This post has been a looooooong time, coming, y’all.
BAM. Just like that my first year of culinary school is in the books. Written finals are passed, practical exams are passed and summer vacay is officially HERE and has been for the past 6 weeks. I’m in full-on summer mode now, guys.
**cue ALL the bi-polar feelings of excitement and sadness.**
To sum it all up in only a few words: this year was amazing, you guys. I wasn’t really sure I would love culinary school, but I absolutely did. It’s only fueling my passion for this whole food business and so far it’s been an AWESOME experience.
Make no mistake, it wasn’t easy balancing school, blog, family, ect at the same time this past year. My schedule mainly consisted of commuting to school, gen ed classes, actual kitchen classes, homework, even more driving back and forth to campus, of course the blog stuff which includes recipe testing, photography, blog post writing, ect. Family time and the occasional relaxation on the couch…WHEW!
Lucky for my sanity I tend to thrive on a busy lifestyle—I like to stay busy and I sure as heck did the past 9 months.
Shall we get to the photos from my spring semester? My two main kitchen classes this semester were entree and nutrition. Both of these classes REALLY pushed me out of my comfort zone with a lot of different foods and made me much more confident in my technical cooking abilities.
You may notice that I’m even getting a liiiiiiittle better at putting together well-composed restaurant-style plates. Practice, practice…♥♥
(perfect medium-rare!! *takes a bow*)
I took a road trip over to Milwaukee in March to hang out at the Midwest Foodservice Expo. I’ve never seen so much amazing free food in.my.life.
Catering the Blackhawk school luncheon. I’m the camera-shy girl four people down.
Steam burns are the WORST. That one stung a little bit.
Catering a lunch right in my own hometown with a few students and my head chef.
Thanks for reading my novel, friends and for all your endless support!! ♥♥
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
Congratulations on being done with your first year, Sarah! That’s such a great accomplishment! I definitely think you found your calling in life. Your blog is a huge success, and I know you will continue to do great things! Sounds like you had some great classes, too! Your pictures are making me hungry! Can’t wait to see what the fall semester is like for you!
Sarah says
Thank you sooooo much for all the awesome support, Gayle!! Your kind words every day always put a smile on my face!! xoxo 🙂
Betty Sievert says
Congrats!
Sarah says
Thank you Mrs. Sievert!!
Elese Newman says
Congratulations! From what I have found in your blog and looking at your photos, you have a lot to offer this world and you certainly are willing to do the work. Thanks for sharing it. Hope you enjoy the rest of your summer.
Sarah says
You are so kind to say that, Elese! I appreciate your following along my journey!
Ashley@CookNourishBliss says
Congrats Sarah!! It sounds like you have had such a great experience at culinary school! And huge kuddos to you for being able to balance it all! No easy feat!
Sarah says
Thank you so much girl!! I appreciate your awesome support! xoxo
Danielle says
Congratulations on on finishing your first year, Sarah! I think it’s fantastic that you know what career path you want to take, it definitely makes life a little easier when you have a career you love. Oh and I totally feel your pain (literally) with the steam burn! I got one a few months ago and it hurt soooooo bad. Hoping your next year of culinary school is even better than the first!
Sarah says
That was literally one of the most painful burns EVER! Eek. Haha! Thanks SO much for all the sweet support, Danielle!
Manali@CookWithManali says
yay how awesome! love reading about your culinary school updates Sarah! so glad you are having fun, keep up the good work! 🙂
Sarah says
Thank you so much Manali! Your support means a lot to me!
marcie says
Congrats, Sarah — you’ve been doing so much work on and off the blog! Enjoy your break and keep on doing what you love — you’re a natural!
Sarah says
Thanks so much Marcie! Your sweet words always make my day!!
Kathryn Mader says
I need that mac n cheese recipe. Is it on the blog? You are an amazing chef!
Sarah says
I have not put that recipe on my blog yet, Kathryn! I will someday!