TheAndrewCairns

TheAndrewCairns Hello and Welcome
You follow. I donate. We feed people. Easy. 10k Goal. Scottish dad in Texas
Real Food, Real Adventure, Real Recipes.

12/24/2025

Graduation Dinner: 100 Butter Chicken Curry Pies – Part 2

Day 35 of Culinary School. For my final culinary school project, I made 100 Butter Chicken Curry Pies, buttery shortcrust pastry packed with rich, spiced chicken curry, baked until golden, flaky, and absolutely beautiful.

It was chaotic. It was emotional. And it was unbelievably rewarding to watch a mountain of raw ingredients turn into something we could share with pride.
This journey has been about so much more than recipes.

It’s been about people, purpose, teamwork, growth, and finding joy in the work. ❤️

We plated and served 100 portions to classmates, chefs, and friends, and seeing them enjoy something that represented weeks of learning, mistakes, laughter, and heart… that hit hard. It was the perfect ending to an unforgettable chapter.

From nervous beginner to confident cook, I’m walking out of here grateful, inspired, and hungry for whatever comes next.

This chapter may be closing, but the adventure is only just beginning. ❤️

Every time someone follows me (Instagram, TikTok, Substack or YouTube)
I donate to the Central Texas Food Bank.

But here’s the twist:

The more people follow, the more I have to give.
1¢ per follower up to 25,000
5¢ per follower from 25,001–150,000
10¢ per follower after that
Capped at $10,000 (for now 👀)

So the faster we grow, the more I donate, and the sooner we hit $10K in meals for families across Central Texas.

Let’s see how fast you can make me hit that $10,000 goal.

You follow. I donate. We feed people. Easy.

Because food should bring people together, not leave anyone hungry.

You can also donate directly to the Central Texas Food Bank.

Every dollar helps put real meals on real tables.























12/24/2025

Graduation Dinner: 100 Butter Chicken Curry Pies – Part 1

Day 35 of Culinary School. For my final culinary school project, I made 100 Butter Chicken Curry Pies, buttery shortcrust pastry packed with rich, spiced chicken curry, baked until golden, flaky, and absolutely beautiful.

It was chaotic. It was emotional. And it was unbelievably rewarding to watch a mountain of raw ingredients turn into something we could share with pride.
This journey has been about so much more than recipes.

It’s been about people, purpose, teamwork, growth, and finding joy in the work. ❤️

We plated and served 100 portions to classmates, chefs, and friends, and seeing them enjoy something that represented weeks of learning, mistakes, laughter, and heart… that hit hard. It was the perfect ending to an unforgettable chapter.

From nervous beginner to confident cook, I’m walking out of here grateful, inspired, and hungry for whatever comes next.

This chapter may be closing, but the adventure is only just beginning. ❤️

Every time someone follows me (Instagram, TikTok, Substack or YouTube)
I donate to the Central Texas Food Bank.

But here’s the twist:

The more people follow, the more I have to give.
1¢ per follower up to 25,000
5¢ per follower from 25,001–150,000
10¢ per follower after that
Capped at $10,000 (for now 👀)

So the faster we grow, the more I donate, and the sooner we hit $10K in meals for families across Central Texas.

Let’s see how fast you can make me hit that $10,000 goal.

You follow. I donate. We feed people. Easy.

Because food should bring people together, not leave anyone hungry.

You can also donate directly to the Central Texas Food Bank.

Every dollar helps put real meals on real tables.























12/22/2025

Graduation Week: Chicken Parmesan

Day 34 at Culinary School — Graduation week rolls on with Part 2 — Pantry Surprise!

For this round, I broke down a whole chicken and turned it into a golden, panko-crusted Chicken Parmesan topped with a rich tomato sauce made from tomatoes, onions, and carrots that simmered for hours to build deep flavour.

I paired it with fresh, homemade pasta (because if you know, you know, fresh pasta is unreal!), kneaded, rested, rolled, and cut into beautiful spaghetti before tossing it in that luscious sauce.

To round out the plate, I created a creamy, cheesy asparagus gratin as the required vegetable component. Another delicious step toward graduation!
Every time someone follows me (Instagram, TikTok, Substack or YouTube)
I donate to the Central Texas Food Bank.

But here’s the twist:

The more people follow, the more I have to give.

1¢ per follower up to 25,000
5¢ per follower from 25,001–150,000
10¢ per follower after that
Capped at $10,000 (for now 👀)

So the faster we grow, the more I donate, and the sooner we hit $10K in meals for families across Central Texas.

Let’s see how fast you can make me hit that $10,000 goal.

You follow. I donate. We feed people. Easy.

Because food should bring people together, not leave anyone hungry.

You can also donate directly to the Central Texas Food Bank.

Every dollar helps put real meals on real tables.












⁨⁩
⁨

12/19/2025

Graduation Week: French Onion Soup - Part 1

Day 34 at Culinary School, Graduation week is here at culinary school, and Dish #1 of my three-part final is a classic: French Onion Soup!

I slowly sweated down onions in butter, built layers of rich flavour with beef bouillon, Worcestershire, and a bouquet garni, then simmered everything until it turned into liquid gold. Inspired by Jacques Pépin,

I layered toasted bread and Gruyère both under and on top of the soup before baking it until bubbling, molten, and roasting hot—because that’s the only way to eat French onion soup. Let’s kick off graduation week in style!

Every time someone follows me (Instagram, TikTok, Substack or YouTube)

I donate to the Central Texas Food Bank.

But here’s the twist:

The more people follow, the more I have to give.
1¢ per follower up to 25,000
5¢ per follower from 25,001–150,000
10¢ per follower after that
Capped at $10,000 (for now 👀)

So the faster we grow, the more I donate, and the sooner we hit $10K in meals for families across Central Texas.

Let’s see how fast you can make me hit that $10,000 goal.

You follow. I donate. We feed people. Easy.

Because food should bring people together, not leave anyone hungry.

You can also donate directly to the Central Texas Food Bank.

Every dollar helps put real meals on real tables.













​
⁨⁩

12/18/2025

Shrimp Ravioli with Creamy Tomato Sauce – Pantry Challenge Perfection

Day 33 at Culinary School was a Pantry Choice Challenge, where we had to create something delicious using what was on hand.

I went with Shrimp Ravioli, handmade pasta pockets filled with seasoned shrimp, topped with a creamy tomato sauce and a sprinkle of goat cheese for that tangy finish.

It was a proper test of creativity and timing, proving that great dishes don’t come from fancy ingredients, they come from imagination and a well-stocked pantry.

Every time someone follows me (Instagram, TikTok, Substack or YouTube)

I donate to the Central Texas Food Bank.

But here’s the twist:

The more people follow, the more I have to give.
1¢ per follower up to 25,000
5¢ per follower from 25,001–150,000
10¢ per follower after that
Capped at $10,000 (for now 👀)

So the faster we grow, the more I donate, and the sooner we hit $10K in meals for families across Central Texas.

Let’s see how fast you can make me hit that $10,000 goal.

You follow. I donate. We feed people. Easy.

Because food should bring people together, not leave anyone hungry.

You can also donate directly to the Central Texas Food Bank.

Every dollar helps put real meals on real tables.




12/16/2025

Fish & Chips with Brown Sauce – A Scottish Classic, Chef’s Choice

Day 32 at Culinary School was Chef’s Choice, and of course, I had to go full Scottish, Fish & Chips with Brown Sauce.

Crispy battered fish, golden fries, and a tangy homemade brown sauce that brought a bit of the UK straight to Texas.

It’s simple, nostalgic, and still one of the best meals on the planet when it’s done right.

Sometimes the most comforting dishes are the ones that remind you where you came from. 🍟🐟

This dish was all about balance, simple ingredients, precise timing, and letting flavor shine without overcomplicating it.

Every time someone follows me (Instagram, TikTok, Substack or YouTube)
I donate to the Central Texas Food Bank.

But here’s the twist:
The more people follow, the more I have to give.
1¢ per follower up to 25,000
5¢ per follower from 25,001–150,000
10¢ per follower after that
Capped at $10,000 (for now 👀)

So the faster we grow, the more I donate, and the sooner we hit $10K in meals for families across Central Texas.

Let’s see how fast you can make me hit that $10,000 goal.

You follow. I donate. We feed people. Easy.

Because food should bring people together, not leave anyone hungry.

You can also donate directly to the Central Texas Food Bank.

Every dollar helps put real meals on real tables.




12/15/2025

Trout Meunière with Kale Salad – Mastering Balance & Simplicity

Day 31 at Culinary School brought us back to the classics with a French favorite, Trout Meunière. 🇫🇷

We lightly floured and pan-seared the trout in brown butter, then finished it with lemon and parsley for that perfect nutty tang.

On the side, a crisp Kale Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette to cut through the richness.

This dish was all about balance, simple ingredients, precise timing, and letting flavor shine without overcomplicating it.

Every time someone follows me (Instagram, TikTok, Substack or YouTube)

I donate to the Central Texas Food Bank.

But here’s the twist:

The more people follow, the more I have to give.
1¢ per follower up to 25,000
5¢ per follower from 25,001–150,000
10¢ per follower after that

Capped at $10,000 (for now 👀)

So the faster we grow, the more I donate, and the sooner we hit $10K in meals for families across Central Texas.

Let’s see how fast you can make me hit that $10,000 goal.

You follow. I donate. We feed people. Easy.

Because food should bring people together, not leave anyone hungry.

You can also donate directly to the Central Texas Food Bank.

Every dollar helps put real meals on real tables.




12/05/2025

Granny Ramsay’s Scottish Tablet – A Taste of Home

Day 30 at Culinary School was a sweet reminder of where it all began, home.

I made Granny Ramsay’s Scottish Tablet, a rich, buttery treat from my childhood that tastes like pure nostalgia (and maybe a sugar coma).

It was the perfect day to share a bit of Scotland as the Central Texas Food
Bank celebrated the opening of their new Waco branch, feeding more
families and changing more lives.

Cooking, culture, and community, that’s what it’s all about.

Every time someone follows me (Instagram, TikTok, Substack or YouTube)

I donate to the Central Texas Food Bank.

But here’s the twist:

The more people follow, the more I have to give.
1¢ per follower up to 25,000
5¢ per follower from 25,001–150,000
10¢ per follower after that

Capped at $10,000 (for now 👀)

So the faster we grow, the more I donate, and the sooner we hit $10K in
meals for families across Central Texas.

Let’s see how fast you can make me hit that $10,000 goal.

You follow. I donate. We feed people. Easy.

Because food should bring people together, not leave anyone hungry.

You can also donate directly to the Central Texas Food Bank.

Every dollar helps put real meals on real tables.




12/04/2025

Eggs Every Way – From Poached to Eggs Benedict

Day 29 at Culinary School was all about the incredible egg, mastering every technique from hard and soft boiling to poaching.

We finished the day with a brunch favorite: Eggs Benedict topped with silky Hollandaise sauce, crispy bacon, and creamy avocado.

This lesson proved that the simplest ingredients often demand the most skill, temperature, timing, and touch make all the difference.

Every time someone follows me (Instagram, TikTok, Substack or YouTube)

I donate to the Central Texas Food Bank.

But here’s the twist:

The more people follow, the more I have to give.
1¢ per follower up to 25,000
5¢ per follower from 25,001–150,000
10¢ per follower after that
Capped at $10,000 (for now 👀)

So the faster we grow, the more I donate, and the sooner we hit $10K in
meals for families across Central Texas.

Let’s see how fast you can make me hit that $10,000 goal.

You follow. I donate. We feed people. Easy.

Because food should bring people together, not leave anyone hungry.

You can also donate directly to the Central Texas Food Bank.

Every dollar helps put real meals on real tables.



12/03/2025

Duck Confit with Fennel & Arugula Salad – French Technique, Big Flavor

Day 28 at Culinary School took things up a notch, classic French cooking with Duck Confit. 🇫🇷

We cured the duck legs with herbs and salt, then slowly cooked them in their own fat until tender and crisp. To balance the richness, we plated it with a bright Fennel & Arugula Salad tossed in a light vinaigrette.

This dish is a masterclass in patience and contrast, deep, savory flavor paired with freshness and crunch. It’s elegance through simplicity.

Every time someone follows me (Instagram, TikTok, Substack or YouTube)

I donate to the Central Texas Food Bank.

But here’s the twist:

The more people follow, the more I have to give.

1¢ per follower up to 25,000
5¢ per follower from 25,001–150,000
10¢ per follower after that

Capped at $10,000 (for now 👀)

So the faster we grow, the more I donate, and the sooner we hit $10K in meals for families across Central Texas.

Let’s see how fast you can make me hit that $10,000 goal.

You follow. I donate. We feed people. Easy.

Because food should bring people together, not leave anyone hungry.

You can also donate directly to the Central Texas Food Bank.

Every dollar helps put real meals on real tables.




12/02/2025

Chicken Pot Pie – Comfort Food Done Right

Day 27 at Culinary School was all about classic comfort, Chicken Pot Pie from scratch.

We started with a flaky, buttery pastry and filled it with tender chicken, vegetables, and a rich, creamy sauce made from a roux and stock.

It’s the kind of dish that feels like home, simple ingredients, careful technique, and a whole lot of heart.

Golden crust, creamy filling, and that first warm bite… pure joy.

Every time someone follows me (Instagram, TikTok, Substack or YouTube)

I donate to the Central Texas Food Bank.

But here’s the twist:

The more people follow, the more I have to give.

1¢ per follower up to 25,000
5¢ per follower from 25,001–150,000
10¢ per follower after that

Capped at $10,000 (for now 👀)

So the faster we grow, the more I donate, and the sooner we hit $10K in meals for families across Central Texas.

Let’s see how fast you can make me hit that $10,000 goal.

You follow. I donate. We feed people. Easy.

Because food should bring people together, not leave anyone hungry.

You can also donate directly to the Central Texas Food Bank.

Every dollar helps put real meals on real tables.



12/01/2025

Chicken Curry & Homemade Naan Bread – A Taste of India

Day 26 at Culinary School turned the kitchen into a spice market, rich aromas of garam masala, ginger, and garlic filled the air as we made a classic Chicken Curry from scratch.

We built layers of flavor with sautéed onions, tomatoes, and spices before simmering everything into a creamy, fragrant sauce.

Then came the Naan Bread, soft and pillowy, cooked on a hot pan until it blistered just right.

This dish reminded me that good cooking is about balance, heat, flavor, and soul. 🇮🇳

Every time someone follows me (Instagram, TikTok, Substack or YouTube)

I donate to the Central Texas Food Bank.

But here’s the twist:

The more people follow, the more I have to give.
1¢ per follower up to 25,000
5¢ per follower from 25,001–150,000
10¢ per follower after that
Capped at $10,000 (for now 👀)

So the faster we grow, the more I donate, and the sooner we hit $10K in meals for families across Central Texas.

Let’s see how fast you can make me hit that $10,000 goal.

You follow. I donate. We feed people. Easy.

Because food should bring people together, not leave anyone hungry.

You can also donate directly to the Central Texas Food Bank.

Every dollar helps put real meals on real tables.




Address

100 Elder Hill Rd
Driftwood, TX
78619

Website

,

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when TheAndrewCairns posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category