As a seasoned cook and instructor I every once in a while come across a situation where I have taken for granted the inexperience of a student. This is such a story.

A couple of weeks ago I was working with my one of my students during sandwich week at school. This particular student elected to take on Rueben Sandwiches as a project. As I was explaining the various items the student would need for execution of the item I mentioned he would have to “simmer” the beef brisket that had been in cure.

About 30 minutes after lecture I was walking around checking on the progress of the students I came across a large roasting pan covered with foil with a most peculiar sound that did not resemble something simmering. I lifted up the foil to find the brisket in a dry pan searing away.

I now make sure to mention we want to simmer the corned beef in water.