AHS Culinary Arts

09/21/2026

08/15/2026

📖✂️ Something NEW in Advanced Culinary Arts! 👩‍🍳

Our Advanced Culinary students have officially started a new semester-long project — Recipe Journals!

Throughout the semester, students will have specific requirements to complete, but they’ll have plenty of freedom to make their journals their own. These won’t just be collections of their favorite recipes. They’ll also become a creative record of what we make, learn, and experience together in the kitchen.

As we cook, bake, experiment, and learn new techniques, students will add recipes, photos, notes, memories, and their own creative touches. By the end of the semester, each student will have a one-of-a-kind journal that tells the story of their time in our Culinary kitchen.

Today we started creating, and it’s already fun to see each journal taking on its own personality! We’re excited to share their progress throughout the semester. ❤️👩‍🍳📖

05/20/2026

From prep lists to plated lunches, my students absolutely delivered at the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce Annual Women’s Luncheon. Expected attendance: 200.
This week was full of chopping, prepping, plating, serving, problem-solving, and a whole lot of teamwork. Proud doesn’t even cover it. These students stepped up, showed out, and handled this event like pros. 👏🍽️

05/15/2026

The results are in for CHICKEN WARS 2026, and we had some serious drama in the kitchen today! 🍗🔥

Two of our principals were locked in a split decision—the talent was just that high! But when it came down to the most important critics in the room—the students—the choice was loud and clear. 🗣️🙌

🏆 THE WINNER: RAISING CANE'S! 🏆

With an overwhelming majority, the students crowned Raising Cane's the ultimate champion. From that signature seasoning to the perfect sauce-to-chicken ratio, they won the hearts (and stomachs) of the entire crowd!
Huge congrats to the winning team for handling the pressure and delivering the people's favorite! 🍞🍟

05/14/2026

Advanced Culinary Arts end-of-year project is officially underway… 🍗⚔️

Today’s mission: marinades, sauces, and dredges.
Tomorrow’s mission: total Chicken Wars chaos.

Students are putting Chick-fil-A and Raising Cane’s head-to-head in the ultimate chicken tender showdown — including signature sauce comparisons. The kitchens smelled amazing, the competition got serious, and opinions were VERY loud. 😂

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s results… somebody’s chicken crown is getting snatched. 👑🍗

05/14/2026

Advanced Culinary Arts end-of-year project is officially underway… 🍗⚔️

Today’s mission: marinades, sauces, and dredges.
Tomorrow’s mission: total Chicken Wars chaos.

Students are putting Chick-fil-A and Raising Cane’s head-to-head in the ultimate chicken tender showdown — including signature sauce comparisons. The kitchens smelled amazing, the competition got serious, and opinions were VERY loud. 😂

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s results… somebody’s chicken crown is getting snatched. 👑🍗

04/14/2026

✨ **Chef Keith Reece Returns to AHS!** ✨

Our Culinary department had the incredible honor of hosting Chef Keith Reece last Friday! A proud 1984 AHS graduate, Chef Reece returned to his roots to share insights from his remarkable 30+ year career in the food industry.

From the halls of AHS to the top of his field, Keith’s journey is nothing short of inspiring:

🎓 Education:Graduated with honors from Le Cordon Bleu in Austin.

🎸 Star-Studded Starts: While in culinary school, he cooked for celebrities and dignitaries at the legendary Threadgill’s.

🏥 Leadership: Spent 23 years as the Executive Chef and Director of Nutritional Services at Wadley Hospital in Texarkana.

👨‍🏫 Versatility: His career has spanned college-level teaching, food sales, and high-level management.

🍳 Today: He is the proud owner of Reece Street Kitchen and Catering in Atlanta!

It was an invaluable experience for our students to hear firsthand how a foundation at AHS can lead to a lifetime of success and diverse opportunities.

Thank you, Chef Reece, for pouring your knowledge and passion back into our future chefs! 🎒🔪

03/24/2026

🍳 Future Chefs in the Making! 👩‍🍳👨‍🍳

Our culinary students had a fantastic day learning from the best! We were thrilled to host Ashley Weems , Coordinator and Instructor of the Texarkana College Culinary Program.

It wasn't just a lecture—it was a full-flavored deep dive into the world of professional cooking! From a lively Q&A about favorite dishes to sharing stories of her time at Le Cordon Bleu in Austin, Ms. Weems brought the heat and the inspiration. 🔥

🗝️ Key Ingredients for Success:
Ms. Weems dropped some serious knowledge on what it takes to make it in the industry:

The Basics Matter: She emphasized that skills like knife techniques and—yes—math (fractions and conversions!) are used every single day in the kitchen. 📏

Real-World Heat: Students heard the truth about catering major events—the long days, the teamwork, and the accountability required to serve hundreds of guests.

Education Path: She broke down the Texarkana College experience, from their hybrid learning model to hands-on labs where the real magic happens.

🎓 Thinking About a Culinary Career?
The opportunities are endless! TC offers both a 1-year certificate and an Associate Degree, with classes covering everything from International Cuisine to Fundamentals of Baking. 🥐

**Potential Career Paths:**
* Executive Chef or Baker 🥖
* Food Service Manager 📋
* Nutritionist or Private Chef 🥗

A huge **THANK YOU** to Ms. Weems for sharing your journey and expertise with us. Our students walked away inspired and ready to sharpen their skills! 🔪✨

02/13/2026

👑 Laissez les bons temps rouler!👑

Today in the kitchen we talked about Mardi Gras and the sweet tradition behind the King Cake — where it started, what it represents, and why there’s always a little surprise inside. Then my Intro students rolled up their sleeves and made their own Shortcut King Cakes (because we’re learning smart and efficient 😉).

Even better? My Advanced Culinary students stepped in as mentors — answering questions, guiding techniques, and modeling what leadership in the kitchen looks like. That’s the kind of full-circle moment that makes teaching worth it.

Flour on the counters, sugar in the air, and teamwork everywhere.
Mrs. Boyd’s kitchen stays busy — and I wouldn’t have it any other way. 💜💛💚👑🍰