The smell of gruyere, onion and bacon filled the Shepard Hall kitchen Feb. 6 as a group of students participated in Cookology 101’s first lesson: learning how to make pastry dough, which was then used in quiches and berry tarts.
Cookology 101 is a new series of classes launched by Cookology, a club that offers cooking and baking lessons to Northwestern students. Members are able to “learn essential techniques, try delicious dishes, and collaborate with fellow food lovers,” according to the club’s website.
SESP sophomore and Cookology Chef Adrian Wu, who co-led the first Cookology 101 lesson with Weinberg sophomore and Cookology Baker Sophia Perez, said Cookology lessons normally have the energy of a bustling “dinner party.” However, he added that the club is striving for a different experience with Cookology 101.
“We want it to be a little bit of a slower-paced, more instructional format of a lesson,” Wu said.
While Cookology lessons are normally free, Cookology 101 participants were charged $5 to cover the costs of the “extra support” the lesson offered, according to the event sign-up page.
This support was on full display at the lesson, as Wu and Perez circulated to explain the steps needed to make the dough, create the quiche filling and prepare the tarts.
Participants helped each other prepare ingredients while simultaneously learning more about one another. Perez said this talkative, collaborative environment is common in Cookology lessons.
“It’s a very energetic environment,” Perez said. “There’s a little bit of chaos, but it’s okay because it’s students. Honestly, we’re just trying to have fun while we’re baking.”
Both Wu and Perez said Cookology has helped them maintain their passion for the culinary arts.
Weinberg sophomore Janice Rho, secretary for Cookology, added that Cookology’s lessons are especially useful for students who feel limited by dorm life.
“I lived in Bobb-McCulloch,” Rho said. “The only kitchen we had was in the basement. I really wanted an outlet for all this cooking I wanted to do.”
Perez echoed this sentiment, adding that she is excited to have an apartment where she can cook her own food.
She also said she is grateful that Cookology allows her to continue making and sharing her food with others.
“I really enjoy being able to communicate my love for food with others,” Perez said. “That’s my favorite part about baking, is being able to serve food to other people. I feel like Cookology is the best way to do that.”
Rho and Wu said their love for food has translated into exploring Evanston and Chicago’s dining scenes.
However, for those looking on campus, Cookology remains an accessible option.
“It is such a great thing to be able to learn and to share your passion,” Wu said. “At the end of the day, no matter what, whether it’s learning-based or dinner partyesque, we want people to enjoy themselves.”
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