Legendary chef Julia Child once said “Learn how to cook, try new recipes, learn from your mistakes, be fearless and above all have fun.”

Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School chefs are taking this advice to heart.

Culinary students at MSD are not only learning and having fun but also engaging their entrepreneurial spirit in the culinary department. Culinary 3 and 4 students are spreading their wings under the guidance of Chef Ashley Kurth by raising money by selling cookies, muffins and drinks to cover some of their departamental lab expenses, ingredients and extra items they may need. In addition to raising money, students are showcasing their skills by selling nutritious meals to MSD students and staff.

“Making and selling these meals for the MSD community gives them valuable skills that [can be] transformed to jobs,” Chef Kurth said.

The culinary students at MSD work hard weekly to provide snacks and meals. Not only learning to cook but also creating revenue generating options can teach students how to earn a living beyond traditional careers.

Menu items change weekly, with savory options like shepherd’s pie and philly cheesesteak priced at $5.00 or below. Culinary 4 students specialize in baking and ensure flavor is delivered in all meals. Although cafeteria meals are free for the 2021-2022 school year due to additional COVID-19 funding, the proceeds of the meals support growing skills of Culinary 3 and 4 students. The program continues to evolve and now also offers family style portions at $10 or under. These family meals will be available at the start of the 2nd quarter on Fridays.

“The products that culinary is selling are delicious and are great during lunch, especially the s’mores cookies,” junior Anjali Ali said

​​Additionally, cookies made by the culinary students are available on burgundy day lunches for the first 15 minutes and after school for 15 minutes. S’mores and Chocolate chip cookies are available at $2 each, and muffins are available at $3 each.

Coffee is available all day between classes on both silver and burgundy. A “small” 9oz is $2 and a “medium” 13oz is $3. Some of the flavors are Mexican hot chocolate, mocha, and cappuccino. Espresso shots can be added to any drink for 50c. Cold drinks include cold brew, passion, orange, guava, fruit punch, strawberry kiwi, and vitamin water. Cold drinks are 12oz for $2.

Students can either pay at the classroom or pay online via QR code. Frequent buyer cards are also available at $5 and $10.

“Selling culinary products is beneficial because it helps [culinary 3 and 4 students] afford more ingredients for the course and it may make more people want to join the program,” Culinary 4 student and senior Anthony Perillo said.

When cooking is not a feasible option to all, this deal aids both students and faculty as each portion can easily feed 4-6 people. The culinary team also takes special dietary needs into account when planning their menus in order to adhere to all.