Eye on the Pies! MVHS Culinary Celebrates Thanksgiving

By GABRIELLE SHIOZAWA

Moapa Valley Progress

Moapa Valley High School (MVHS) culinary students got a head start on the Thanksgiving season when they learned how to make pies last week. The students worked in groups as they mixed and rolled out dough for the crust, cut fruits, mixed ingredients for the fillings, and artfully arranges the pastries. Fillings included apple, pumpkin, and peanut butter fudge.

“I want them to have knowledge of something they can use for the rest of their lives,” commented instructor Lori Terril in between showing students how to effectively shape a pie crust. “It will make them happy when they can make something from scratch. These are skills they can use forever.”

“It gets us in the Thanksgiving spirit!” said junior Abby Evans.

While most students opted for a traditional lattice design across the top of the pastries, some went bold with their own nature-inspired cutouts. Mikelle Ericksen, topped her caramel apple pie with squirrels.

“I like culinary because it helps us learn how to cook, and that’s always a good thing to have,” remarked junior Sierra Bunker. “Pies are always good! Apple pie is my favorite.”

Terril explained that food is a big part of holiday celebrations because it creates memories and helps people bond.

“Good food makes us feel happy!” said Terril. “Sometimes we think of a dish and it reminds us of certain times or memories.”

Students in our high school’s culinary classes will certainly have happy memories from this fun pie-making experience.