Christian Chefs International - Recommended Books

Return To Recommended Books Homepage

Home cooking and professional cooking are two completely different things, so we've listed a few books that give somewhat of an overview of the culinary trade here. Not all kitchens are like the stories here (and there are some exaggerations in these books), but you do really need to understand that until you become a head chef (10 years out of culinary school) you rarely get to make your own recipes and call yourself a "Chef". Until then you follow others recipes and generally make the same ones over and over. The industry is very rewarding if that's what God has put on your heart, but it's definitely not easy and generally doesn't pay that well either. Once you've read a bit of this and you're still interested I recommmend that you volunteer at a local restaurant to get a taste of what it's really like. If you're still intersted then, start reading through the Professional Cooking Must Have Books and sign yourself up for Culinary School.

The Making of a Chef
by Michael Ruhlman
Ruhlman does a very good job explaining what it is like going through culinary school to get a head start into the industry. He went to the Culinary Institute of America specifically to write this book, therefore every detail of the journey is noted to a great extent. Recommended by Ira Krizo, Christian Chef.

The Soul of a Chef
by Michael Ruhlman
Another great book by Ruhlman. The first part he follows the Certified Master Chef exam. The rest of the book he follows Michael Symon and Thomas Keller ans shares what their kitchens are like to work in, which include some very intriguing stories. Recommended by Ira Krizo, Christian Chef.

Kitchen Confidential
by Anthony Bourdain
This book is an extreme version of what can be found in the industry. It tells of the drugs, alcohol and violence that yes, you truly do see in the industry. Be cautious of some foul language, but if you're truly interested in working in restaurants you will see some of this here and there. Recommended by Ira Krizo, Christian Chef.

Opportunities in Summer Camp Careers
by Blythe Camenson
If you are interested in entering into the Christian camping industry, this book is a great introduction. An entire chapter of this book concentrates solely on the food service area and includes interviews from numerous people (including at least one Christian Chefs member). Recommended by Ira Krizo, Christian Chef.

All links open in a new window
Return To Recommended Books Homepage

CCF receives a very small commission for any books sold through these recommendations. Click HERE to find more information about how we handle our finances and what we use them for. Also please feel free to Contact Us if you know of any other exceptional books you believe our members would benefit from. If you are looking to promote your own book(s) we do require a sample copy for reviewing purposes.