Young Chef's Academy?

well it sounds like you have yourself well under way to a future in food. My best suggestion is to see if your local community college offers a culinary program. Also look into adult enrichment programs offered locally. The only draw back I foresee is your age, however that should be as easy as a parents signature. You may want to check out some of the culinary cook books our there from some of the colleges.

The CIA-culinary institute of america has one at barnes and noble for about $65

Professional cooking by Wayne giesling (sp) about $65

also the joy of cooking has great references

if you are putting compound butters together you'll prob enjoy any of these options

best of luck

In addition to what the first answerer said, you can also find out if there are any places that offer cooking classes. Like Sur La Table (or if you're in Texas, Central Market). Books that I would recommend to an aspiring chef:

1. The Making of a Cook--Madeline Kamman

2. Le Cordon Bleu's Cookbook

3. The Making of a Chef--Michael Ruhlman (recommended because he talks about his experience at the Culinary Institute of America)

4. The Soul of a Chef--Michael Ruhlman

5. Dournenberg and Page's 'Culinary Artistry'

Good luck on your future career =]

i am now in culinary school. it is tough. at home, i can make anything. in school, however, i feel like i am preached to. i already know waht they try to teach me. do you want to be a chef or do want to own a restaurant or do you want to use your abilities to make someone else money. sweetheart, if you like to cook as much as you do, use your abilities to make your own money. you don't need school to do that. i am opening a restaurant in a few weeks. i left the culinary thing. just changed my major. i know what i need to know. i am a great cook. that is all i need to know. just know that you have to have a backup. good luck on your endeavours