The cooking teacher

Chapter 3 The Block Schedule

Maddie Jones enthusiastically greeted each of her four classes with an exclamation. " We are going to explore the culinary world together this year like never before!"
For you new students I want to explain how the new system is far superior. The returning students can fill you in on how we used to do things.
In years past on Monday we would learn about the recipes and ingredients and start prepping and then the bell would ring. Tuesdays we would do the mixing or preparation and then refrigerate just in time for the bell. Wednesdays we would actually fry or boil or bake our dishes and just maybe have enough time for taste tests. Thursdays and Fridays we reviewed and started the process all over.
" With 90 minutes at our disposal we are going to be able to get so much more cooking and baking done. It's a whole new world in the culinary arts. I cannot wait to get started on this adventure with all of you. Food 101 will be doing Cheeseburgers starting Tomorrow! Save some room for taste testing. I can't have too many bites in order to grade you." Maddie smiled and chuckled. Each class intro was similar. Second level students would be starting with more complex dishes. Third level focused on desserts. Senior level would cover the entire gamut including catering.
October 1st. " How are you liking the block schedule Maddie? My science students are doing So Much better ". Maddie smiled. " It's Heavenly Bob. The old schedule was so fragmented that I would have some really focused and gifted students rise way above and produce delicious foods and desserts. But many would get lost and become flustered with lackluster results. Sometimes I would have barely a bite and not want another. I always did these testings after class. But Now? The worst students are making foods that are really pretty good. The better students make dishes and desserts that frankly are hard to stop eating after just a couple bites. I might have to finally consider the gym membership or I might get too plump for you.". Bob just smiled and said " Don't worry honey. You're my Movie Star "

Thanksgiving day arrived and Maddie selected a nice loose dress for ease of moving around and cooking and baking. Taste testing the better dishes and desserts. Oh God the Desserts. It had showed up with a little increase. Nothing drastic. Not notable to nearly anyone. She had pushed the scale to 161 lbs. Before the family arrived Bob had been very lovey dovey and handsy and they had a good ole time before she made breakfast.
Her meal was a tour de force worthy of a master baker and cook. Which was Maddie. There was beer and wine and football. Wonderful dishes brought to the feast. Aunt Jane with her 7 cheese Mac. Aunt Joyce with Pecan Pie. Everyone indulged and no politics were discussed. It was a Grand Weekend.
The following Monday morning Maddie brought 164 Chubby lbs to the scale and passed on her favorite dress pants for school. It was the same dress brought out for teaching. There was Zero concern from Bob who acted like it was the Honeymoon again All Weekend.
The new year proceeded along in similar fashion. Better foods. More taste testing. Longer taste testings. A project for the advanced class. " Bring your favorite family recipe and try to do it as well as your Grandma. Grandpa. Aunt. Uncle. Mom or Dad." The students treated this project like a Term Paper in Senior English. And the grade was just as important. The dishes and desserts in some cases were generations old. Passed down for over 100 years. Maddie's gourmet taste buds experienced Nirvana. She had two thoughts during this project for Mid Term. " This food is amazing ". And. " I think I might get Fat.I hope Bob really meant what he said about his Movie Star "
Spring break arrived on April 10th thru the 19th. Maddie had purchased some new Spring outfits and was a tall gorgeous Goddess. Bob was going Gaga over his bride. They enjoyed Springfest in Ocean City and made it like a preview to Summer. Some bar hopping on the Boardwalk. Walking hand in hand and often smooching. Maddie looked glorious in shorts and tank top. Just Thicc. 170 lbs. On 5'9? No big deal. Bob stared at her with puppy dog eyes like it was their first date.They ended up in the sack several mornings. Afternoons. And nights.