A Newbie's Nervous Debut: Chicken Club Filiing Braid Show

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Discussion Overview

The thread centers around a participant's experience preparing for their first cooking show, specifically focusing on making a Chicken Club Filling Braid. The participant expresses nervousness about the event and seeks advice on dough preparation and audience engagement techniques.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, shares their experience of using store-brand crescent rolls, noting difficulties with sticking and considering switching to Pillsbury brand.
  • Another participant mentions that brushing the dough with a small amount of water and pressing the braided ends together can help with the braid's integrity.
  • Several users mention that using chilled dough and cutting strips on each side of the filling can make braiding easier.
  • One participant notes a preference for using French bread dough instead of crescent rolls to avoid seam issues.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of using firm green apples for demonstrations with the Apple Peeler/Corer/Slicer (APCS) to ensure better results.
  • One participant recounts their own first show experience, highlighting the support they received and how humor helped ease their nervousness.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the best type of dough to use for braiding, with some preferring store brands and others favoring Pillsbury or French bread dough. There is no clear consensus on the best approach to preparing the braid.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects personal experiences and tips shared by participants regarding their cooking show preparations, emphasizing the supportive community aspect among Pampered Chef consultants.

Who May Find This Useful

New Pampered Chef consultants preparing for their first shows may find the shared experiences and tips relevant to their own preparations.

CarrieAnn
Messages
4
Hi Everyone!! I have my very first show tonight and I tried making the Chicken Club Filiing and putting it in the braid instead of the ring. My crescent rolls didn't stick together very well. I used the store brand, but maybe I should have used the Pillsbury brand? Also, do you cut the dough into strips, or just the sides to make the braid. I'm starting to get nervous about this...and thinking that maybe I should just do the ring, but I really wanted to do something impressive since it's my first show and alot of the people coming have been to several other shows with the ring dishes being made. I was also thinking of having 2 people from the audience try out my A/P/C/S . One using the APCS and the other using the quikcut paring knife. Hey, did I say that I'm starting to get nervous about the show??? There's 16 people RSVP'd!! Some words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated!!!
 
TryTry bushing the dough with a very small amount of water. Also be sure you are pressing the braided end together.

When I make the braid, I scoop the filling down the center, and then cut strips on each side of the filling and braid the strips together.

Hope this helps.
 
Nervousness is normal. But the beauty of our business is that we are not culinary experts. We are normal moms and women that want easy, fun recipes for our family & friends. I personally prefer the Pillsbury brands over the store brand. Sometimes, they are easier to work with, and the size of the store brands vary. When I make the braids, I use the french dough so that I don't have to fight the seams on the cresent rolls. Also, make sure that your dough is chilled; it's easier to work with. I cut mine with either my kitchen shears or pizza cutter (whichever I grab first) before I put on my filling.
I also recommend the green apples for your guests to try the APCS. They are more user friendly for the learners. It is definitely good to get the crowd involved. It reinforces how easy it is to use our tools. Sometimes they think we are culinary experts (boy, we got them fooled ;) )
Enjoy your show!
 
Great idea!Rita,

Great idea using the french bread. It's like that saying "if it was a snake it would have bit me". Totally a common sense thing and I never would have thought of it!

CarrieAnn - I agree APCS is a great demo at all shows, but definitely use firm green apples, like granny smith. Also, I always demo the US&G in the summer I make lemonade with fresh lemons in the QuickStir Pitcher in the fall & winter I just slice a raw potato. I prefer the v shaped blade.

Good luck, relax and enjoy!
 
1st show
CarrieAnn said:
Hi Everyone!! I have my very first show tonight and I tried making the Chicken Club Filiing and putting it in the braid instead of the ring. My crescent rolls didn't stick together very well. I used the store brand, but maybe I should have used the Pillsbury brand? Also, do you cut the dough into strips, or just the sides to make the braid. I'm starting to get nervous about this...and thinking that maybe I should just do the ring, but I really wanted to do something impressive since it's my first show and alot of the people coming have been to several other shows with the ring dishes being made. I was also thinking of having 2 people from the audience try out my A/P/C/S . One using the APCS and the other using the quikcut paring knife. Hey, did I say that I'm starting to get nervous about the show??? There's 16 people RSVP'd!! Some words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated!!!

I had a hard time with the braid at my first show too. My director/recruiter was there to give me support, and she ended up having to braid it for me. :o

We just kind of played it off, because everyone there was friends of mine and I just told them that it just proves what I had always said before I joined the PC, was that I'm not much of a cook. They all got a laugh out of it, and it defused my embarrasment.

Just take a deep breath and try not to over analize it. It will go smoother than you think it will. Just don't psych yourself out.

Good luck, and let us know how it went.

Kim
 
APCS TipAnother tip for the APCS is that you have to be careful about the size of the apples you use. I always caution my hosts not to buy the great big apples because the APCS will get stuck and appear to not work properly if the apple is too big. Medium-sized apples are the biggest that work well. ;)
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Chicken Club Filling Braid Show?

The Chicken Club Filling Braid Show is a cooking demonstration that focuses on creating a delicious and visually appealing chicken filling braid using Pampered Chef products. It is designed for both new consultants and customers to learn about the versatility of the products while enjoying a tasty dish.

How can I prepare for my debut show?

To prepare for your debut show, familiarize yourself with the recipe and the Pampered Chef tools you will be using. Practice the cooking techniques beforehand, set up your space for an engaging presentation, and ensure you have all ingredients and tools ready. Additionally, consider inviting friends or family to provide a supportive audience.

What if I feel nervous during my presentation?

Feeling nervous is completely normal, especially for a newbie. To manage your nerves, take deep breaths, focus on your passion for cooking, and remember that everyone is there to support you. Engaging with your audience by asking questions or encouraging participation can also help ease your anxiety.

How do I encourage sales during the show?

Encourage sales by highlighting the benefits of the Pampered Chef products you are using, sharing personal stories about how they have made cooking easier or more enjoyable for you. Offer exclusive show discounts or promotions, and create a sense of urgency by reminding guests that these offers are only available during the show.

What should I do after the show ends?

After the show, follow up with your guests by thanking them for attending and providing any additional information they may need about the products. Send out a recap email with a link to your online store, and encourage them to reach out with any questions. This follow-up can help solidify relationships and boost sales.

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