| Superb Samplings 2012-2013 |
Superb Sampling Success
December 2012
On December 5th, the Hershey Middle School students came walking through the halls asking what that amazing smell was! It was the Chicken Stir Fry that was being made for the students to sample. Not only were the students excited the teachers were thrilled to see and smell the stir fry cooking right in front of them!
The students were very eager to try the vibrant dish and when ready to sample students rushed to the hall where the Chicken Stir Fry was cooking! Some students were asking for seconds and were very pleased with the stir fry. One student said "This is like eating happiness, it is delicious!" Many others were excited and interested in having the stir fry placed on the menu!
We also had a great team of PTO moms who volunteered their time and enjoyed spending time with the students as they helped serve the Chicken Stir Fry!
Superb Sampling Success
On November 29th, the Hershey Elementary and ECC students knew they were in store for a special surprise. Before even entering the cafeteria they were welcomed by the delicious smells of cooking garlic, ginger, scallions, a variety of vegetables, and teriyaki chicken. As they entered their faces were bright and smiling with the sight of a Chef preparing the Chicken Stir Fry right in front of them!
This sample day was an extra special event, we had some very special guests come and share their time with the students to make the sampling an experience for the students. Chef Tom Long from Holy Spirit Health System who is our "adopted" Chef from the Chefs Move to Schools Program, Chef Bill Scepansky of Smart Partner Solutions who has helped bring enthusiasm to cooking and healthy eating, and Deborah Howard the East Coast Director of Sales from Asian Food Solutions who decorated the cafeterias for the festivities and help prepare the teriyaki chicken from Asian Food Solutions for the stir fry.
The students were so thrilled to see our special guests and to watch the Chefs in action. Chef Bill and Chef Tom prepared the stir fry right in front of our students as they ate lunch and waited for their samples. The students absolutely loved seeing the chefs cooking especially when they would flip the stir fry in the pans with no utensils, very impressive!
We also had some of our amazing PTO moms share their time to help serve samples to the students. We would not be able to have these sample days without your help!
Overall the Chicken Stir Fry was a huge success! Our students loved the excitement of the Chefs and the amazing flavors of the stir fry. The students were asking for extra helpings of the samples and those amazing smells were bringing in the teachers looking for a sample to try. We are happy and excited to say the Chicken Stir Fry will be making a grand appearance on the menus in the near future!
Quotes from our Students on Sample Day:
Most of the samples I did not really like but this was the best sample I have ever had! - 3rd grade student
It was so delicious! I could eat it every day! Hurray for chicken stir fry! -3rd grade student
Amazing, tastes like my mom's chicken stir fry!! - 4th grade student
I don't buy at all but if this was on the menu count me in! - 5th grade student
Not a big fan of broccoli but it was awesome! You made me like broccoli!! - 5th grade student
Click on the images below for Superb Sampling Recipes!
Superb Sampling Success
October 2012
On October 11th and 12th, the Hershey Elementary and ECC students swarmed into the cafeteria to gobble down Chef Bill’s delicious fall recipes. Most students favored the apple crisp and sweet potato mash, with a few smitten for roasted butternut squash. A few children were hesitant to try these new flavors, but with a little encouragement from parents, food service staff, and peers, some of these students were courageous enough to taste the unknown.
Several PTO moms lent a hand to serve the students and in return, received smiles and kind words of thanks from the children.
Students were ecstatic to see Chef Bill and eager to hear him speak about the dishes he prepared. The children were informed about the important nutrients found in sweet potatoes, squash, and apples. Chef Bill also encouraged students to eat orange/red fruits and vegetables more often, because they help to prevent illness and muscle cramping.
Chef Bill did a great job informing the children about the food and the ingredients used to make them.
Click on the images below for Superb Sampling Recipes!
Superb Sampling Success
October 2012
On October 15th and 16th, the Hershey Middle and High School students jumped for joy as they were invited to try a variety of legume dishes. It is important for students to try these new vegetarian sources of protein as USDA lunch regulations mandate schools offer more beans and peas.
The NYC falafel made a huge impression on the students, as most of them had never tasted or seen a falafel. This chickpea nugget was either smothered in hot tomato sauce and melted cheese (similar to chicken parmesan) or served on a bed of chilled spring mix, drizzled with ranch dressing. Students were also able to try a sweet Latin black bean dip and salsa refried bean dip with tortilla chips.
Most middle school students who tried the NYC falafel favored the salad, while the high school students seemed to like both falafel dishes. And almost everyone begged for more salsa refried bean dip!
Based on the positive feedback from this sample, students can look forward to seeing falafels and bean dip in the cafeteria sometime soon!
