Following a successful career working as a professional chef and performing Food Services Manager Roles, Jayne McGhee’s passion for education encouraged her to embark on a new career path. In 2014, she founded her business Grow Cook Enjoy, a company which provides cookery courses, gardening workshops and organises parties.
As I joined my cookery course on Wednesday afternoon, the idea of cooking a French dish, Daube de Boeuf, was daunting. Yet, the course turned out to be completely different than what I had expected. Jayne was smiling and welcoming all of her participants individually. The small class size of six people meant everyone could ask as many questions as they wanted and even exchange jokes, creating a friendly environment. At one point, one of the participants shouted, “I’ve got Worcestershire sauce all over my hands!”, and was accompanied by everyone’s laughter.
Such things are very important, Jayne explained. “People are feeling isolated as they can’t leave their homes, and my classes provide a means for them to connect with other people”. This is what, I believe, makes Grow Cook Enjoy exceptional and different from other cookery course providers. The chef doesn’t approach you with a monotonous tone and in a professional manner, she is funny, warm and supportive. At the same time, Jayne is a professional chef and has previously worked at Michelin star restaurants. It is an extremely unique opportunity to be taught by someone with so much experience.
COVID-19 has, of course, presented challenges for this business, hence the reason why their cookery courses are now streamed online. However, Jayne has managed to adapt wonderfully, and has thought of every detail carefully. A list of ingredients and equipment were sent beforehand, as well as a reminder on the day of the course. The camera in her kitchen allowed us to see what she was doing, whereas a mouse allowed her to unmute participants whose hands were dirty. Such minor details, which people wouldn’t normally pay attention to, made the course remarkable.
Although it isn’t ideal, Jayne said that online cookery courses also have advantages. “People are often more comfortable cooking in their own house, in their comfort zone”, she explained. Being in their own kitchens allow them to be more confident, and make the most out of the experience. At a more practical level, cooking at home is easier because people are well-acquainted with their own cooking equipment.
While I only had the pleasure of attending a cookery course for adults, Grow Cook Enjoy provides a variety of other classes suitable for all levels and age groups from pre-school to teenagers. Whether you are a student about to go to university, or a parent who wants to entertain their children during the upcoming Christmas holidays, there is something for you.
While teaching how to cook is a central part of Grow Cook Enjoy’s work, the company also provides gardening workshops. At a time when COVID-19 has brought mental health issues to the forefront, Jayne believes learning how to grow food is more important than ever.
Overall, Grow Cook Enjoy is a small business which strives to encourage more people to become producers rather than consumers. Cooking is a great way to introduce a healthier lifestyle, it is relaxing and can reduce stress. Equally, it is an essential skill that should be transferred to young children, as it encourages creativity and teaches many life skills including patience and responsibility.
At the end of the course, all the participants thanked Jayne wholeheartedly and expressed how lovely the course was. I completely agree with them; Grow Cook Enjoy provides a truly unique experience, at the comfort of your own home.
