Soups, Soups, Grains and Drop-Outs

Wow! What a busy week! I haven't been this exhausted in a while. On your feet and running around and then standing and selling wicked kitchen furnishing can really tire you out! After taking our sauce final, which resulted in a thin bechamel and a hollandaise that did not end up on the floor, we started our soup week.

Consomme and Cream of Broccoli were up first. We got some practice with flipping things as we made some fine herb crepes (fantastic). There was a bit of an accident and someone dropped their Cream of Broccoli and what didn't end up on the floor, ended up on my leg. The price we pay to get things done on time. Shrimp Bisque and Corn Chowder were next. And I have decided that Chowder is actually not that bad. Fact: the ingredient that is most commonly found in all Clam Chowder...oh you guessed Clams didn't you? And it's not potatoes either. It's sand. Little dirt never hurt! Puree of White Bean Soup with a garnish of Avocado tomato Salsa and Avocado Creme Fraiche (pictured) and the classic French Onion Soup, topped with my favorite, gruyere. Today was rice and believe it or not, some people actually refrained from asking me if I knew how to cook rice. The favorite of the day was the risotto topped again with gruyere and chives.

To this day we have lost about six people in our class and word in the kitchen is we're about to lose a few more. And I'm not gonna lie...the people that are talking about dropping out, it's about time. Though we're all here for numero uno, we still have group work to complete that some people think means everyone else does it but them. Also, some people are frustrated that 'someone' keeps messing with their stuff. Clearly not really in tune with everything going on.

Tip for the Day: One of the worst things to cut up are jalapenos aka jalaps. For most women, the pain comes from rubbing your eyes. For most men, the pain comes after you use the um, restroom. Ah there is cure! Milk! So, guys if you forget and head to the head after chopping up some jalaps...you might as well grab yourself a quart container...or pint container, fill it up with buttermilk and have a seat. Ladies, just flush your eyes out with buttermilk.