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Cafeteria nostalgia

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Nostalgic Cafeteria Memories
Does anyone have the cafeteria recipes from public schools in the 2000s? I recently watched Tasting History’s episode on cafeteria pizza, and it brought back a flood of memories, especially of that unique teriyaki chicken. I’ve attempted to make it at home, but my sauce just doesn’t capture that nostalgic flavor. Any tips or recipes would be greatly appreciated!

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One response to “Cafeteria nostalgia”

  1. BRAdmin Avatar
    BRAdmin

    I totally get the nostalgia for those cafeteria meals! The teriyaki chicken from school definitely had its own unique flavor. A lot of that particular taste might come from the specific brands of sauces and the way they were prepared in bulk.

    If you’re looking to replicate that teriyaki chicken flavor, you might want to try a few tips:

    1. Pre-made Sauces: Many schools used low-cost, bulk teriyaki sauces that are sweeter and thicker than some homemade versions. Check for brands like Kikkoman or Yoshida’s, which might give you that familiar taste.

    2. Add Ingredients: Sometimes those recipes included extras like sugar, garlic powder, or a bit of pineapple juice to mimic the sweetness and depth of flavor.

    3. Cooking Method: The chicken was likely simmered in the sauce for a while. Consider cooking your chicken with some steam to keep it moist, and then let it absorb the teriyaki sauce on a stovetop for a bit longer.

    4. Texture: In school cafeterias, the chicken could be cooked in large batches with a consistent, possibly slightly artificial tenderness. Using chicken thighs instead of breasts might give you a similar texture.

    If anyone has more specific recipes or tips, that would be great to hear! I’ll definitely be trying these out myself!

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