Learn A New Skill in 2018 with Hands-On Demos
The theme for ACF's 2018 events is Be The Change... Keynote speakers, presenters and chef demonstrations will guide you in the latest culinary techniques and inspire you to #BeTheChange in your kitchen.
Traditional Chinese Dumplings
Explore the art of Shandong-style dumplings with Chef Kelly Chang. Learn dough preparation, prepare traditional fillings and learn how to shape and form the dumpling shells.
Thai Fruit & Vegetable Carvings
Chef Laura Lynn will present a short history of Thai fruit and vegetable carvings and then dive into melon carving techniques. Loaner tools will be provided.
Happy Holidays Events Sale -- LAST CHANCE!
Give yourself the gift of education and networking to grow your career. 
Professional members who purchase a full registration for either ChefConnect by Dec. 31 will receive $100 off the standard rate and be entered into a drawing to win an iPad! Call the Events team at (904) 824-4468 to receive this offer.
Special Airline Offer from Delta
Delta Air Lines is pleased to offer special discounts for American Culinary Federation in 2018. Visit the Hotel & Travel page for the event you plan to attend to get the meeting code and more information.
Membership News and Updates
Resolve to Change Your Bottom Line in 2018
InFoodSys
This recipe editor automatically calculates food costs, yields, nutritional values and more all on one platform. ACF members receive 10% off a full year subscription and 30-day complimentary trial.  
 
Prolific Business Solutions
Get great rates for your credit card processing. With one of the most comprehensive iPad POS systems in the market, Prolific Business Solutions can manage your inventory, employees, time, tips, attendance and much more. ACF members get free POS software. Click here for more information and get your free quote.
ACF Patches
Start off the New Year showing your ACF pride with membership patches. At just $8 for a patch, you can add one to every coat. Get a patch for every level of certification and half-patches to display multiple certifications. Check them out in the member store.
Bill Gallagher Young Chef Forum 2018 Hotel Accommodation Offer
18- to 25-year-old young chefs looking to attend the Worldchefs Congress & Expo in 2018 may be eligible to receive free accommodation. More details here.
Certification News
To stay in the loop on ACF certification updates, join the ACF Chefs Certification Facebook group.
CEC/CEPC Update
Effective Jan. 1, the Certified Executive Chef (CEC) and Certified Executive Pastry Chef (CEPC) certification levels will require a 30-hour course in Cost Control Management.
Help ACF Expand Practical Exam Sites
Reach out to hotels or restaurants with a four-burner range, refrigeration and hand sinks to help them become practical exam test sites. Click here to review exam site requirements.
Certification Commission Call for Nominations
The Certification Commission is looking for a new member, pastry certification preferred.  All may apply. Submissions will be reviewed and vetted by the ACF Board of Directors. Please submit a letter of intention, resume and letter of chapter support to certify@acfchefs.net.   The deadline to submit is Jan. 19.
Chefcertification.com Supports ACFEF Chef & Child  
Chefcertification.com now offers 10% off courses plus a $5 donation to ACF Education Foundation’s Chef & Child initiative when you register using keycode: CCFtci17 . Courses are pre-approved by ACF for continuing education hours for initial and recertification requirements.
Upcoming Deadlines
Presidential Awards
The deadline to nominate a colleague or restaurant for a presidential award is Dec. 31. These awards represent the highest honors ACF can bestow.

December Social Media Contest
ACF wants to see how you use cardamom in your kitchen. Enter the December Ingredient of the Month social media contest and you'll be entered into a drawing to win cool prizes. Contest ends Dec. 31.
Read the article and then complete the quiz to earn one hour of continuing education credit toward ACF certification.
ACF Culinary Youth Team USA
ACF Culinary Teams are the official representative of the U.S. in international culinary competitions. The deadline for youth team applications is extended to Jan. 1. Click here for more details.
ACF Chefs in the News
ACF chefs are in the news and make a positive impact in their communities. Share your chapter's news with ACF by sending clips to pr@acfchefs.net .
Chef Randy Torres, CEC, AAC, has been selected as the interim executive director of the Oregon Coast Culinary Institute. Torres is an ACF certified executive chef with 25 years of experience in the culinary industry.
Brian Beland, CMC, is featured in Sante Magazine to share the journey and the dedication required to take the ACF Certified Master Chef exam.
Though he still works in the kitchen, Robert Marilla has also brought his expertise to the classroom for the last six years, training culinary students at Central Piedmont Community College.
Trends, Techniques and Tastes
Subject Matter Experts Wanted
Subject matter experts and chef sources are needed for upcoming articles in ACF publications. We want to hear what ACF chefs have to say on the following topics:
  • Fermentation -- What's fermenting in your kitchen?
  • Research chefs -- Do you work in this field? We want to hear from you.
  • Miso -- How do you use this umami-rich ingredient?
Email pr@acfchefs.net on any of the above topics to be featured as a potential source or subject matter expert.
Cozy Up with Winter Sizzle
The newest issue of Sizzle features the hottest culinary trends for 2018, an interview with Paul Sorgule, a vegan "beef" Wellington and a procedure to make matzo balls that float.
Career Development Roundup
Read 2017's best blog posts on career development from Paul Sorgule, Stephan Baity and others.

Cardamom and Squash for Dessert
See how Stephanie Charns, CSCE, CWPC, uses warming cardamom and winter squash in her plated desserts.

American Culinary Federation, 180 Center Place Way, St. Augustine, FL 32095
(904) 824-4468 | Fax: (904) 940-0741