Those attending the Choctaw County Friends of the Library meeting this past Thursday evening were treated to a demonstration of how to prepare an Easy and Elegant Valentine’s Dinner. The demonstration was presented by members of the Culinary Arts Class of the Choctaw County Career & Tech Center accompanied by their instructor, Ashley Fondren.
The dinner consisted of steak cooked by Fondren, smothered in a creamy brown sauce prepared by Brooke Morris, and French macarons by Elijah Lampard and Nicholas Studdie. Also assisting with the dinner were Culinary Arts students Ameria Robinson, Kezia Taylor, Jasmine Beeman, and Terria Davis.
Guests received copies of recipes and had the privilege of sampling the finished dishes which met with enthusiastic approval.
Culinary arts students receive training in the business side of the food industry, as well as food preparation which could open career paths after high school. Lampard and Studdie agreed that along with the fun of cooking and eating there are a lot of nerves involved in preparing food for others to consume.
Culinary Arts is a career pathway program through the Career and Tech Center with a curriculum that aligns with the National Restaurant Association’s Pro Start Program. Fondren stated, “These students are definitely ready to enter into food service or if they want to pursue continuing education at a junior college or university they really get a legup.”
She added that food services is a very good area for young people to get into because everyone has to eat and the restaurant industry is struggling to find good, young talent.
All in all, the evening would be deemed a major success, and in conjunction the Friends of the Library announced a raffle for a large teddy bear to be awarded on Thursday, February 13.
Tickets are $5 or three for $10, and proceeds go to the Friends of the Library.
