Practice makes….

Nope. Not perfect. That’s why it’s practice until you have it down.

Then you’re done with the practice and can start reviewing!

This week’s practice at Tempe High School drew seven aspiring competitors.

There were Ericka Hoth and Alexandra Olive, seniors from Skyline High, along with two Skyline juniors, Colby Cable and Katie Ibarra. There were Ace Peterson and Adrian Jacobo, juniors from Tempe High, and Sam White, a sophomore from Dobson high School. Sam won’t be able to compete until next year, but he’s determined to practice until he gets to perfect.

Kyle Pommer and Jelani Port, both C-CAP alumni, were on hand to judge the salads on this afternoon’s practice schedule.

Both roamed through the kitchen, stopping frequently to give hands-on advice in technique.

C-CAP Arizona’s executive director, Jill Smith, was there, too, providing clear directions in C-CAP’s standards and objectives for competition.

Jelani proffered advice from his own experience, suggesting that students “stay late after class and don’t be afraid to ask (for advice). And practice, again and again and again. Practice.”

Kyle seconded the advice about practice, and added, “You want to have a plan, and practice in the order you’re doing the recipe. Work on time management. This is Skills 101 and what you will do in your first week of culinary school.

“Practice until you know you can get through the competition.”

“Don’t worry when it’s wrong,” Jelani added. “This is how you learn.”

Finally, from both: “Taste! Don’t forget to taste what you’re making. It has to look right, yes, but it also has to taste good.”

And yes – taste is subjective. But still: don’t forget the salt.