
A basic béchamel sauce can be made using the following recipe:
Base: milk
Flavourings: white onion, clove, bay leaf, salt, white pepper, nutmeg
Secondary sauces: cream sauce, mornay, cheddar cheese sauce, mustard sauce,
Nantua
Often served with: eggs, fish, steamed poultry, steamed vegetables, pastas, veal.
Velouté
A basic velouté sauce can be made using the following recipe:
Base: white stock (usually veal, but chicken and fish stock can also be used)
Secondary sauces: sauce vin blanc (white wine sauce), sauce supreme, sauce
Allemande, sauce poulette, sauce Bercy, sauce Normandy
Often served with: eggs, fish, steamed poultry, steamed vegetables, pastas, veal.
Espagnole
A basic Espagnole sauce can be made using the following recipe:
Base: roasted veal stock (roasted chicken stock is occasionally used)
Flavourings: mirepoix, sachet (bay leaf, fresh thyme, parsley), tomato purée
Often served with: roasted meats, especially beef, duck, veal, lamb.
Tomato
A basic tomato sauce can be made using the following recipe:
Base: tomatoes (raw, tomato paste, tomato purée, stewed tomatoes)
Thickening agent: usually a roux, though modern varieties commonly use a reduction or
purées
Classical flavourings: salt pork, mirepoix, garlic, white veal stock, salt & pepper, sugar
Often served with: pasta, fish, vegetables, polenta, veal, poultry (especially chicken),
bread and dumplings such as gnocchi.
Hollandaise
A basic hollandaise sauce can be made using the following recipe:
Base: egg yolks and butter
Flavourings: peppercorns (black), white wine vinegar, salt, lemon juice, cayenne pepper
Often served with: eggs (eggs Benedict), vegetables (especially asparagus), light poultry
dishes, fish, beef (béarnaise sauce).
To remember these five sauces, it helps to think of them as colours; white, blonde, brown, red and
yellow.
Activity 4D
This is because every dish you produce must be of an equally high standard. To send out a few high-
quality dishes and then a few dishes that aren’t so good would be lazy and unfair. Plus, you can be
certain that the customers with the lower quality dishes will notice.
Temperature
Texture.
It is the entirety of the kitchen staff and waiting staff’s responsibility to ensure that when a diner
receives a dish, it is of the highest quality both in terms of ingredients and presentation. If each
individual member performs their duties correctly and in line with quality and presentation procedure,
as well at the food standards code, then this should always be the case. However, in a busy kitchen,
steps can sometimes be missed, which results in a sub-par plate of food. This doesn’t necessarily mean
that the food will be wasted, as there are actions that can be undertaken to remedy the quality of the
food.
Taste
If a dish does not taste as it should, it could be for a variety of reasons.
If spoiled produce has been used then the food will have to be thrown away as it is not fit for human
consumption. If the wrong ingredients have been used, this is also difficult to rectify as the flavour
profiles of those ingredients may be immersed within the dish. Using the wrong amount of ingredients,
however, may not make a dish unsalvageable. If discovered during the preparation and cooking stages,
then the other ingredients can be adjusted accordingly to match the ratios within the recipe. Over-
seasoning can be tricky to rectify, especially if too much salt has been used, as it will require a flavour to
counteract the effect on the taste buds. Under-seasoning is perhaps the easiest issue to solve – just add
more seasoning.
Temperature
Food that is too cold may be able to be reheated so long as it is noticed straight away, has not been
partially eaten and reheating will not affect the quality of the food. Dishes that are too warm, however,
may not be as easy to correct, as too much heat when it is not wanted tends to affect food more
drastically.
Texture
If the texture of a dish is not at its best, it could be because there is a component or accompaniment
missing that adds variation. If you think this is the case, consult the sous chef or chef de cuisine.
Scope of responsibility
The scope of responsibility is the range of duties you are expected to carry out within your job role. In a
catering and hospitality environment, there is a chain of command and where you lie within this chain
will determine your accountability for the presentation and quality of food.
Chef de cuisine
Sous chef
Commis chef
Apprentice chef
Activity 4E
5.6. Clean work area, and dispose of or store surplus and reusable by-products according to
organisational procedures, environmental considerations, and cost reduction initiatives
Safely re-thermalise a stock, sauce or soup on the stove or in the microwave, ensuring
that product is suitable for re-heating.
Being able to reconstitute or re-thermalise stocks, sauces and soups is an essential skill for all chefs. It is
inevitable that, on occasion, you will make mistakes. Whether it’s by adding the wrong ingredient,
forgetting to add an ingredient, getting your ingredient amounts wrong, or simply leaving the dish for
too long on the stove, there is any number of potential mistakes you can make when it comes to finding
the right consistency for your stocks, sauces and soups.
Thankfully, however, there are certain measures you can take to make it
for such issues.
Milk
Cream.
Remember:
If you are reconstituting several different types of food
all at the same time, make sure the ingredient amounts
are uniform so they will reconstitute at the same speed
Soft water works better with fruits and vegetables than does hard water
Pay close attention to the amount of time you re-heat each batch – this will vary
according to quantity
Turn the heat to ‘medium’ if the stock, sauce or soup is not frozen
Stir regularly
When the liquid reaches boiling point, allow it to rest at that heat for one minute
After it is thoroughly re-heated, turn the heat down to medium-low and allow the
liquid to simmer for a little while before finally turning off the heat.
Repeat the process of heating and stirring until you are happy the liquid is thoroughly
heated.
Remember to check with more experienced staff as to whether or not the stock, sauce or soup is
suitable for re-heating. As a rule of thumb, if the dish is older than three days, avoid re-heating it.
Activity 5A
When it comes to presenting soups and sauces, you might assume that your options are limited. But this
couldn’t be further from the case. Although you will most often serve soups and sauces in bowls and
dishes, there are many ways to be creative and stimulate your customers’ eyes, as well as their taste
buds.
o you could also use different vessels such as large mugs, cups, sugar pots and
mason jars
Add garnish
o for example, if serving tomato soup, include a few sticks of celery on the side.
Remember, only use service-ware that is appropriate to the dish. If a bowl or dish is too big, or if it is
patterned, it will detract from the visual appeal of the food itself. Service staff may also find it difficult to
carry out more than one at a time to customers, which ultimately would slow down the service and lead
to some customers receiving slightly colder meals.
Be sure also to heat up your plates and bowls before ladling in the soup or sauce; this will help the dish
to retain its heat for longer.
Activity 5B
Vegetables
Crushed nuts
Citrus zests
Spices
When adding garnishes, remember that less is more. You do not want to clutter the plate or dish with
herbs, sauces, vegetables etc. as this will overwhelm the visual appeal, taste, texture and aroma of the
main ingredients.
Activity 5C
o for balance
o for colour
o for contrast
o customer consumption
o service.
Plating food
There are five elements to the basic plating of food.
These are:
Planning
Simplicity
o ensure there is one main focus of the plate that resonates with diners and refrain
from cluttering the plate
Balance
o create a balance of colour, texture and shape but ensure functionality of eating
and the flavour of the food are the most important aspects
Portions
o ensure the amount of food being served is appropriate to the nature of the event
and the size of the plate
Highlight
o make sure the main ingredient is the star of the plate but don’t underestimate
the importance of the support i.e. the garnishes and accompaniments.
Evaluating presentation
When evaluating the presentation of the dish, refer back to the five elements to see if it meets the
specifications of each.
If your answer to any of the above questions is ‘no’ then the dish needs to be adjusted accordingly. Do
not be prepared to have a dish sent out that you are not happy with – after all, the customer will be
judging the kitchen staff and the company based on their enjoyment of the food.
Adjusting presentation
The best approach to adjusting presentation is to place components on various plates and in different
compositions to perfect the dish before it goes ‘live’ – that is, before it becomes available for customers
to order.
In reality, when a kitchen is busy and there are time restraints, it is inevitable that sometimes dishes
won’t be plated as perfectly as they were during the planning stage but this is why it is important to
inspect and assess each plate before it leaves the kitchen.
If the dish is missing a component, it is a simple fix; add it to the plate. If the plating is not up to par or
the portion size is wrong then it will need to be re-plated, on clean crockery.
Activity 5D
o atmosphere
o humidity
o light
o packaging
o temperature
o ventilation.
Humidity
Light
Packaging
Temperature
Ventilation.
In most cases, you will likely have to store a stock, sauce or soup in the fridge (or freezer) or under a hot
light. In any case, be sure to place the dish where it is going to be safe; not, for instance, on the edge of
a shelf, from which it may fall. Be sure to label your dishes or at least inform your colleagues of where
you have placed them.
It is also important, if storing dishes under a hot light, to make sure you do not leave them there for too
long. Otherwise, they may become too hot, ruining their flavour and texture.
Activity 5E
5.6 – Clean work area, and dispose of or store surplus and reusable by-products
according to organisational procedures, environmental considerations, and cost
reduction initiatives
Be sure to:
Clean and tidy all work surfaces
Of course, to complete your cleaning duties effectively, you will need access to a wide variety of
cleaning materials and equipment.
Cleaning materials and equipment include (but are not limited to):
Cleaning cloths
Commercial cleaning and sanitising agents and chemicals for cleaning commercial
kitchens, equipment and food storage areas
Separate hand basin and antiseptic liquid soap dispenser for hand washing
Tea towels.
This means:
Knowing when ingredients and food are past or before their usability date
Unless you have been instructed to use your own initiative, the important thing to remember when
disposing of waste food or storing surplus and reusable food is to listen to instructions and follow
organisational procedures, taking account of environmental considerations and cost reduction policies.
Activity 5F
Summative Assessments
At the end of your Learner Workbook, you will find the Summative Assessments.
This includes:
Skills assessment
Knowledge assessment
Performance assessment.
This holistically assesses your understanding and application of the skills, knowledge and performance
requirements for this unit. Once this is completed, you will have finished this unit and be ready to move
onto the next one – well done!
References
These suggested references are for further reading and do not necessarily represent the contents of
this unit.
Websites
http://dish.allrecipes.com/basic-soup-stocks-vegetarian-beef-and-chicken/, 14/09/2016
http://theculinarycook.com/knife-skills-different-types-of-cuts/, 14/09/2016
http://www.craftsy.com/blog/2013/05/how-to-cut-vegetables/, 14/09/2016
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clarifying_agent, 14/09/2016
http://www.thekitchn.com/10-simple-ingredients-to-make-your-soups-even-more-delicious-178985,
14/09/2016
http://www.foodnetwork.ca/fun-with-food/blog/8-cool-ways-to-serve-hot-soup-751/, 14/09/2016
http://www.wikihow.com/Garnish-Food, 14/09/2016
https://stellaculinary.com/content/five-french-mother-sauces-mother-all-resources, 14/09/2016
http://allrecipes.tumblr.com/post/20847592503, 03/10/2016
https://www.foodstandards.gov.au/publications/documents/3_2_3.pdf, 03/10/2016
https://www.hsb.com/TheLocomotive/ReducingSpoilageRisksInPerishableGoodsStorage.aspx,
03/10/2016
http://www.livestrong.com/article/433759-how-to-reheat-leftover-soup/, 03/10/2016
Cooking Sauces - The 5 Classic Mother Sauces - HubPages. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://hubpages.com/food/The-5-Classic-Mother-Sauces