The Most Terrifying Test... Ever

2 hours

4-5 courses

menu must be presented within the first 20 minutes

mystery basket ingredients

all 4 proteins must be used

And that, my friends, was our final practical exam in Culinary III. Holy guacamole, batman. It was terrifying. And when I say terrifying, I mean I woke up at 5:00 am when I didn't have to be up until 7:45. Yay.

My time started at 9:00 am, so, naturally, I had my apron and hat on at 8:30. I waited by the kitchen door until Chef said I could begin. When I walked into the kitchen, none of my classmates were smiling. In fact, they looked stressed, vomit-y, and constipated. Not a confidence booster, let me tell you.

So, I went to my station and checked out my mystery tray. We had a various assortment of veggies (leeks, tomatoes, etc.), fruits (apples and pears) and four proteins (you know, those ones that we HAVE to use): yellowfin tuna, rack of lamb, chicken, and teres major (a tender cut of beef).

I wrote my menu with a shaking but confident hand, and went to work! And here, ladies and gents, is what I accomplished in those two hours (slightly interrupted by a fire alarm...):

Appetizer: Lebanese lamb meat pie seasoned with onions, cumin, and cinnamon served with grilled onions, olive oil, and a fresh mint sprig.


Salad: Seared yellowfin tuna with morrocan carot salad

Entree: Double entree with curried grilled chicken and teres major with zucchini ribbons and rice pilaf

And, the course that got me an A- .....

Dessert: Poached pear turnover with a sticky cinnamon sauce and spiced wine

Oh, you wanted to see another angle? Fine...

So, I'm done. No, not with this class, with EVERYTHING! I am now Chef Bland. HOLY CRAP. Sorry, it's exciting times! I still plan to post yummy culinary creations... and try to be better about doing it more often (mari = slacker face).

Thanks for going on the journey with me!

~ Chef Bland ;)