A Bevy of Buttery Biscuits

Last night was our first night in the kitchen. I'm in love. No doubt about it. I'd say we were taking it slow, but, the kitchen and I are smitten. I think we were obvious about it too. People will talk.

We had a brief classroom session and then into the kitchen to get to work on biscuits! The chef started with a demo on using the counter weight to scale out(measure) our ingredients. Not having worked in a professional bakery, we were taught that in this setting, measurements are not in cups or tablespoons but rather in pounds and ounces. I kid you not when I tell you that there was nothing funnier than the look of frustration on all of our faces trying to figure out how to measure small ingredients on these scales. Being that the code of conduct in this kitchen includes no swearing, it definitely added to the hilarity. I will tell you, if there had been a lip reader in the kitchen they would have had a field day with the creative expletives being muttered oh so quietly under our breath. 75% of the evening was used for our ten teams to measure out under ten ingredients. The kitchens have big glass windows around them so anyone passing by can look in or when preparing dishes for family and friends they can watch. Judging by the look of the upper class men laughing at us while we were doing this, I can only assume that this was a right of passage.

Once we were all measured, the Chef demonstrated the proper technique for mixing, kneading, cutting and placing on the lined baking sheets. We followed suit in our teams of two and then popped them into the oven. Once they were done, we had to taste and critique our biscuits. Overall, a success. I brought two home and gave them to Jack. He had them for breakfast and I believe they were a mild success!

The Chef explained that cleaning the kitchen after every class was our responsibility as it would be in any professional kitchen. Therefore, he was to put up a list with our individual responsibilities. Once we were done cooking, the list wasn't up, and we all just started cleaning. Midway through, the list went up. On top of the list are the Sous Chef's for the day. These two people are responsible for being the ones to help the Chef supervise and be sure all is being done. I had the daunting task of being one of these two people for our first class. So, I sucked it up, tried my best to keep everyone positive and am happy to report that we aced our cleaning and we're let out early for good behaviour! All in all - A GREAT NIGHT!

Tonight is going to be even better - I GET TO PLAY WITH POINTY THINGS! Our first knife class! Look the update tomorrow morning!

Happy Cooking!!!!!