Gourmet Raw Food Chef Certification Series

Living Light's Gourmet Raw Food Chef Certification training takes students to the next level of confidence and expertise-exploring world cuisines, developing and writing recipes, transforming traditional cooked dishes into health-promoting gourmet raw cuisine, catering large events, and understanding the science of raw food nutrition.

Eight courses of study are required for this certification:

FUNdamentals of Raw Living Foods™

This is the first class in our Chef Training Series, is an entry-level 1-day course where students come to learn the basics of raw cuisine, from using equipment to sprouting to preparing appetizers, soups, salads, entrées, and desserts...plus dressings, sauces, nut milks and cheeses, smoothies, snacks, and more.

Sharpen Up Your Knife Skills!™

Good knife skills are the foundation of culinary art. The textures created influence not only the appearance of food but also the flavor and mouthfeel. That is why we created Sharpen Up Your Knife Skills™ for all levels of expertise, from novice through professional instructor—taking a progressive approach to the development of knife skills through a combination of demonstration and hands-on practice.

Essentials of Raw Culinary Arts™

Students enjoy a 5-day hands-on experience with outstanding raw food chefs and ample personal attention. Learn to develop recipes, understand flavor dynamics, and create textures using equipment specific to the raw food kitchen.

Science of Raw Food Nutrition I™

Rick and Karin Dina, D.C. offer a 2-day comprehensive course on the science of raw food nutrition. The course will cover hot topics in raw food nutrition including raw vegan sources of iron, calcium, protein, Vitamin B12, and essential fatty acids, as well as blood sugar regulation, pH balance, food changes from cooking, anti-inflammatory nutrition, weight management, anti-aging, longevity, and much more.

Raw Culinary Arts Associate Chef and Instructor Training™

A 10-day program where students learn to create a wide variety of comfort foods, including burgers, lasagna, enchiladas, cheesecake, and more. Students also plan, organize, and conduct culinary presentations.

Ethnic Flavors in Recipe Development™

In this 5-day course, you will learn to prepare ethnic cuisine from many cultures and to create the flavors and textures of each region covered. Travel around the world to places like Italy, China, Thailand, Mexico, and exotic regions that are lesser known. Everyday you will explore two different world cuisines. You will reach new levels of creativity in the grand finale, our exotic dessert extravaganza.

RawFusion Gourmet Spa Cuisine™

During this 5-day course, experience the light and luscious fare we serve at our exclusive retreats in exotic locations. We designed RawFusion Gourmet Spa Cuisine to support an active lifestyle. An entire feast is created with a limited number of ingredients using various textures and flavors to produce an unlimited assortment of dishes. High in fruits and greens, RawFusion is the favorite cuisine of the Living Light staff.

Raw Event Catering and Elegant Entertaining™

This is a 5-day course where you will learn about menu planning, organizing, budgeting, pricing, negotiating contracts, and managing your catering team. Discover secrets of plating and presentation that you can use for beautiful everyday meals or elegant dinner parties. Learn to create stunning buffets and a variety of garnishes, from simple tomato roses to elaborate carrot butterflies, for beautifully presented meals. You will also gain hands-on experience as you participate in catering raw events.

Advanced courses may be taken in any order, as long as they are completed within 2 years. When you complete all eight courses of study and receive your Gourmet Raw Food Chef Certification, you'll be confident in your ability to produce incredible gourmet raw cuisine.

Culinary Programs