Modern Kitchen Basics; Monday, First Period [02/17].

[chef_chocobro]

"Well, now," said Ignis as he pushed up his glasses and got class started for another week, "our heads should be a bit clearer once again, which puts us in an excellent position to explore more of the conveniences of the modern kitchen. And since we discussed the convenience that a device like a good rice cooker can bring to the table, we'll continue on that trend this week by bringing in the many conveniences of the slow cooker, or, as it has become more colloquially known in reference to one of its most successful manufacturers, a crock pot.

"And, as with anything we're likely to encounter here, there are both benefits and downfalls to the use of a slow cooker in your cooking repertoire," which he would naturally get into in exhaustive detail as well as, of course, even just how to use one, various features, and cleaning tips.

"Now, clearly," he said, when he finally started coming around after covering all the bases, "we haven't got the time to prepare the sort of slow cooker recipe that would truly reflect the true nature of its name, but there are a few things we can make to familiarize ourselves with the equipment that doesn't extend throughout the whole day. I have a queso dip recipe that we can make and try by the end of class, as well as one for spinach and artichoke. I also encourage you to try and think of your own sort of dip or sauce that might be able to benefit from a quick mix in a slow cooker, and, to give you a better idea of what more time would give us, I've also brought along some cheesy panade and some Korean-style short ribs I started last night to be ready for this morning, if you'd like to try and have me walk through those elements, as well.

"And, of course, any questions are always welcome."

Earth Cultures, period 2

[unusual_sith]

"Welcome back, everybody," Lana said when they showed up. "I hope last week wasn't too bad for you. This week we're off to see one of the contenders for the world's largest ball of twine. The fact that there are several places claiming to have the largest ball of twine, and that they are all within the United States, perhaps tells us something about the United States, at least."

What that was, she wasn't going to think too hard on. "We're going to the one that's been certified as the largest. Although another has apparently grown larger since, it hasn't been officially certified. Also there's not much else to do there, and it's outside and cold. This one is in a sort of museum. So we're getting other unique items along with it."

She looked around. "Well, we've got two hours fifty minutes today. Enjoy." Personally, she'd have rather had more time at the Vatican, but you took what you could get.

Habits of Highly Efficient People [Monday, Period Three]

[good_for_six]

Isabela looked far too pleased with herself and rejuvenated. "Welcome back! I trust you all took advantage of this past week to really get those batteries charged."

No, Isabela did not know the meaning of the word shame, why do you ask?

Aphra for her part, looked a lot more tired, if equally pleased with herself. "There's also a valuable lesson to be learnt here about pacing yourself, and avoiding chafing," she said. "In fact, our entire lesson today is about recovery when you forget to pace yourself."

Which probably explained all the beanbags and dimmed lighting. Looks like it was time for you all to engage in a nice afternoon nap.