Written Test and Knife Test

Written test was challenging; there was stuff on there I hadn't specifically studied. Dropped one point for second-guessing myself, one for not being specific enough, and two for not finding all the correct errors (::wry grin::) in the "what's wrong with this recipe?" question. So, 'cos I'm happy with it, that's a 94% (20% of block grade), with class grades ranging from 70s to 90s.

Knife test was not as bad as I feared, though I was under-volume in five of eight. Still, 81% is okay (15% of block grade), with class grades in 70s and 80s, 2 in 90s.

Tomorrow will be challenging! I have to do my recipe conversions tonight, then I'll be okay.

I got to try the flat-top stove today; it's cast iron with a single gas burner on one side, so there is variable but consistent heat across the surface.

Overall I'm happy with today.

Thursday Lunch and General Food Ravings

Food needed a separate post.

I don't understand how our daily class activities are making my readers hungry. The food turns out okay, but nothing super.

What we eat at lunch is far better--it's made by people who know what they're doing--who are taking specific classes to increase their skill in particular cuisines.

Today for lunch, I had tea-smoked quail (a dark quarter is the size of my index finger), mustardy rabbit loin (thumb-size), pesto cream penne pasta, and some other not-as-memorable food. The pesto was amazing. I hope we get an Italian food unit.

The evening Baking and Pastry class has been doing plated desserts (individual desserts served on plates, as opposed to the cake buffet). Tonight was a bunch of fruit sorbets with other yummy goodness. They're amazing stuff--students bring them to the table and explain what they are, and then we share. Sharing isn't hard when five people are trying eight desserts.

Breakfast continues to be amusing. Our next-block instructor has recognized me as someone who always brings homework to the table. I hope it is a positive recognition.

I worked the espresso machine with a high degree of incompetence today. It yielded coffee, though, so something worked.

I've had Cheerios with strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, mango, and kiwi, though not all at the same time. It will be tragic when summer fruit goes out of season.