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The Daily Speshyl

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Culinary School: My New Journey!

September 28, 2020 · Speshyl · 2 Comments

Hey guys! I’ve missed you all like crazy! There have been so many things going on over the past few months, and today I am sharing my biggest news yet. As of August 2020, I am officially a Culinary Arts Student, enrolled in culinary school! This has been a long time coming and I’m glad I finally get to share every moment of this journey with you.

Speshyl in a "I Can't, I'm in Culinary School" t-shirt.

Where it All Began

In early January, I had gone through a tough time and I tried thinking of the things that would make me feel happy and whole. I remember having a conversation with one of my closest friends, Thalia, and we were talking about culinary school. I’ve honestly wanted to enroll since I was a teenager, but I have always had fears and reservations about doing so because of the cost of tuition & the uncertainty of jobs in the food industry. When I told my friend the tuition cost, she urged me to go and follow my dreams, and gave me all the reassurance I needed. I submitted an application the day after that conversation.

I was admitted into the Institute of Culinary Education, and shortly after that, took a tour of the campus, completed all of my paperwork with the bursars office, and submitted my uniform measurements. My official start date was set for May 27, 2020, but the universe had other plans in store…

COVID-19 Setbacks

In March, New York City was shaken by massive amounts of Coronavirus cases. Businesses and schools across the globe started to shut down and switch to remote working and learning. Never in a million years did I think quarantine would last more than the two weeks that were projected, but after 3 weeks I knew that my dream of attending Culinary School was going to be put on hold. It was hard for me to grasp this. For the first time in my life, I had something to look forward to, something that I knew I was born to do. I felt like I was finally on the right path and then I had to stop short. I have to admit, I wallowed in that for about a week, but then I decided to continue to pursue what I love (food) on my own. I took masterclasses by Gordon Ramsey and other chefs, I read food science books, and I threw myself back into food blogging and creating. The amount of engagement and positive feedback I received from you guys really reassured me that this was something that was meant for me to share.

If there is a will, there is a way, and I kept an optimistic attitude about the whole situation from there on out. I got the email with my return to work date at the end of July (which I was not enthusiastic about at all, if I’m being real). After being back at work for two weeks, I finally received an email from school saying that my new start date would be August 19th, 2020.

Speshyl, a culinary student in a chef coat.

Culinary School: COVID-19 Precautions

Before starting school, I had to pick up my uniform and get a COVID test a week before my first day. In the school, there many ways that they are keeping us safe. There are only 10 students in a class, and there are plastic shields up at each work station. Our temperatures are taken upon arrival, and we are asked a series of questions about if we’ve recently tested positive, recently traveled, or recently had symptoms/have been around someone with symptoms. All students are required to wear face masks at all times, and they even changed our class time so the the classes would be more staggered.

The First Day of Classes

On the first day of classes, we walked in to a kitchen with three big bags on each workspace. I’ll detail everything that was in those bags in a future post, but just know, I felt like a kid in a candy store! Literally, every kitchen tool I could ever want and/or need were in those bags. The Chef introduced himself to us and then we went around the room and introduced ourselves. Like any first day of school, we went over what would be learning over the next 12 months (which is the length of my course). We also got to practice knife skills. I was so thrilled that we would get to be working so quickly. That entire first day was the first time in my life where I felt present, and where I felt a sense of “this is where I am supposed to be”. I still feel like that every single time I walk into that kitchen.

Institute of Culinary Education knife roll and toolkit.

Day to Day Tasks

We are currently six weeks in at culinary school. There are five modules in my school and each module is broken down into three courses. So far we have covered:

  • food safety,
  • how to make different sized knife cuts,
  • how to identify herbs and spices,
  • how to make stocks,
  • how to fabricate (butcher/break down) fish, shellfish, poultry (chickens and ducks), beef, veal, pork, rabbit and lamb
  • how to make a white, blonde & brown roux,
  • how to clarify butter,
  • how to make the 5 mother sauces

We start every class off with knife skills, dicing potatoes, carrots, onions, shallots, mincing garlic, etc. Then we move on to the lesson of the day. I honestly cannot believe how much new information I’ve learned and retained over the last six weeks.

Culinary student completing rabbit fabrication.

What I learned in Culinary School is….

If you know me, you know that I LOVE to share every and anything that I learn, and that will not stop when it comes to what I learn in school. I’m bringing whole new section to the blog where I’ll share my experience while in Culinary School, and show you the best tips and tricks you can use in the kitchen. There is so much in store for The Daily Speshyl, and I can’t wait to bring you new delicious recipes, help you gain more confidence in any kitchen, & fall a little more in love with cooking everyday.

Blog, Culinary School

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Comments

  1. Maria says

    September 29, 2020 at 4:56 pm

    Loved!

    Reply
    • Speshyl says

      September 30, 2020 at 2:56 pm

      Thank you, Maria!! 😊

      Reply

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Welcome To The Daily Speshyl

Speshyl Smith is a Michelin Star trained chef and an Institute of Culinary Education graduate (graduating with highest honors). Speshyl is based in New York City and works as a food blogger, sharing recipes and kitchen techniques with her online community of 48,000 foodies across all social media platforms. She is now pivoting into the personal chef field, offering private dining, cooking classes, and meal prep options. Read More…

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thedailyspeshyl

Culinary School Grad • Personal Chef • Recipe Developer
LIVE Online Cooking Classes coming soon!
Recipes linked below

Personal Chef | NYC
Have you heard? Class is in session! Who says cook Have you heard? Class is in session! Who says cooking can’t be fun?! Join me, Chef Speshyl, this Thursday, April 7th, in an online interactive cooking class. Were making a Roasted Chicken with Pan Gravy, Garlic & Herb Mashhed Potatoes, & Balsamic Glazed Brussel Sprouts. 

I’m here to teach you techniques and tips that will level up your home cooking. We will cover everything from knife skills, to perfecting different cooking techniques, to mise en place. I’m also here to show you a good time, so there will always be a great playlist playing in the background. Classes are held LIVE on Zoom. Feel free to leave your screen and mic off if you’re feeling shy, or turn them on and ask any questions you like.

Upon purchase, you will receive a PDF recipe packet with all of the recipes, a grocery shopping list, an equipment list, and some notes for prep before class begins.

You can sign up for the class on my website, thedailyspeshyl.com . Link is in my bio.

See you there! 😊

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#onlinecookingclasses #onlinecookingclass #livecooking #livecookingclass #howtocook #foodblogger #foodblogfeed #blackfoodbloggers #blackchefs #blackgirlswhoblog #brusselsprouts #roastedchicken #garlicmashedpotatoes #garlicmash #mashedpotatoes
Last night on live, we made penne alla vodka! It t Last night on live, we made penne alla vodka! It took a little less than 30 mins, so it makes for a great quick weeknight meal.

Did you hear, I finally have online cooking classes available?! My first one is next Thursday & I’m so excited for it! Click the link in my bio if you would like to book a class with me 😊

You can join me on ig live every Wednesday to see what I’m cooking up next.

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#livecooking #pennepasta #penneallavodka #weeknightdinner #weeknightmeals #foodblogger #blackfoodbloggers #blackchefs #thedailyspeshyl #livecookingclass #onlinecookingclasses #onlinecookingclass #vodkasauce #vodkasaucepasta #pastarecipe #pastalover
This week we hit 20K followers! 🄳 Hi to all my This week we hit 20K followers! 🄳

Hi to all my new friends that have joined me šŸ¤— My name is Speshyl & my passion is food! Here are a few things about me…

• I started my food blog ā€œThe Daily Speshylā€ (sharing recipes & kitchen tips) in 2018, but I’ve been cooking since I was a kid. 

• I graduated from CUNY Hunter College in 2017 with a Bachelors in English Lit. Reading is my other passion/hobby.

• I attended & graduated from the Institute of Culinary Education in July 2021.

• This year I am moving into Personal Chef services, including private dining/dinner parties & in home meal prep. I’ll still be sharing recipes along the way.

• I am a Harry Potter and BeyoncĆ© STAN. 

• I watch EVERYTHING. From reality shows like The Bachelor & Selling Sunset, to comedy series like The Office & My Wife and Kids, to musicals like Hamilton & Encanto, and documentaries & thrillers. I’m always looking for new show/movie suggestions.

• Born & raised in New York City.

The explosion of new followers happened rather quickly (I’ve grown from 2,500 at the very end of November, to 20,000+ in the first week of January) & I’m so excited about it! I didn’t do anything differently besides being consistent and letting my posts sit there even if they didn’t perform well. Cooking reels that I made weeks ago randomly started picking up traction in December. So I don’t have any advice on growth besides 1) stay consistent & 2) don’t force content. Post what you love and enjoy, & those who love & enjoy the same things will find you.

Drop a comment below with a fact about you, so we can get to know each other šŸ¤— 

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#thedailyspeshyl #privatechef #personalchef #foodblogger #blackgirlswhoblog #blackfoodie #blackfoodbloggers
French Toast 3 ways šŸ˜‹ Recently, I’ve been pla French Toast 3 ways šŸ˜‹ Recently, I’ve been playing with different French Toast toppings. My new found love for French Toast had inspired some creativity. Now, I promised myself that this would be my week of rest/my week off from creating content, so the recipes will probably be up next week. Here’s a little preview of the toppings I came up with…

• Honey-Ginger Glazed Pears with Maple Marscapone
• Macerated Strawberries & Cream
• Caramelized Apples with Almonds

What do you like to top your French Toast with?

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#thedailyspeshyl #frenchtoast #frenchtoasttuesday #frenchtoasttoppings #caramelizedapples #caramelizedpears #glazedpears #maceratedstrawberries #breakfast #breakfastideas #blackfoodbloggers #blackgirlswhoblog #blackfoodie #foodblogfeed #foodblogger #foodblogeats #briochefrenchtoast #brioche
12/25 šŸ„³šŸŽˆThis year of life has been incredibl 12/25 šŸ„³šŸŽˆThis year of life has been incredible, I can’t wait to see what the next one has in store!
30-Minute Skillet Lasagna. Let’s admit it. We al 30-Minute Skillet Lasagna. Let’s admit it. We all have those days where we come home and want to get dinner on the table asap. If you’re ever craving big flavors of lasagna but don’t have hours to spend making the sauce & the noodles, this recipe is for you!! I use @raoshomemade Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce as a shortcut & cook my pasta directly in the sauce to make this a one pot meal. Recipe is up on the blog, linked in bio ✨

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https://thedailyspeshyl.com/30-minute-skillet-lasagna/

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#thedailyspeshyl #skilletlasagna #30minutemeals #weeknightdinner #weeknightmeals #lasagna #foodblogger #foodblogfeed #blackfoodbloggers #blackfoodblogger #blackgirlswhoblog #easyrecipes #foodphotography #recipeshare #recipeontheblog #recipeoftheday #castironskillet #castironcooking #lodgecastiron
What are your plans for Christmas dinner this year What are your plans for Christmas dinner this year? Leave a comment below. If you’re still unsure, may I suggest this beautiful pot roast? šŸ˜

This tender Dutch Oven Braised Pot Roast falls right apart after 3 1/2 hours of cooking. Filled with fresh herbs, beef stock, red wine and vegetables, this one pot meal is sure to impress anyone this holiday season.

Full recipe is on the blog, linked in bio ✨

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thedailyspeshyl.com/dutch-oven-braised-pot-roast/

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#thedailyspeshyl #potroast #potroastdinner #chuckroast #braisedbeef #dutchoven #dutchovencooking #christmasdinner #holidayrecipes #onepotmeal #onepotrecipe #foodblogger #blackfoodbloggers #blackgirlswhoblog #easyrecipes #easyrecipesathome
This french onion soup has rich flavor from hour l This french onion soup has rich flavor from hour long caramelized onions, brandy to deglaze the pan, and fresh rosemary and thyme perfumed throughout. Topped with toasted french bread and gruyere cheese, it creates the perfect bite.

Full recipe is linked in my bio!

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thedailyspeshyl.com/french-onion-soup-recipe/

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#thedailyspeshyl #frenchonionsoup #frenchonion #foodblogfeed #blackgirlswhoblog #blackfoodbloggers #souprecipe #souprecipes #soupseason
Creamy Garlic & Herb Mashed Potatoes! I’m curren Creamy Garlic & Herb Mashed Potatoes! I’m currently in the process of editing this video for you guys, so it’s coming really soon! This is my favorite way to make mashed potatoes & there’s a few tricks that I’ll share to get them this silky, smooth & shiny.

What do you typically serve mashed potatoes with?

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#thedailyspeshyl #garlicmashedpotatoes #herbmashedpotatoes #mashedpotatoes #pommepuree #foodblogger #foodblogfeed #blackgirlswhoblog #blackchefs #womenchefs #potatoes #easyrecipes
This is a safe space ā™„ļø Hi to my new followers This is a safe space ā™„ļø Hi to my new followers & thank you for joining me on this journey! I post new recipes weekly on my YouTube channel & website (all links in bio), cook a lot on my stories, and share many kitchen hacks & quick tips. If you ever have any questions, I’m always willing to help (to me, there’s no such thing as a ā€œstupidā€ question, so feel free to ask anything).

To my supporters who have been with me on this food blogging journey over the past 4 years, I see you & I love you! I can never thank you enough 🄰

(The *is* typo on the second slide is driving me crazy, but the message still stands)
My Arroz con Gandules video has officially hit ove My Arroz con Gandules video has officially hit over 20,000 views on YouTube 🄳 Swipe to see a few testimonials on how people feel about it. If you’ve tried this recipe out, leave a comment below & tell me what you thought of it šŸ¤— 

It’s so crazy how something I grew up eating/making & comes so naturally to me, is loved by so many others.

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#thedailyspeshyl #arrozcongandules #ricewithpigeonpeas #puertoricanfood #puertoricancooking #foodiesofinstagram #easyrecipes #foodgasm #foodblogfeed #foodblogger #eeeeats
Thanksgiving is quickly approaching! Do you have y Thanksgiving is quickly approaching! Do you have your menu set? If not, I have quite a few recipes on my blog that you would enjoy, including:

• 4 Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese (no roux based bechamel sauce needed & no eggs)
• Braised Turkey Wings
• Honey-Brown Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes
• Arroz con Gandules (rice with pigeon peas)
• Herb Roasted Chicken
• Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey
• Candied Yams
• Cranberry Sauce 
• Sweet Potato Pie
• Apple Pie

I’ll link all the recipes in my stories, but you can also go straight to my website @ thedailyspeshyl.com to find them there.

What’s on the menu for your Thanksgiving dinner?

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#thanksgiving #thanksgivingmenu #arrozcongandules #ricewithpigeonpeas #bakedmacandcheese #macandcheese #turkeywings #mashedsweetpotatoes #herbroastedchicken #roastchicken #spatchcockchicken #collardgreens #candiedyams #cranberrysauce #sweetpotatopie #applepie #applepies #thanksgivingrecipes #foodblogger #blackgirlswhoblog #easyrecipes #dinnerrecipes #thedailyspeshyl
Homemade apple pie. 🄧 You guys have been asking Homemade apple pie. 🄧 You guys have been asking for this recipe, so I had to get it to you asap! I use a mix of Granny Smith & Honeycrisp apples, & babyyyyyyy! This is the perfect dessert to put on your thanksgiving table this year. Recipe is on the blog.

www.thedailyspeshyl.com/homemade-apple-pie-recipe/

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#thedailyspeshyl #homemadeapplepie #applepie #applepierecipe #applepiešŸŽ #flakypiecrust #dessertrecipe #applerecipes #thanksgivingdesserts #thanksgivingdessert #pierecipe #piecrust #foodblogger #foodblogfeed #blackfoodbloggers #blackgirlswhoblog #blackchefs #blackchefsnetwork #feedfeedbaking #food52 #food52gram
chicken pot pie, because let be real, it’s not c chicken pot pie, because let be real, it’s not comfort food szn without it! I used a rotisserie chicken and shredded the meat, & I used puff pastry for the crust, because I love a flaky crust AND a good hack that’ll get dinner on the table quicker. Recipe is up on the blog along with the video tutorial!

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#thedailyspeshyl #chickenpotpie #potpie #chickenpotpies #puffpastry #puffpastryrecipes #pieseason #easyrecipes #dinnerrecipes #dinnerideas #comfortfood
Apple Cranberry Slab Pie. I made this recipe from Apple Cranberry Slab Pie. I made this recipe from @sallysbakeblog as a part of her November baking challenge & it was a hit! I’m in a pie crust obsession stage, trying to find one I like best & I think this has been my favorite so far! Idk, something about making pie crust is just so therapeutic to me šŸ§˜šŸ½ā€ā™€ļø

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#sallysbakingaddiction #sallysbakingchallenge #applepie #slabpie #applecranberry #applecranberrypie #dessertsofinstagram
ICYMI: We made chili on my stories the other night ICYMI: We made chili on my stories the other night! Here’s the full video, showing you how.

Here are also some q&a’s that I got in my dm’s about the recipe:

Q: why are the spices added after the meat is almost browned?
A: spices have a tendency to burn quickly over high heat, and can take on a burnt/bitter flavor. To avoid that, I throw them in after to bloom them in the oil and not leave them for too long over high heat.

Q: I’m allergic to cumin, is there a substitute?
A: yes! Try using coriander in half the amount, if you’re not allergic to that. If you’re allergic to that as well, you can omit it! The chili will still turn out fine.

Q: can I use olive oil instead of vegetable oil for the chili?
A: you can, but olive oil has a lower smoke point than other oils, so you would have to be very careful with watching the temp. Olive oil can burn quickly, so if your open to other neutral oils, such as avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or canola oil, they would all make better options. They all have higher smoke points which is needed to brown the beef.

Q: can chili be frozen? How do you store it?
A: absolutely! I like to let my finished chili cool and then place it into a gallon sized Ziploc, freezer bag. I flatten in out so it can take up minimal space in the freezer, and throw it in there for up to six months! Reheat by thawing and warning it up in a pot.

Do you have any other questions? Feel free to drop a comment below šŸ¤—

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#thedailyspeshyl #chilirecipe #chili #chiliconcarne #chiliseason #easyrecipes #onepotmeal #onepotmeals #fallrecipes
New Recipe 🌟 it’s that season! The temperatur New Recipe 🌟 it’s that season! The temperatures are dropping & nothing sounds better than a warm bowl of chili. I go a little crazy with the toppings so you’ll find sour cream, cheddar cheese, scallions, cilantro, & Fritos on my bowl of chili. The toppings are completely optional & up to you, so other than that, this is a dairy free recipe (shout out to all my lactose folks!) The recipe link is in my bio (full written version & full @youtube vid) & I’ll be making it tonight on my stories. 

Now tell me, what’s your favorite chili toppings?

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#thedailyspeshyl #chili #chilirecipe #chiliconcarne #slowcookermeals
The assignment was the 70’s šŸ•ŗšŸ½ Happy Hallo The assignment was the 70’s šŸ•ŗšŸ½ Happy Halloween!
Happy Sunday! What are you cooking today? How abou Happy Sunday! What are you cooking today? How about this Pan Seared Chicken Breast with Brandy Pan Sauce šŸ‘€ Crispy skin & juicy meat basted with butter, thyme, rosemary, & garlic… it’s what dreams are made of. The full recipe is on the blog now & a whole video tutorial is up on my @youtube channel: The Daily Speshyl.

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#thedailyspeshyl #panseared #pansearedchicken #pansauce #easyrecipes #easyrecipe #dinnerideas #dinnerrecipes #foodblogger #foodblogfeed #foodphotography
On August 19th, I walked into @iceculinary and pic On August 19th, I walked into @iceculinary and picked up my diploma. Exactly a year later from the date of my first class. I graduated with the highest honors (a 3.92 GPA) & the Most Likely To Succeed Award. Everytime I start to doubt myself or start to feel imposter syndrome, I look at this piece of paper & remember what I achieved in less than a year.

Over the summer I landed an externship at Michelin Starred restaurant, Gramercy Tavern & it was the greatest experience ever. I was lucky enough to work there with my friend & classmate @boy_timmy ,so I never felt uncomfortable or alone. My coworkers/fellow chefs were amazing. They were always willing to teach me & answer any questions I had. They never made me feel out of place. 

Working in a restaurant challenged me in so many ways. It taught me how to pace myself, & how to work off of written lists/write everything down instead of just working from my head. Culinary school prepared me a lot to enter the restaurant world, but it’s a whole different ballgame when you actually step in there and get to work. The long hours, standing, prepping, going up and down stairs with 24 quart Cambros filled with water and beans or water & sliced Idaho potatoes for chipsšŸ’€ I got my first real kitchen injury while slicing potatoes on a mandoline. It was not a pretty sight. IYKYK. I even worked the line for a bit on the seafood station until I injured my hand shucking oysters (I didn’t stab myself, but my hand blew up to twice it’s size & was in so much pain from shucking so many). Nothing prepares you for the toll it takes on the body, but the knowledge you can gain in such a short amount of time makes it worth it. It’s really a one of a kind experience.

I’ve decided to step away from the restaurant world & go into private cheffing and food media/recipe development. Food media has always been my passion, as well as cooking for others. I know I have a long way to go, but I’m happy with the way this journey is beginning ā˜ŗļø

*the last picture is January 25, 2020, the day I officially enrolled*
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