Week 2 Here at KU!

                This week, we got to get our hands dirty in the kitchen! This was a fun filled week, where I learned a lot about food service! This internship opportunity is the first time where I have worked in the field of food service! I have learned about food service in the classroom, and it is great to be able to apply what I have learned in class in the field!

Mrs. E's Dining Hall

                I began my week at the receiving end, where I helped received the daily shipment of food. I then check in the food, put a date on it, and put it away in FIFO (first in, first out) order to ensure the proper food was used to prevent spoilage. Judy and then pulled food from the freezer to thaw it in the refrigerator. These items were tagged and dated to denote when the food was pulled, when the food was to be used by, and for what meal. Then Bri and I were able to attend a meeting for how Camps and Conferences are met with before they arrive in order to make sure all of the camp's needs are met.

                On Tuesday, we were able to attend a procurement meeting. We witnessed and were able to taste test different products that were being thought about being added to KU's dining inventory. There were different Hormel products. Attendees discussed price points, and whether or not the price was better than the products that were currently being used. Bri and I also were working hard planning our special event dinner that will be held in late July! We are very excited to be planning this dinner!

Finished strawberry shortcake, Bri and I helped make!

               Wednesday we got to get our hands dirty and began helping prepare foods! We started in chill foods. We helped slice and dice vegetables, set up the salad bar! Maria was very nice and very helpful in explaining different procedures and what her daily schedule entails. That afternoon, I worked in the dish room during the lunch rush! There were so many working parts of the dish room, and so many plates coming down the conveyer belt! I don’t know how they keep up during the school year, with serving as many meals as they do!

Fresh Flowers from the Farmer's Market

                I think Thursday was my favorite day so far! We were able to work with Monica, one of the bakers at Mrs. E's! it was so exciting to help in the daily production! We helped make caramel bars, pizza dough, and the shortcake for strawberry shortcake! I love to bake, and to be able to help out was awesome! It was really a lot of fun and I learned a lot. In the afternoon, I worke with Judy, and learned how to cashier! Students were able to swipe their cards, there were cash transactions and credit card transactions!

Local Potatoes

        Friday, Bri and I continued to work on our menu for our dinner! After meeting with Christine for lunch at Mrs. E's, we met with Travis to see whether or not our menu was feasible! Saturday morning, Bri and I went on an adventure Downtown, and walked around the local Farmer's Market. It was really neat to see all of the local produce. There were a lot of root vegetables and fresh cut flowers!

    Next week we will be heading over to the Union, where we will be working with Catering! It has been an eventful an educational week, and I am looking forward to next week!