Meet a Chef: George Siedis
Child Nutrition Director
Three Rivers Community Schools, Three Rivers, MI
Honey Roasted Bartlett Pear Overnight Oats
What was the inspiration for your recipe? Is this recipe still on the menu or do you rotate it into your schedule?
My high school kitchen staff came up with the idea to toss the diced Bartlett pears with honey from our district beehives and roast them. We added them to our overnight oats that we serve for breakfast and they were a huge hit! We rotate this recipe into our breakfast cycle menu.
Were students involved in setting up your bee hives? If yes, was it easy to recruit? Did you partner with local beekeepers?
We partner with local beekeepers and national bee clubs. Students are involved with the hives and they are taught the importance of bees and our environment. I believe the more they learn about the bees the less stigma they have about them just being pesty creatures that want to sting you. Students really get calm around them after spending some time by the hives and being able to hold onto a wax frame full of honey. Of course we have protective gear also.
You are known for creating nutritious, appealing options for students, with recipes highlighted for being suitable for fast-paced, high-volume school food programs. How does your school district balance creativity with consistency in the kitchen?
We are always working on new recipes and try to work in as much local foods and scratch cooking as possible. Recipe analyzing software helps us keep on track with USDA meal guidance.
Where do you get your inspiration and ideas for new or updated menu items?
My staff and I attend food shows and training throughout the year. We come up with most of our ideas on our own by just trying new things all the time.
You used the juice from the can of Bartlett pears. What are some other ways you’ve used or considered using the juice on your menus?
We use the juice for our smoothies, marinades, and to add moisture to cooked meats.
What are other ways you serve canned Bartlett pears that are student favorites?
Pear & yogurt parfaits and breakfast fruit pizza
Is there a regional or cultural cuisine that particularly inspires you right now?
Right now we are experimenting with Southwest and BBQ menu items.
What do you love most about working at Three Rivers Community Schools?
I love the whole environment of Three Rivers Community Schools. The students are excited about the meals we serve, the teachers are involved with bringing the cafe to the classroom with our hydroponic program and local farmers visits, and my Food Service staff is always on board to try new things
What’s your favorite way to eat canned pears?
Roasted is my favorite way to eat canned pears. Roasting them in our wood fired pizza oven gives them a little bit of smoke flavor that gives them a nice sweet/smoky flavor.