Special Edition Blog Post: My Year in Review at OCVTS

I usually only post my recipes to this blog, but since tomorrow is the first day of summer, I wanted to share with you all my amazing experience this year at Ocean County Vocational Technical School's Culinary Arts Program.

This year has definitely been one I will never forget! Every day at OCVTS I learned something new, and enjoyed every second of class. I started my year off by learning how to work the front of the house in the dining room with Chef Bruce. I discovered, by being in this class, that I love the hospitality aspect in the culinary arts field! 

After learning about working the front of the house, I baked many delicious treats in the bakery with Chef Jill and Chef Dennis! Lastly, I finished the year by being in the place that I love the most: the kitchen! Chef Rose Anne was the instructor for this class. In this class, I improved my knife skills, learned various cooking techniques, cooked for breakfast banquets, and cooked on the line for afternoon lunches.

Everyone at OCVTS, including the instructors, faculty, and staff are so talented in their fields and are so encouraging to the students. Thank you Chef Bruce, Chef Jill, Chef Rose Anne, Chef John, Chef Dennis, Chef Gary, Chef Kevin, and Chef Joe! I can't speak highly enough about this school and how amazing all of the programs are! 

This fall, I will be attending Johnson and Wales University, to pursue a degree in Culinary Arts! I was accepted into this program a year early! I will be sharing updates on what I am cooking and experiencing during my time at Johnson and Wales here on this blog!

-Juliet

Simple Gluten-Free Fried Chicken & Waffle Sandwich

Happy Monday! I hope your week is off to a great start.

I can't believe we are already into the month of June! I am loving this beautiful weather; summer is definitely on it's way! This gluten-free fried chicken and waffle sandwich topped with a creamy cajun aioli is sure to become your summer staple! It's not only delicious, but easy-to-make and gluten-free as well! The one ingredient that makes this dish perfectly complete is the raw honey- it adds the perfect amount of sweetness to this savory and spicy dinner!

Let's get to cooking!

Simple Gluten-Free Fried Chicken & Waffle Sandwich (serves 4)

• 1 lb. chicken tenders
• 1 cup gluten-free all purpose flour blend (seasoned with 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper, to taste.)
• 1 cup buttermilk 
• avocado oil, to fry in cast iron pan
• 8 gluten-free waffles 
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise 
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning blend
• 8 butter lettuce leaves
• 1 cup sliced multicolored tomatoes
• raw honey, to drizzle on waffles

First, we are going to make the aioli. Whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, and Cajun seasoning. Wrap and place in fridge until ready to use.

Prepare flour mixture. Add chicken tenders into a bowl with buttermilk, then dredge in the flour blend.

Coat a cast iron pan with avocado oil, about 1/4 inch up the sides, over medium-high heat. Once hot, add chicken tenders and fry on each side for about 5-6 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked. Repeat steps until all chicken tenders are fried and crispy!

Time to assemble! Spread about 1 tablespoon on a piece of waffle, then top with a piece of fried chicken, butter lettuce, and sliced tomatoes. Top with another waffle to create a sandwich, then drizzle with raw honey! Serve and enjoy!

-Juliet