Food Service Boot Camp at NTC

By Gary Dotterer
Northeast Technology Center

It was a boot camp of sorts....something unusual to do in the summer that tested one’s abilities. But, for several area students, the boot camp they attended was full of new experiences which ultimately led to a Mexican feast.

Culinary Arts instructor Janeen Perryman demonstrates proper knife usage as she slices a red pepper. Observing are, left to right: Nathan Johnson, Jay; Richard Givens, Miami; Terri Johnson, Nathan Johnson'smother; and Glenda Lollar, Fairland.

Northeast Technology Center instructor Janeen Perryman opened her Culinary Arts classroom to a group of new students beginning the program on August 15th. She hosted this Mexican Fiesta Day to show them what they would be learning in her program.

To give them practical, hands-on experience, she guided them in the preparation of a Mexican lunch, complete with homemade guacamole, salsa, flour tortillas, enchiladas, refried beans, Mexican rice, and Mexican wedding cakes (cookies). She explained kitchen safety, proper food handling and preparation techniques, and classroom etiquette as the meal progressed.

Students washed and cut the vegetables, baked the chicken, and prepared the meal, with the assistance of former and senior food service students, a mother and a grandmother. A recipe book for take home was also furnished for the students.

“I wanted to give the students a chance to meet each other and to get a feel for the program, the kitchen and the industry,” Perryman said. “I wanted to get them excited about the things they will be learning this year.”

Judging from the delicious smells in the air, the smiling faces and the generous helping of food which was enjoyed by everyone, the camp proved to be an experience the students will never forget.