Although a nine-foot burrito may seem like an absurd culinary creation, it is an annual project in teacher Sharon Scharf’s home economics class. Students continued the tradition of making the oversized burrito in class, Nov. 10.
The burrito is based on a La Victoria recipe that calls for tortillas, refried beans, seasoned meat, tomatoes, lettuce, green onions and salsa or sour cream. For 12 of the 16 years she has taught the class, Scharf has endeavored to produce the enlarged Mexican dish.
When the time comes for her class to undertake the challenge, Scharf says she is careful to organize the event.
“We have been doing this particular project for about twelve years and every year there is a kind of preparation that goes into getting ready for the event,” Scharf said. “I have to get all the food out and ready and make sure we have all the right ingredients.”
According to Scharf, this was one of the most enjoyable class projects due to its creativity, involvement and gratifying results.
“The burrito is just a fun lesson,” Sharf said. “Everyone loves doing the burrito. All of the students have a part in making it, so when they finish it, they feel like they accomplished something.”
Scharf believes the students enjoy making the burrito due to the different atmosphere in the kitchen.
“The students enjoy making the burrito because it is different from what we usually do in the kitchen,” Scharf said. “Instead of having an ordinary cooking day, it is more like an assembly line so things go faster and the kids have fun doing it that way.”
After the burrito is complete, the students each cut portions to eat and are able to share with friends after class. Freshman Lexi Fenster also helped contribute to making the burrito.
“I had fun making the 9-foot burrito because the people in home economics are funny,” Fenster said. “Folding it [the burrito] over was the best because we had to fold it all at the same time and the burrito was delicious! It was fun to eat something that we all helped make.”
For past coverage on the nine-foot burrito, read the Nov. 16, 2010 article, nine-foot burrito challenges student chefs and for more photos check out 12 years of tradition and Nine feet of taste.