Cooking Like a Pro

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Welcome to Cooking Like a Pro with Chef Cal and Mrs. Chef, Christa DeMercurio! In this episode, we’re breaking down the secrets of scaling recipes, prepping like a pro, and making potato salad the Mrs. Chef way—with bold flavors from infused oils and tangy vinegars, using less mayo, and way more love. Plus, we explore anti-inflammatory ingredients and salads that bring health and flavor to the same plate. 

🔪 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The real reason you need a kitchen scale (and what "tare" means)
• How to scale any recipe for 2, 20, or 200—starting with just one serving
• A game-changing trick for lighter, more flavorful potato salad
• Tips for building anti-inflammatory salads using everyday ingredients
• Why celery might be your new unsung hero in the kitchen
• Explore global food traditions with African one-pot dishes like Jollof rice

Let's Connect!

I'm Christa DeMercurio. I started as a stay-at-home mom who relied on cookbooks, measuring everything and following recipes to the letter. But watching my chef husband move effortlessly in the kitchen, I knew there had to be a better way.

So, I learned—studying his techniques, practicing his methods, and mastering the strategies that keep professional kitchens running smoothly. Over time, I became confident, capable, and free from recipes controlling my cooking. 

I’m here to help you do the same. On Cooking Like a Pro, together we share everything you need to cook with confidence, save time and money, and actually enjoy being in the kitchen—without the stress and frustration.
P.S. I still reference cookbooks and internet recipes too! 

❤️Culinarily Yours, Christa DeMercurio (Mrs. Chef) 

Email: [email protected] 

Website

Text Me!

Leave a Voicemail

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In this episode of Cooking Like a Pro, Chef Cal and Christa tackle three kitchen essentials:

🧂 Salt Fixes – How to rescue an over-salted dish
😋 Flavor Tasting – How to taste food like a chef
🍓 Garden Game Plan – Whether planting a garden this year is worth the effort

You’ll learn practical ways to fix seasoning mistakes, how to identify flavor components and build your palate, and what’s really worth growing in your backyard. Whether you're cooking from scratch or shopping smart, this episode is full of pro tips to boost your kitchen confidence.

Let's Connect!

I'm Christa DeMercurio. I started as a stay-at-home mom who relied on cookbooks, measuring everything and following recipes to the letter. But watching my chef husband move effortlessly in the kitchen, I knew there had to be a better way.

So, I learned—studying his techniques, practicing his methods, and mastering the strategies that keep professional kitchens running smoothly. Over time, I became confident, capable, and free from recipes controlling my cooking. 

I’m here to help you do the same. On Cooking Like a Pro, together we share everything you need to cook with confidence, save time and money, and actually enjoy being in the kitchen—without the stress and frustration.
P.S. I still reference cookbooks and internet recipes too! 

❤️Culinarily Yours, Christa DeMercurio (Mrs. Chef) 

Email: [email protected] 

Website

Text Me!

Leave a Voicemail

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Text Christa!

Get ready to fire up your culinary curiosity because the latest episode of Culinarily Yours’ Cooking Like a Pro podcast just went live! This week, Chef Cal and Christa DeMercurio (aka Mrs. Chef!) serve up a flavorful chat all about chicken piccata, mastering pan sauces, getting creative with leftovers, and making cooking a true family affair.

Here’s what you’ll learn when you tune in:

5 Keys to Level Up Your Cooking:

1. Pan Sauce 101
   Discover how to capture every bit of flavor with deglazing and learn the basics of making a killer pan sauce (spoiler: stop washing away those tasty brown bits at the bottom of the pan!).
2. Chicken Piccata, Step by Step
   Find out how to make perfectly juicy, evenly cooked chicken piccata—plus simple tips for thickening and finishing your sauce just right.
3. Intuitive & Mystery Box Cooking
   Learn how to trust your palate, freestyle with leftovers (hello, spaghetti Bolognese remix), and get creative without a recipe using “intuitive cooking” tricks.
4. Family Cooking Projects
   Bread, homemade ice cream, pasta, pickles, butter—Christa and Chef Cal share activities that get the whole family involved (and happy to taste test!).
5. Dense Bean Salads 
   Dive into the viral “dense bean salad craze” and how to whip up healthy, protein-packed salads that last all week… with a quick work-friendly lunch you’ll want to try.

Let's Connect!

I'm Christa DeMercurio. I started as a stay-at-home mom who relied on cookbooks, measuring everything and following recipes to the letter. But watching my chef husband move effortlessly in the kitchen, I knew there had to be a better way.

So, I learned—studying his techniques, practicing his methods, and mastering the strategies that keep professional kitchens running smoothly. Over time, I became confident, capable, and free from recipes controlling my cooking. 

I’m here to help you do the same. On Cooking Like a Pro, together we share everything you need to cook with confidence, save time and money, and actually enjoy being in the kitchen—without the stress and frustration.
P.S. I still reference cookbooks and internet recipes too! 

❤️Culinarily Yours, Christa DeMercurio (Mrs. Chef) 

Email: [email protected] 

Website

Text Me!

Leave a Voicemail

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Welcome to the 30th episode of "Cooking Like a Pro" with Chef Cal and Christa DeMercurio, where culinary magic meets practical tips for home cooks. Tune in as we explore an array of mouth-watering topics to elevate your cooking game.

• The Magic of Citrus: Discover how citrus can transform your dishes with its bright, acidic punch. From lemon zest in your martini to grapefruit segments in your salads, we’ve got you covered!
• Marinate Like a Pro: Chef Cal shares tips on using vinaigrettes as marinades for seafood, pork, and chicken. Learn how to let flavors infuse without the risk of overcooking or getting mushy textures.
• Pork Perfection: Understand the difference between pork loin and pork tenderloin, and choose the best cut for your dinner table. Plus, learn the art of pork searing followed by a delicious oven finish.
• Pastry Possibilities: Explore the world of savory dishes wrapped in delicious puff pastries, phyllo, and more. Chef Cal breaks down how to wrap your proteins for maximum flavor and that perfect flaky texture.
• Apple Adventures: Elevate your pork chops with an apple compote that adds texture and tang. From selecting the right type of apple to bringing out its flavors, we’ve got tips for you.

Let's Connect!

I'm Christa DeMercurio. I started as a stay-at-home mom who relied on cookbooks, measuring everything and following recipes to the letter. But watching my chef husband move effortlessly in the kitchen, I knew there had to be a better way.

So, I learned—studying his techniques, practicing his methods, and mastering the strategies that keep professional kitchens running smoothly. Over time, I became confident, capable, and free from recipes controlling my cooking. 

I’m here to help you do the same. On Cooking Like a Pro, together we share everything you need to cook with confidence, save time and money, and actually enjoy being in the kitchen—without the stress and frustration.
P.S. I still reference cookbooks and internet recipes too! 

❤️Culinarily Yours, Christa DeMercurio (Mrs. Chef) 

Email: [email protected] 

Website

Text Me!

Leave a Voicemail

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Text Christa!

In this episode of Cooking Like a Pro, Chef Cal and guest Chef Sadie Krueger bring you culinary insights to elevate your kitchen game. Delve into kitchen essentials, St. Patrick’s Day menu ideas, and learn new cooking tips from the experts.

• Discover the must-have kitchen gadgets and pots for cooking like a pro.
• Explore delicious menu ideas for your St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
• Learn about Chef Cal’s favorite bean dish and cooking techniques.
• Insights into the benefits of grains and legumes as kitchen staples.

🔪🍗 🔪🍗 How fast can you bone out a chicken? 🔪🍗 🔪🍗 Check out Martin Yan and how fast he can on Yan Can Cook. 

✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨

Let's Connect!

I'm Christa DeMercurio. I started as a stay-at-home mom who relied on cookbooks, measuring everything and following recipes to the letter. But watching my chef husband move effortlessly in the kitchen, I knew there had to be a better way.

So, I learned—studying his techniques, practicing his methods, and mastering the strategies that keep professional kitchens running smoothly. Over time, I became confident, capable, and free from recipes controlling my cooking. 

I’m here to help you do the same. On Cooking Like a Pro, together we share everything you need to cook with confidence, save time and money, and actually enjoy being in the kitchen—without the stress and frustration.
P.S. I still reference cookbooks and internet recipes too! 

❤️Culinarily Yours, Christa DeMercurio (Mrs. Chef) 

Email: [email protected] 

Website

Text Me!

Leave a Voicemail

📸 INSTAGRAM | 📺YOUTUBE

Text Christa!

This week on the podcast join us for a special episode featuring Chef Cal and Christa—better known as Chef and Mrs. Chef—as they sit down with Linda Bott on Northstate Now to explore the transformative power of food.

Together, they explore how food brings people together, the importance of fresh ingredients, and insights on pairing wine with food. Chef Cal discusses his upcoming cookbook, while Christa shares about her newly released how-to fix veggies e-book along with how her own culinary journey began. 

You'll also find out about the first time they met. 

Fun Fact from the Episode: Did you know the term "table touching"? Neither did we! It's when chefs in restaurants come out to chat with diners, ensuring they're enjoying their meals. It's all about making a personal connection with food!

 🥕 Grab your FREE "Veggie Quick Fixes" guide! 🌱
Fast, flavorful ways to make veggies taste amazing—straight from How to Make Vegetables Taste Good!

Let's Connect!

I'm Christa DeMercurio. I started as a stay-at-home mom who relied on cookbooks, measuring everything and following recipes to the letter. But watching my chef husband move effortlessly in the kitchen, I knew there had to be a better way.

So, I learned—studying his techniques, practicing his methods, and mastering the strategies that keep professional kitchens running smoothly. Over time, I became confident, capable, and free from recipes controlling my cooking. 

I’m here to help you do the same. On Cooking Like a Pro, together we share everything you need to cook with confidence, save time and money, and actually enjoy being in the kitchen—without the stress and frustration.
P.S. I still reference cookbooks and internet recipes too! 

❤️Culinarily Yours, Christa DeMercurio (Mrs. Chef) 

Email: [email protected] 

Website

Text Me!

Leave a Voicemail

📸 INSTAGRAM | 📺YOUTUBE

Text Christa!

On today's episode, join Chef Cal and Christa DeMercurio as they delve into the world of cooking with professional tips and techniques, sharing insights on cookware, chicken creativity, and delectable recipe ideas.

• Stainless Steel Savvy: Discover how to choose the right stainless steel cookware and learn the magnet trick to identify top-notch pots and pans.
• Revamp Your Leftover Chicken: Get creative with your leftovers using Costco's roasted chicken, from chicken cacciatore to chicken salad and beyond.
• Perfect Polenta: Follow Chef Cal's guide to crafting creamy polenta, perfect for pairing with various dishes.
• Cedar Plank Salmon Secrets: Uncover the art of cedar plank salmon preparation, including a step-by-step on using red cedar planks from Home Depot. 
• Healthful Ingredient Insights: Understand the importance of minimizing processed foods and opting for organic choices to ensure a healthy diet.

Fun Fact from the Episode : The Chinese Chicken Salad made famous by Wolfgang Puck was invented by Madame Wu in Santa Monica.

RECIPES
Cedar Plank Salmon
Creamy Polenta
Chef's Secret Salt

Let's Connect!

I'm Christa DeMercurio. I started as a stay-at-home mom who relied on cookbooks, measuring everything and following recipes to the letter. But watching my chef husband move effortlessly in the kitchen, I knew there had to be a better way.

So, I learned—studying his techniques, practicing his methods, and mastering the strategies that keep professional kitchens running smoothly. Over time, I became confident, capable, and free from recipes controlling my cooking. 

I’m here to help you do the same. On Cooking Like a Pro, together we share everything you need to cook with confidence, save time and money, and actually enjoy being in the kitchen—without the stress and frustration.
P.S. I still reference cookbooks and internet recipes too! 

❤️Culinarily Yours, Christa DeMercurio (Mrs. Chef) 

Email: [email protected] 

Website

Text Me!

Leave a Voicemail

📸 INSTAGRAM | 📺YOUTUBE

Text Christa!

Hey Food Fans,

We're back with another delicious episode of "Cooking Like a Pro"! 🧑‍🍳 Your favorite culinary duo, Chef Cal and Christa, are serving up the latest episode filled with delicious tips, fun stories, and foodie fun that you won't want to miss.

🍅🥕🥬 Now Available! Veggie Quick Fixes FREE download 🥬🥕🍅

Here's a sneak peek at the 5 keys you'll discover in this episode:

1. Crab Season Insights: Learn about the opening of crab season, the best spots to grab these delicious catches, and why cold-water shellfish are top quality.
2. Organic Vegetables: Discover why organic veggies might just taste a little better and how to score the best ones at your local farmers market.
3. Tailgate Trends: Expand your tailgate menu with regional specialties inspired by different football matchups—did someone say Seattle-inspired hot dogs with cream cheese? 🌭
4. Soup Season Staples: Get warmed up for the colder months with a breakdown of different soup types, from creamy to brothy, and learn how to whip up your own unique flavor combinations.
5. Egg-Cooking Tips: Master the art of peeling hard-boiled eggs without getting stuck on sticking shells—smooth brunches ahead! 🥚

Fun Fact from the Episode: Did you know that you can eat your Christmas tree? Well, sort of... Tune in to find out how pine needles can be used like rosemary to add a unique twist to your cooking!

Let's Connect!

I'm Christa DeMercurio. I started as a stay-at-home mom who relied on cookbooks, measuring everything and following recipes to the letter. But watching my chef husband move effortlessly in the kitchen, I knew there had to be a better way.

So, I learned—studying his techniques, practicing his methods, and mastering the strategies that keep professional kitchens running smoothly. Over time, I became confident, capable, and free from recipes controlling my cooking. 

I’m here to help you do the same. On Cooking Like a Pro, together we share everything you need to cook with confidence, save time and money, and actually enjoy being in the kitchen—without the stress and frustration.
P.S. I still reference cookbooks and internet recipes too! 

❤️Culinarily Yours, Christa DeMercurio (Mrs. Chef) 

Email: [email protected] 

Website

Text Me!

Leave a Voicemail

📸 INSTAGRAM | 📺YOUTUBE

Text Christa!

Shoot me a text and Chef and I will answer your cooking Question on Season 2 of the podcast.
.................................

Hey Food Fans,

We’re back and sizzling with excitement! I’m Christa DeMercurio, a.k.a Mrs. Chef, and I’m thrilled to welcome you to Season 2 of Cooking Like a Pro. Get ready to discover fresh culinary inspiration alongside my husband, Chef Cal, as we dive into perfecting your kitchen skills.

Guess What???
I'm thrilled to announce the launch of my new ebook, How to Make Vegetables Taste Good! 🎉 Say goodbye to mushy, boring veggies—now you can transform them into culinary delights. Plus, grab a free one-page download of my Veggie Quick Fixes with a $2 discount on the full ebook! Trust me, they're chef-approved.

Thank you for being part of our cooking community. We’re here to help you love every moment in your kitchen, whether you're a newbie or a seasoned pro.

Before you grab your apron, make sure you’re subscribed to our podcast on Apple or Spotify to get all our episodes fresh off the stove each week. If you love what we're doing, sprinkle a little love by leaving us a five-star rating and a quick review. It really helps fellow home cooks discover our show.

Let's Dig In!

🍅🥕🥬 Now Available! Veggie Quick Fixes FREE download 🥬🥕🍅

Let's Connect!

I'm Christa DeMercurio. I started as a stay-at-home mom who relied on cookbooks, measuring everything and following recipes to the letter. But watching my chef husband move effortlessly in the kitchen, I knew there had to be a better way.

So, I learned—studying his techniques, practicing his methods, and mastering the strategies that keep professional kitchens running smoothly. Over time, I became confident, capable, and free from recipes controlling my cooking. 

I’m here to help you do the same. On Cooking Like a Pro, together we share everything you need to cook with confidence, save time and money, and actually enjoy being in the kitchen—without the stress and frustration.
P.S. I still reference cookbooks and internet recipes too! 

❤️Culinarily Yours, Christa DeMercurio (Mrs. Chef) 

Email: [email protected] 

Website

Text Me!

Leave a Voicemail

📸 INSTAGRAM | 📺YOUTUBE

Text Christa!

Hey Foodie Fam,

We’ve got an exciting new episode of "Cooking Like a Pro" ready just in time for Christmas! 🎉 Join our hosts, Christa DeMercurio and Chef Cal, as they dive into celebrating old, and starting new, holiday traditions.

Seacuterie Secrets: Level up your holiday gatherings with an impressive seacuterie board. We’re talking smoked fish, poached shrimp, oysters, and all the trimmings! And if you missed it, check out Episode 015.

Candy-Coated Truth: Uncover the hidden truths about artificial dyes like Red #40, Yellow #5 and #6, and Blue #1, and their potential health impacts.

Prime Cuts & Pro Selections: Chef Cal spills the tea on choosing the best cuts of meat for your holiday feast, from identifying marbling to making sense of different beef grades like Angus, Wagyu, and Prime.

Get creative with your Christmas spread by exploring traditional options like prime ribs and ham, or surprise your family with Italian lasagna and Mexican tamales.

Fun Fact from the Episode: Did you know the “57” in Heinz 57 doesn't refer to the number of ingredients? It's actually based on the founders' lucky numbers! 🍅🍀 A little branding magic for you! Check out this article from the Today Show .

Let's Connect!

I'm Christa DeMercurio. I started as a stay-at-home mom who relied on cookbooks, measuring everything and following recipes to the letter. But watching my chef husband move effortlessly in the kitchen, I knew there had to be a better way.

So, I learned—studying his techniques, practicing his methods, and mastering the strategies that keep professional kitchens running smoothly. Over time, I became confident, capable, and free from recipes controlling my cooking. 

I’m here to help you do the same. On Cooking Like a Pro, together we share everything you need to cook with confidence, save time and money, and actually enjoy being in the kitchen—without the stress and frustration.
P.S. I still reference cookbooks and internet recipes too! 

❤️Culinarily Yours, Christa DeMercurio (Mrs. Chef) 

Email: [email protected] 

Website

Text Me!

Leave a Voicemail

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