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Summer Empire Scholars Experience the World through Food
Summer Empire Program scholars have been on a culinary journey recreating authentic recipes from around the world. Led by brothers and culinary instructors, Mr. James and Mark Wenzel,
the scholars have prepared cuisines of America, the Mediterranean, Latin America, and Asia. In their preparation, the scholars have learned how to use knives (different knife cuts. ie. Mince, Dice, etc.), baking and pastry basics, and various cooking techniques such as braising, roasting, blanching, frying, searing, and grilling.
The Wenzel Brothers have incorporated a meticulous schedule for the scholars. The students arrive at 8:15 AM and have breakfast before engaging in a history lesson on the country of origin and food they are going to prepare. The morning lesson also features a “How to” on the more challenging aspects of the day’s recipe.
At 9AM the scholars put away the groceries for the day and begin their culinary day. The students then choose their perspective groups and begin working on the day’s menu items. Generally, the menu consists of one or two proteins as the main course, two or three side dishes, up to two bread options, two desert choices and one authentic beverage.
By 11:15AM – 11:30AM the scholars have completed their prep and plated their items for consumption. Both James and Mark stress to the scholars the importance of keeping a clean cooking area during food preparation. Each scholar has a cleaning task at each work station. By 12:15 PM the culinary room has been cleaned. The students then prepare for their return home after their culinary voyage around the world.
On Wednesday, July 20th, the scholars prepared an authentic recipe from Italy. The menu consisted of roasted broccolini, Bolognese, pesto, Fettuccine, cacio e pepe (fettuccine with cheese and pepper), focaccia, chicken cacciatore, panna cotta, tiramisu, and a mocktail peach Bellini.
ATTENTION: Are your scholars or colleagues doing something great? Please contact the district Communications Team at communications@necsd.net. We’d love to visit your class or event and/or post your pictures and recap to highlight the amazing accomplishments throughout our district!
