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20 Culinary School Recipes To Muster Guide

By: chef ssentongo

If you’re looking for 20 essential culinary school recipes to master foundational cooking techniques, here’s a curated list covering key skills like knife work, sauces, proteins, pastries, and more:

1. Knife Skills & Stocks

Mirepoix – The base for stocks, soups, and sauces (onions, carrots, celery).
Classic Chicken Stock – Foundation for soups and sauces.
Vegetable Stock – Essential for vegetarian dishes.

2. Mother Sauces (French Cuisine Basics)

Béchamel – White sauce (milk + roux) for mac & cheese, lasagna.
Velouté – Blonde sauce (stock + roux) for gravy or soups.
Espagnole – Brown sauce (reduced stock + roux) for demi-glace.
Hollandaise – Emulsified butter sauce (eggs + butter) for Eggs Benedict.
Tomato Sauce – Classic reduction with tomatoes, aromatics, and herbs.

3. Protein Cooking Techniques

Perfect Roast Chicken – Teaches trussing, seasoning, and roasting.
Pan-Seared Salmon – Crispy skin, moist interior.
Beef Bourguignon – Braising technique (slow-cooked beef in red wine).
Classic Omelette – French-style, soft and folded.

4. Starches & Grains

Risotto Milanese – Creamy Arborio rice with saffron.
Pâte à Choux – Versatile dough for gougères or éclairs.
Handmade Pasta Dough – Egg-based dough for tagliatelle or ravioli.

5. Pastry & Desserts

Crème Brûlée – Perfect custard with caramelized sugar.
Pâte Brisée – Flaky pie crust for quiches or tarts.
Chocolate Soufflé – Mastery of egg whites and folding.

6. Garnishes & Extras

Chiffonade (Herbs) – Finely sliced basil or mint for garnish.
Consommé Clarification – Crystal-clear broth using egg whites.

Why Learn These?

Knife skills → Speed and precision.
Mother sauces → Base for countless dishes.
Proteins → Dry vs. moist heat methods.
Pastry → Precision in baking.

These recipes form the backbone of professional cooking. Want detailed instructions on any? Let me know!

## 30 + AUTHENTIC SOUL FOOD RECIPES To TRY

If you’re craving hearty, flavorful, and authentic soul food, here’s a step-by-step guide to 30+ classic recipes that celebrate Southern tradition, comfort, and love. These dishes are rich in history, flavor, and technique—perfect for home cooks ready to master soul food cuisine.

✨ Appetizers & Sides

Southern Fried Chicken – Crispy, juicy, and seasoned to perfection.
Buttermilk Biscuits – Flaky, buttery, and perfect with gravy.
Collard Greens – Slow-cooked with smoked turkey or ham hocks.
Mac & Cheese – Creamy, baked, and extra cheesy.
Cornbread – Sweet or savory, cast-iron skillet style.
Fried Green Tomatoes – Crispy, tangy, with remoulade sauce.
Hoppin’ John – Black-eyed peas, rice, and smoky bacon.
Candied Yams – Glazed with brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon.
Fried Okra – Golden, crunchy, and addictive.
Deviled Eggs – Creamy, tangy, with a hint of paprika.

🍗 Main Dishes

Smothered Pork Chops – Pan-fried and covered in onion gravy.
Fried Catfish – Crispy cornmeal crust with hot sauce.
BBQ Ribs – Fall-off-the-bone tender, sticky-sweet glaze.
Chicken & Waffles – Sweet, savory, and drizzled with syrup.
Shrimp & Grits – Creamy, cheesy grits with spicy shrimp.
Oxtail Stew – Rich, slow-braised, and deeply flavorful.
Jambalaya – Spicy, Creole-style rice with sausage and shrimp.
Chitterlings (Chitlins) – Cleaned and stewed with vinegar & hot sauce.
Meatloaf with Tomato Glaze – Moist, savory, and smothered in sauce.
Fried Chicken Livers – Crispy, tender, with a side of pepper jelly.

🥘 Soulful Soups & Stews

Gumbo – Dark roux, okra, andouille, and shrimp.
Brunswick Stew – Hearty mix of chicken, pork, and veggies.
Pot Likker Soup – Made from collard green broth, cornbread, and ham.

🍰 Desserts (Sweet Endings!)

Sweet Potato Pie – Spiced, smooth, and better than pumpkin.
Peach Cobbler – Juicy peaches with a buttery crust.
Red Velvet Cake – Moist, layered with cream cheese frosting.
Banana Pudding – Layers of vanilla wafers, custard, and fresh bananas.
Pecan Pie – Rich, gooey, and nutty.
Bread Pudding – Soaked in bourbon sauce.
Tea Cakes – Old-fashioned, buttery cookies.

🍹 Drinks

Sweet Tea – Classic Southern staple (extra sugar, extra love).
Homemade Lemonade – Tart, sweet, and refreshing.

🔪 Key Soul Food Techniques to Master:

✔ Frying (chicken, fish, okra) – Getting the perfect golden crunch.
✔ Slow Cooking (collards, oxtails) – Building deep flavor.
✔ Baking (biscuits, pies) – Light, flaky textures.
✔ Seasoning – Soul food is all about bold spices (paprika, cayenne, garlic).

📌 Pro Tips:

Use cast iron for even heat (great for cornbread & frying).
Low and slow is key for tender meats and greens.
Balance flavors – Sweet, salty, spicy, and tangy.

Want a detailed recipe breakdown for any of these? Let me know which one, and I’ll guide you through it step by step!

Happy Cooking! 🍗🍞🥧

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