Typical fast food tacos and hamburgers can be loaded with fats and calories, but Ulster BOCES Culinary Arts students mastered a tantalizing version of the dish that combines the two favorites.

Students prepared black bean taco burgers with sides of red cabbage slaw and baked sweet potato fries. Rather than trans-fat laden burgers on a roll devoid of nutrients, they learned how to make vegetarian burgers using black beans, rice, and oats. Even the buns were made with olive oil and sunflower seeds to ramp up the bread’s nutritional value. Instead of deep-fried french fries and mayonnaise drenched coleslaw, the class made healthy baked sweet potato fries and a lightly dressed, flavorful, nourishing slaw.

Culinary Arts student Faith Lockley said the lesson taught her about positive food choices. “I learned that healthy food can be good food and I had fun doing it,” says the Kingston City School District student.
Ellenville Central School District student Jonelle Christian says she focused on the presentation of her meal. “One of the key concepts in culinary arts is knowing that presentation is a very important thing. You want everything to look pretty so that the customer will dive into it,” says Christian.

The two-year Culinary Arts program is based on the National Restaurant Association’s Educational Foundation and Hospitality Business Alliance ProStart curriculum. The program teaches students the management and practical skills required in the restaurant and food service industry. Students gain experience cooking gourmet soups, sauces, salads, meat, poultry, seafood, meatless entrees, and desserts.

The art of buffet preparation, garnishing, and plate composition is also an important aspect of the program. Many students go on to study at the Culinary Institute of America, Johnson & Wales University, and other colleges.