Owensboro High School Culinary Class Celebrates Burger Week With Creative Assignment

One of my favorite electives in high school was Home Ec.  We learned important life skills like basic budgeting, how to write a check, and even got to do some simple sewing projects.

The cooking lessons were my favorite, but from what I can remember there were only two. Making a pot of spaghetti and how to perfect a fried egg. I failed miserably on the second one! Luckily my skills have improved over time.

We didn't do anything nearly as cool as the kids in Ms. Valarie Robert's Culinary classes at Owensboro High School have gotten to experience this year. From field trips to Vincenzo's delicious Italian restaurant in Louisville to touring the culinary arts school at Sullivan University, they've got me really jealous!

Hands-on creative learning is important to Ms. Roberts and I can see why! It inspires her students to enjoy making food while gaining valuable life skills. So far this year, one of them has even been accepted to Sullivan University and will pursue a career in the wild world of deliciousness.

Speaking of the wild world of deliciousness, Owensboro Burger Week had us all trying new things and supporting local eateries as we attempted to make our way through the 40 mouth-watering burger creations served up. The OHS Culinary classes took it a step further.

They checked in on WBKR and Visit Owensboro's updates throughout the week and were given a rating system of their own. Students shared with the class when they were able to try one of the burgers discussing the full experience and opinions on the taste and presentation. Here's a look at the action in the classroom.

@kyetiquettelady Having fun in culinary class making their own versions of unique burgers for burger week! #owensboroburgerweek #owensboroky #owensborohighschool #burgerweek #eliteclasaroom #culinaryarts #reddevils #devilsdomore ♬ Come Check This (Quickie Edit) - FETISH

Ms. Roberts said, "After reading through the titles and descriptions of all the participants of Burger Week, students were asked to create a unique burger of their own. Like the participating restaurants students were to have a title, description, and vegetarian option."

Another lesson they learned with this project was the importance of sourcing quality ingredients, "Students also researched local ingredients to source their burgers locally to support local farmers. Students did not have to create a burger they would necessarily eat but a burger they thought was an interesting mix of ingredients and were encouraged to use their creativity."

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My son, Rollins, and I were at OHS this past weekend and saw the posters displayed along the hallway with burger details. We loved the creative artwork and sense of humor incorporated into each project. Here are some of them.

Of course, someone had to create a burger seasoned with school spirit!

This next one with Carne Asada, guacamole, and crushed tortilla chips? Are you kidding? I'd be all over this!

This team used inspiration from everyone's favorite Scooby-Doo characters! They even plan to serve this up out of a Mystery Machine Food Truck. SO creative! Do you think this is a winner? I scooby dooby doooooo!

I'd need a poncho to eat this spaghetti burger, but I'd totally rock that thing and dig in.

This one looks pretty classic, and I bet it is exploding with flavor!

What a cute name! We have experienced pancake and french toast burgers with Owensboro Burger Week, but a waffle would hold all of these delicious ingredients perfectly. The sauces would get up in those squares for goodness in every bite. Love the use of microgreens!

This one is my son's favorite. I do love a smiley face myself as well! The use of apple jelly has me intrigued, but it sounds like an interesting pop of sweetness with the other savory ingredients. This one wins creativity points in the presentation for the smiley formed on the bun.

This one had me at Fajita. With grilled peppers and onions and covered in creamy queso, this looks so yummy. Of course, they have the buns toasted just the way they should be!

How awesome that this team has a goal of supporting  bird sanctuary with the proceeds from their burger sales?! I love that generosity in designing what looks like a great flavor combination. Olives on a burger?! Yes, please! The fact that the burger looks like a bird with a little bow has me on board.

I wondered where the spice was hiding! This burger packs a serious punch with the hot Cheetos and nacho cheese.  A brisket pattie sounds amazing too, and the sourdough bun with crunchy pickles is a great balance with the heat. Just make sure you order a big ole drink to go with it.

I would try every one of these! What about you? Great job to every student involved in this project. Keep up the good work and maybe we'll be lucky enough to enjoy one of your burgers in the future.