Integration Cook

Today is Jonicias first day of cooking at the group home's kitchen and though she voiced in the interview she was the worst cook in history they said they believed in her and knew her abilities would grow as all past specialized Educators. She was happy when she heard of the news of past workers not being able to cook but she lost that enjoyment when they said she was now a contestant who not only had to re-create one of the old chef's meals but also create one of her own to add into the receipt book that is later printed for all those living in the home. This intervention is used to let the live-ins know that a skill can always be learned. Jonicia let them know she wasn't comfortable with the idea of learning as they must have their three daily meals and the interview staff smiled and said "This is why they must help you create new recipes, this is why you're hired, you're all learning together and this is a skill we want to see you grow in before we hire you as an official integration aid. There is a note from our former Educator, who had a successful program with our recent graduates. Her name is Jessica and she can now be found working with the integration aids for job skills." Jonicia in shock at the intervention smiled and said okay and was handed the letter.

"To whom it may concern, you must be shaken by the results of this interview. You must be thinking, I am here to integrate people into the community not cook, I am not the student, I am the employee. I said the same thing. I am a worker, I was a worker, not a social worker, not a chief but a support worker, a worker who worked her work to the best of her abilities, a worker who couldn't work and learned with the students. It was honestly the best experience and you'll come to realize how important it is to understand the student's perspective as well as the extra. We learned together so this in itself was a major riencorment. Plus a small secret, at the end of the year we have a hell kitchen activity where my graduates go up against your group and the winners get a trip to the Big Apple to cook with Chef Ramsey. Enclosed are the best of the best recipes, minus one that we plan to cook, I hope you grow as I did and enjoy these. Sincerely the old kitchen"

Jonicia smiled while reading the note and told the interview staff they were by far the best integration team she had met and left the room. The first week was a major success, from Codfish balls to pumpkin bread they made it all and Jonicia was believed to have lied as the dishes were so amazing. By the end of the year, the new team tied with Jessica's cooking group and they had to both create a new recipe to break the tie. A week later the group came together and once again had a tie they then said they'd leave it to the families to decide and it still ended with a tie again. This time they decided to write the recipe on a site and have the people decide which was better.

Jonicia's group: Thai fish cakes with rice, Creamy cucumber salad, and vegetables. In a big bowl mix *1 shallot chopped, 2 garlic cloves chopped, 1/2 inch piece peeled fresh ginger or galangal coarsely chopped, 2 tablespoons fish sauce, 1 tablespoon grated lime zest, 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Mix it well and then add 1 pound of white-fleshed fish fillets, rinsed and patted dry. Once that is complete add 2 tablespoons of chopped cilantro and 2 scallions, coarsely chopped. Then work the fish mixture into a smooth dough and shape them into 1-inch balls. Once it is done turn on the deep fat fry at 370F or a heavy pot over medium-high heat with 2 inches of vegetable or peanut oil. Gradually all them to the hot oil and increase the temperature to high to keep the heat maintained. Cook for two to three minutes until lightly brown and serve.

Jessica's group: Panfried spice-crusted fish fillets, with rice, cecar salad, and vegetables. In a big bowl mix *1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 cups of water, 1 tablespoon of curry powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Then in a blender mix 1/2 cup of green or black caradamon pods: only keep the seeds, then mix it with 1/3 cup of whole cloves, 1/4 cup cumin seeds, 1/4 cup of black peppercorns, and 5 cinnamon sticks. Once everything in the blender is in powder form add it to the bowl and mix it all. Once everything is mixed Rub 1 1/2 pounds of fish fillets that were rinsed and patted dry into the ingredients with fresh lime or lemon juice. Once completed heat a large skillet over medium heat and put 1/8 inch of peanut corn, or canola oil. Once it is hot dip the fillets into the oil and keep turning until both sides are lightly browned then drain the oil on a piece of paper towel and serve.

At least one month has passed and both teams remain tied with the online plan. As a result, both teams got accepted to attend the trip and meet Chef Ramsey. The groups were overwhelmed with joy and even Chef Ramsey congratulated the group with the win. The group was aired on hell's Kitchen and Chef Ramsey promised to attend the group home at the end of the year and air the results on his show. What started as a small program in the city of Montreal became a huge sensation and the group home became Montreal's Third most successful integration group. Each graduate found a job in a kitchen or the other programs and each year would return to support the cooking group even if they were not part of the most recent groups that are eligible to participate. To participate you must be a new student or recently graduated, let's cook.