Working -- C. Tracy Davis

--Story by Young Chang; photo by [TK]

HE IS

In the business of gathering people around the table

COOKING WITH CONFIDENCE

C. Tracy Davis, who goes just by Tracy, considers the kitchen the

focal point of the home and eating the activity around which

relationships develop.

A chef instructor at the Dish Cooking School in Costa Mesa, Davis

teaches people how to cook so they can “reap the wonderful rewards” of

food: the taste and good company.

“It’s very rewarding to help make a difference in the lives of

students by giving them the confidence they need in order to be

successful in their kitchen,” said Davis, who is also a corporate chef

for Melissa’s World Variety Produce.

THE RULE OF THREE

Davis said the three key ingredients of good cooking involve the

following:

Understanding the correct principles and techniques of cooking, trying

to have the best possible foods and spices to work with, and using proper

kitchen equipment and tools.

“This can produce foods equal to, if not better than, restaurant

food,” the Aliso Viejo resident said.

He teaches these skills about three evenings a week at Dish Cooking.

His classes range in size from 10 to 24 students. Levels include beginner

through intermediate, and the class is split into an overview and lecture

portion, and a demonstration and application portion.

“I really think teaching is about conveying a love of learning and

giving students or individuals the tools they can use throughout their

lives,” said Davis, whose favorite dessert to make is creme brulee.

RESTAURANT-STYLE AT HOME

A recent three-part lesson focused on grilling and broiling seafood,

both outdoors and in.

The No. 1 rule in outdoor grilling is ensuring the grill surface is

clean at all times to have consistent levels of heat throughout, he said.

For the demonstration part of his class, Davis leads his students in a

preparation of grilled whole prawn on truffled polenta with a balsamic

glaze.

“There are so many fantastic flavors you can create with all the

wonderful food ingredients this country has to offer,” Davis said. “By

translating these ingredients into delicious recipes, I think many people

are astounded by what they can create at home in their kitchen.”