Homework

As part of my Professional Cooking class, I have to write a letter to the instructor detailing why I am the best candidate for a potential cooking show at JCCC. This letter should act like an introduction to who we are and why we are taking his class. And to make matters worse, we have to read the letter to the class. At first I thought the assignment was lame and I put it off to almost the last minute. However, at the end of 1 1/2 page letter I was enlightened. I felt used this essay as a chance to reflect on my choices and what ultimately lead me to this spot right now.

Here it is:

Hi, my name is Amanda Gritzke and I have a passion for cooking especially baking. I was helping my mother and grandmothers in the kitchen since I was old enough to hold a wooden spoon and stir. Baking is my specialty, but I have created numerous recipes for savory meals too.

Even with my love of food and cooking, I went to college for Atmospheric Science. I wanted to storm chase, but when reality hit and I learned that I couldn’t make much of a living doing that, I turned to broadcasting. I was on the local KU cable station and radio station doing the weather forecast.

However, after graduating I could not find a job in my field. I turned to the restaurant industry to supplement my income until I found a “real” job. What I thought would be months turned into years and I was really enjoying the hospitality industry. I was traveling around the country training new staff for new restaurant openings and I was being molded into a management candidate. I worked as the expediter where I learned the different stations of the line, but I know there is still much for me to learn. Managers would ask where I saw myself down the road and I would always say, “Running a restaurant”.

It seems like a strange dream for someone to have when they went to school for meteorology, and eventually after 3 years, I left the restaurant for that “real” job. I stuffed that dream down and almost forgot about it. I was an environmental scientist for 4 years when I was laid off. I tried to look for another job, but nothing was appealing to me. Again, I tried to envision where I would be in the future and I could not see myself growing in the environmental industry.
I took a part-time job at the new Barnes & Noble Café in Oak Park Mall, which turned into an assistant-manager position. My dream resurfaced; this time as a coffee shop and bakery. Currently, I am beginning my own bakery business out of my home. I have a few clients booked including cupcakes for a wedding.

I would be good as part of a television program because I have experience being on camera and my cooking style is approachable and not intimidating and yet the outcome is gourmet tasting.

Thank you,
Amanda Gritzke

Butterflies and Cupcakes

With my layoff from Tetra Tech, I found myself back in the restaurant industry so-to-speak. Last April, I was hired as part of the opening staff for the cafe at the new Barnes & Noble at Oak Park Mall. As I was working with coffee and food again, that same ol' dream of owning my own restaurant resurfaced this time as a coffee shop. The difference is, I believe this is the right path for me and not just some silly wish.

I began baking more. I brought in my creations to work and even had people comment that my sweets were better than what we sold in the cafe. I started coming up with recipes on my own and even woke up thinking about how to make something better.

One of such recipes is my Red Velvet Cupcakes. Facing the challenge of red velvet, I wanted to put a twist on making them cupcakes. After some minor issues and three cream cheese frosting recipes I have what have been hailed at the best cupcakes people have ever had. One person likes them so much he asked me to make 250 of them for his wedding in April. A real paying gig! And I am nervous.

It's actually my second paying customer, though. I might have the beginnings of a home business. However, I know I still have a lot to learn.

With my renewed passion for baking I have taken the first steps toward my goal of owning my own cafe. Tonight marked the beginning of my professional cooking course and last Thursday I turned in my application for the Pastry/Baking Program at JCCC.

The butterflies in my stomach have still not ceased fluttering.