JP McMahon has launched the Aniar Academy for teenagers aged between 15 and 18 years old. It follows the success of Aniar Cooking classes for adults at the Aniar Cookery School.
The course is limited to six students and will run each Saturday over a six-week period, starting this September. Aspiring teenagers who are serious about their cooking will be taught by JP McMahon, a Michelin-starred chef, in a small group to ensure individual attention.
Over the course of six weeks, students will cover bread, meat, fish, vegetables, savoury baking and sweet baking. They will be taught basic techniques such as filleting, preparing vegetables, poaching and roasting, as well as more advanced or unusual techniques such as pickling, smoking and an introduction to fermentation. They will prepare focaccia, brioche and soda bread, along with dishes such as classic roast chicken, beef wellington, chowder, roast leg of lamb and various vegetable dishes, such as celeriac baked in hay with onion purée and wild mushrooms.
JP McMahon says due to the success of his online classes for children during the Covid period, it indicated a demand for classes for teens and young adults.
"I have always been passionate about promoting cooking as a life skill, so whether this course serves as a foundation for the participants cooking into the future, or a pathway to a professional kitchen, they will reap the benefits of confidence in the kitchen.”
An alumnus of JP’s junior training is Kailum Concannon, who started his experience in Aniar when attending a cooking course with his mum at the Aniar Boutique Cookery School and was eager to keep learning during his time in transition year.
After his work experience placement was finished, he continued to help in the kitchen and eventually, having finished school, it became a full-time job.
He believes the Aniar Academy will inspire young chefs.
“JP has been a great source of inspiration for me, and the academy will help them gain confidence and experience that will hopefully see them continue to work in the industry - there is such a shortage of chefs now, so this will help this issue in future.”
There will be two terms of the Aniar Academy over the winter period, with the first term commencing on September 9 for six weeks each Saturday from 10am to 2pm. This is limited to six students aged between 15 and 18-years-old. The price for the six-week course is €495 and includes an Aniar apron, a copy of the Irish Cookbook, and a weekly recipe handout.
