There are two scary moments of a practicum. The first being when the card gets drawn (as I explained before, the practicum is where you select a card at the beginning of class that only contains ingredients. Your job is to write out the recipe and then execute it before your plate gets presented to a panel of chefs by a specified time.) and second being when the food gets tasted. The card being drawn is one of those times in life when things turn to slow motion and I could swear my heart was just going to beat right out of my chest. A quick look at my card, I'm embarrassed to admit, sent me into a fit of smiles, cheers and I'm pretty sure at some point a fist pump was involved - spinach ricotta ravioli with marinara sauce and mixed greens salad of my choice. Pasta is sooo my sweet spot. With pasta, I knew I could get into my zone and I was beyond thankful that the card I drew wasn't one for a baking recipe.
After writing out my recipe, I was into the kitchen and buzzing along, feeling great about everything. My sauce was simmering away, my pasta dough had been kneaded, the filling had been made and I couldn't stop humming a Bob Dylan song. As my presentation time drew near, my speed increased and I blanked out my surroundings. I vaguely remember Chef standing over me for an extended period time, usually something that frazzles me, but I kept on moving. At about 5 minutes until presentation, I felt like I was on one of those reality TV shows. I was tearing through the kitchen making last minute tweaks and plating everything, ensuring that it all stayed warm. Finally, my plate was finished and was whisked away for the panel of tasters. I felt a huge rush of relief and a big push of excitement...I did it! I wish I had pictures to share of my final presentation but unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to take any before the food disappeared. All I can say is that I am happy with what I presented and am proud of what I accomplished and the feedback that I received. Only the written test to go and then it's graduation time!
In other news, I'd like to announce a winner for my giveaway to Sibling Rivalry! Congratulations Hungry Crafter! Please email me at KNBarszcz@gmail.com to claim your prize.
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14 comments:
It's pretty much perfect that you got pasta! Congratulations! You must be sooo relieved that its over!!
What's next??
AMAZING! the stars were aligned for you. You are such a top chef!
Congrats! That is so exciting!!
CONGRATS!!! that is awesome :) hopefully you celebrated?!
EEEK! This is seriously one of the best giveaways I've ever won -- SUPER excited, thank you! But more importantly, a BIG congratulations to you! Good luck on the written test -- I'm really looking forward to hearing about what's next for you after graduation.
Congratulations! Sounds like you did really well... and you must be so relieved to have that out of the way. I think for me, whenever I think about culinary school, memorizing recipes and being able to write them out sounds like the hardest part. I use recipes for things I've made tons of times before... it's my crutch.
Congrats Hungry Crafter!
Congrats! I too did a happy dance and maybe a fist pump when I got a cake for my practicum haha
Congratulations Katie! I'm so glad your practicum went so well - you're well on your way!! :-)
Sounds scary and totally awesome. You are almost there!!! So exciting. :)
You only have one more big step....then you are ready to show the world all your impressive skills!! Congratulations and way to go!!
Yay - glad to hear it went well and you got a dish that you enjoy!
Yay, congrats Katie!!! Can't wait to see what lies ahead :)
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