Catering is a business that has become very popular, especially for those who love to cook and plan parties. From weddings, to showers, to business parties, catering is a home-based business that gives the caterer an exciting and creative career. In this introductory course, you will learn how to put your cooking and party planning skills to work.

Learn the fundamentals of the catering business, how to cook for large crowds, organize your kitchen, manage your time, and work with clients. The course focuses on cooking skills every caterer needs, with an introduction to the business side of catering.

You'll also receive many unique and tested recipes that you can use to jump-start your business. Build your catering skills and begin a new and exciting career today.

A new section of each course starts monthly. If enrolling in a series of two or more courses, please be sure to space the start date for each course at least two months apart.

All courses run for six weeks, with a two-week grace period at the end. Two lessons are released each week for the six-week duration of the course. You do not have to be present when lessons are released. You will have access to all lessons until the course ends. However, the interactive discussion area that accompanies each lesson will automatically close two weeks after the lesson is released. As such, we strongly recommend that you complete each lesson within two weeks of its release.

The final exam will be released on the same day as the last lesson. Once the final exam has been released, you will have two weeks to complete all of your course work, including the final exam.

Internet access, e-mail, and the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser are also required.

Note: Food preparation laws and licensing vary from state-to-state. It is important to always check your local and state government for licensing information and restrictions.

This course includes a knowledgeable and caring instructor who will guide you through your lessons, facilitate discussions, and answer your questions. The instructor for this course will be Dawn Simmons.

Dawn Simmons is a private caterer who has provided a number of catering services for individuals and businesses. Before starting her own home-based catering business, Dawn worked for various restaurants and worked as a caterer for a major hotel chain. Dawn is skilled at presenting great food with flair, and eagerly shares the tricks of her trade with her students. Take her course, and you too will know how to create food that looks as good as it tastes.

“ I am elated that I chose to take this particular course. I enjoy cooking and entertaining guest on a regular basis. The course has really taught me some important information that I was not aware of. ”

“ I enjoyed this course very much. I've already told my friends about it. Thank you for making it so interesting and covering so many topics of concern. ”

“ I found this course wonderful, exciting,and fun. All the recipies that I tried were delicious, and when I shared them with my friends they got rave reviews. Several of the people who tried the chocolate-chip cookie dough truffles asked me for the recipe! Thank you so much for all your help. This was the most fun I've had taking a course--ever!! ”

“ I really enjoyed the course. I will be using the lessons in my everyday cooking. I love to cook-I might consider doing catering after I retire from my corporate job. Thanks for all the wonderful recipes. ”

“ I took this course for fun, but actually learned a lot more than I expected to. Thank you very much for a fun and informative class. I hope you offer other courses in the future. ”

“ This was the BEST CLASS I have taken so far. I have learned a great deal and will use the knowledge that I got out of this class in the present and future. I recommend this course to anyone! Thanks Dawn! ”