I got a call this week from a junior high Home Ec teacher, asking if I would come and talk to her classes. I've seen that Seinfeld episode when Jerry goes back for career day at junior high and none of his jokes went over. It turned out to be a disaster and now that disaster could be me. What would I talk about to fill 8 whole 55 minute classes that could possibly inspire the young and the restless to get cooking? Then again, I remember my junior high Home Ec class when I learned to roll refrigerated biscuits into long twists smothered with melted butter and sprinkled with poppy seeds, under the direction of Mrs. Imogene Wicker. I'd still rather make rolled refrigerated biscuits then solve algebra equations anyday. Besides, it was my signature dish for many happy, pre-pubescent years. So, dear readers, do you think I should accept? 
Onto the sweeter subject: Today's recipe is a Tuesdays with Dorie "Lemon Cup Custard." (Click Here for the recipe.)It's a homey little baked custard, simple to prepare, and fairly healthful as far as desserts go. It's about as inexpensive (maybe $2) as you could hope, since you'll only need the zest of citrus fruit, eggs, milk (I used 2 percent) and sugar. I made my custard cups with a ruby red grapefruit, and topped with them some grapefruit sections tossed with a bit of brown sugar. It gave the cups a little bite and delightful syruppy zing. The cups need to bake for about 40 minutes, so why not double up on oven time and throw in a few baked potatoes for dinner? 
Next Up:
Next Up:Creamy Potato Soup for St. Patrick's Day
35 comments:
Haha!! Love the Seinfeld reference ;-) But honestly, I think that you SHOULD go back to talk to the class!! You have so much talent, and it'd be a shame not to showcase what you can do in the kitchen. GO FOR IT!! :-)
Absolutely accept.
It will be fun, and you will be glad you are all grown up.
Your custard looks wonderful.
Oh yeah - accept! It will be fun!
I think you should accept - although a whole day of is kinda long. Maybe you could arrange to do half the classes one week and half the next?
What about some talking, and then a fun activity.
You could talk about all your tips for saving money. I bet they will even have ideas.
Are they students who bring a lunch? Maybe fun lunch packing tips and recipe ideas.
I read somewhere (wish I could remember where)about teens who got together and hosted supper clubs. Everyone brought something and different people hosted every month. It was a great way for them to hang out, cook and save money.
If you do not go, you will miss out on a wonderful opportunity to inspire these young men and women--to share your love for good food and the power it has to bless and unite families. You have enriched my life through your recipes but also through your spirit and values. Go for it! You will be stretched but you will be planting "seeds" and you will never know the impact and the results of your unselfish efforts.
You should do it. I bet the kids will love you!
Your custards look fantastic - I love the grapefruit addition!
-Amy
www.singforyoursupperblog.com
Oh Yes! You should definitley accept! :) Looks like your custard turned out great! :)
You HAVE to do it!!! Maybe if someone as cool, funny, and entertaining as yourself had come to speak in a home ec class at my junior high . . . . I wouldn't have taken metal shop instead. Because with 6 people to cook for daily, those sand-blasting metal-working skills sure do come in handy. :)
I think you should do it! Why not? You will be great! I know you can share a lot more than refrigerated biscuits:)
Love the grapefruit version, great twist!
I would have loved to have a home-ec class in high school! And I really really would have loved it if you taught it! You have to do it! Do something easy (like the biscuit dough example!) but delicious! Great idea about the grapefruit in the custard!
Yes, yes, yes! Even if you don't think it goes well, who knows you may plant a seed! You have so many things to talk about; shopping wisely, cooking for less, internet/blogging paired with cooking, the list can go on! You have enough right there to fill up a class period. Please let us know if you decide to do it!
You should definitely talk to the home ec class. They will love you! I never took home ec, I was too busy being a band nerd! Haha! Your custard looks delicious and I can't wait to see your St. Patrick's Day Soup!
Share your talent! You have so much! Love the custard.
I think you doubt yourself if you don't realize what you could give those kids. I would've loved if we could've had someone as talented as you are to come to our class when I was younger.
I really like that you used grapefruit and added a compote. It looks really good.
I never would have thought to try grapefruit for the flavoring. Grapefruit with brown sugar sounds really yummy.
Find something fun and easy to do, and the classes will love it. But what will you do with your own scholars?
I've been meaning to try oven baked custard. Some day I'll get to it.
I think you should! Who wouldn't want to talk to you?
Accept! You'd be so great! I'd come sit in the home-ec class for 55 minutes!
~Delta Whiskey
you should definitely accept! i'm sure it will be fun! :)
the ruby red grapefruit flavor sounds so yummy. definitely a great idea and nice to be able to eat it with the custard (unlike the lemon ;) )
Marjie:
That's the real issue. It's no fair for them to take a day off, so maybe I'll have to do a little here and there... Hope your scholars are doing well.
Yes, accept it!
Grapefruit custard sounds delicious. I like the addition of grapefruit segments tossed in brown sugar.
You go girl!! Keep in mind that kids are So bored that you could talk about nothing but kitchen mishaps and they would be entertained.
I love the custard cups!!! What a fantastic idea = ) I love your plating and is that wedgewood?
Great custard. And, yes you should go back for Home Ec. Be sure to bring samples and food...just like adults, the audience is always happier while eating! :) It'll go great and a talk about saving money on food is a hot topic, even with teens (I'm assuming you might talk about that...)
Definitely talk to the home ec class! Kids need to learn to cook with real ingredients -- that it's not difficult, time-consuming or expensive.
Sally
I think you should accept.
Your custards look fantastic - I love the grapefruit addition!
So funny! I saw that episode last night!
The episode is all about s*x though, I might not mention it to the kids..
Love the grapefruit compote on the custards, perfect!
of course you should accept--and show those kids how to make those refrigerated biscuits, too! grapefruit is my favorite citrus!
Go for it and accept!!! I remember my home economics teacher fondly. It was one place I loved learning how to cook. We made just basics and it was sooo much fun...accept, you won't regret it!!!
I think you should accept too. It will be a wonderful experience and I think you'll really enjoy it! As for your custard cups, I love, Love, LOVE the grapefruit compote topping! How wonderful! I wish I was allowed to eat grapefruit. It's one of my most favouritest things, but alas . . . it is not allowed with my medication. Poor me. Lucky you! That looks delicious!
I say go for it 100 percent! I just finished teaching cake decorating to a group of cub scouts, and although it was hard to keep the attention of the younger ones, it was fantastic with the older ones (which is still younger than the ones you'll be teaching). You'll do great, and your students will listen and learn. The slackers that would otherwise cause trouble will be deflected by your humor, and probably drawn in. Go for it and enjoy it! Thank you for what you've taught me.
YES! Do it!!! You need to spread your knowledge! Love the grapefruit!
Definitely go to the classes. Those kids need someone 'real' to come in and tell them how much fun cooking/baking can be. You would be perfect.
The red grapefruit and yellow custard set each other off perfectly.
Looks fantastic.
I say go for it! Knowing that you actually have a passion for what you're talking about, I know you'll connect with the kids better than most. By the way, I love the addition of grapefruit, it looks fantastic!
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