I started work at the Multnomah Athletic Club for my externship right in time for the holidays. I can honestly say I've never learned so much in so little time. I learned how a real restaurant functions, how each component within its kitchen is vital to the whole, and how to just go go go. My supervisor, Chef Roy Chan, taught me so much that school just couldn't cover.

This is one of the first plated desserts I learned to serve there. It's an eggnog brulee, with whipped cream, mint leaf, and a Christmas cookie. I had to pipe frosting on so many of those little cookies. I gained an appreciation for the restaurant industry and housewives who pump out dozens of these little cookies each Christmas time.