Cooking Like a Pro

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Get ready to elevate your culinary skills with insights from Chef Cal and his Mrs. Chef, in today's episode of "Cooking Like a Pro." We'll explore everything from the beginning makings of a charcuterie board to the intricacies of seasoning meats.

• Discover the art of building a perfect charcuterie board and tips from
• Master the seasoning and temperature technique for a juicy filet mignon
• Uncover the differences between New Zealand and Australian lamb
• Learn essential tips for selecting and storing meat
• Get creative with winter citrus in salads and innovative uses for kiwi in marinades

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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Join Chef Cal and Christa DeMercurio as they dive into creative and delicious ways to use your Thanksgiving leftovers. This episode offers practical tips to help you make the most out of your holiday feast remnants.

• Transform turkey bones into a rich and savory stock.
• Layer turkey and cranberry sauce on a Hawaiian roll for a tasty sandwich.
• Create soups like loaded potato or turkey rice.
• Make unique dishes like turkey quesadillas and Thanksgiving breakfast burritos.
• Use leftover turkey to make turkey hash with tater tots.
• Discover how to turn your mashed potatoes into pancakes.
• Learn how to prepare homemade turkey pot pies.

🎉 Fun Fact: Did you know Chef Cal once turned leftover pumpkin pies into a warm, velvety pumpkin pie soup!? It was a hit at a restaurant and it's an ingenious way to bring new life to those extra desserts. You can even add a dollop of whipped cream for that extra touch!

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 for Thanksgiving with Chef Cal and Christa DeMercurio and as they share their top tips for a stress-free holiday feast. This episode of "Cooking Like a Pro" focuses on meal planning, timing strategies, and essential hosting advice for Thanksgiving.

✨DOWNLOAD YOUR HOLIDAY PREP GUIDE ✨

• Explore themed variations for your Thanksgiving meal, including Italian, seafood, or Tex-Mex options.
• Holiday Prep Guide available for download at culinarilyyours.net.
• Essential decor and table setting tips, including the use of cloth napkins and unscented candles.
• Strategies for accommodating dietary needs and guest comfort.
• Detailed timeline for meal prep, from seven days out to Thanksgiving Day.

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

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Gobble, gobble! Christa DeMercurio and Chef Cal here, and guess what? We're back with another juicy episode of the "Cooking Like a Pro" podcast on Culinarily Yours, just in time for Thanksgiving! If you're looking to up your turkey game and master those side dishes, this one's for you.

🦃 5 Keys You'll Learn in This Episode 🦃

Master the Art of Gravy and Sauce
Dive into techniques for thickening gravy with roux, whitewash, or a simple fix using Wondra. Plus, Chef Cal's tips on balancing gravy consistency are total game-changers!
Fluffy (Not Gluey) Mashed Potatoes
Learn why overmixing is a no-go and how warm cream and butter can make all the difference for those perfect, dreamy spuds.
Stuffing vs. Dressing
Understand why dressing might be a safer and more controlled choice compared to stuffing your turkey, and get pro tips on bread selection.
Crispy, Moist Turkey Mastery
Whether roasting, barbecuing, or spatchcocking, get the lowdown on cooking times, temperatures, and techniques to achieve a perfect turkey every time.
#howtocookaturkey
Wine Pairing Wisdom
Discover Chef Cal’s recommendations for Thanksgiving wines and why a good Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc might be your best friends this holiday.

🍂 PRO TIP from the Episode 🌟
Pouring pan dripping through colander with ice cubes can be used to help coagulate and separate the fat before making gravy.

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!

Join Chef Cal and Christa DeMercurio for an insightful episode discussing Caesar salads, holiday preparations, and the latest trends in flavored butters. Perfect for culinary enthusiasts looking to elevate their cooking game this season.

• The secret to perfect homemade croutons for Caesar salads.
• A dive into the 100th anniversary of Caesar salad and the 200th anniversary of A1 steak sauce.
• Tips for Thanksgiving turkey preparation and alternative side dishes.
• The versatility and benefits of compound butters, including trending recipes.
• Seasonal fall vegetables and how to make the most of them in 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!

Join hosts Chef Cal and Christa DeMercurio as they dive into essential kitchen practices and food safety tips in this episode of the "Cooking Like a Pro" podcast. Get chef advice on everything from poblanos and mole, to couscous, and clams.

KITCHEN TIP: Storing your spices near the stove might be convenient, but it's not ideal! Heat and light can degrade seasonings. Keep them in airtight containers in cooler, darker places to maintain their quality and flavor. 

• Insights into Mexican cuisine, what's popular
• Efficient cooling techniques and guidelines
• Understanding grain-to-water ratios for various grains
• Don't overcook your clams

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! Unlock culinary secrets with Chef Cal and Christa DeMercurio in this episode of Cooking Like a Pro. Learn essential tips for everything from pomegranate preparation to perfecting your roast beef.

• Discover an efficient method for extracting pomegranate seeds underwater.
• Learn the best cuts for tender roast beef and techniques to avoid toughness.
• Quick tip for thickening soups using instant mashed potatoes and cooking grains and pasta separate from your soup.
• Advice from Chef Cal on entering the culinary profession and becoming a chef

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! Join Chef Cal and Christa DeMercurio on another insightful episode of Cooking Like a Pro, where they delve into culinary techniques, trends, and the art of flavors. Tune in for tips that will elevate your cooking game at home.

• Learn the essentials of making beef stock from scratch.
• Discover the differences between pickling and fermenting, and their health benefits.
• Gain insights on enhancing flavor through aroma and presentation.
• Understand the fundamentals of proper vegetable preparation to avoid bitterness or undercooking.

Don't miss these expert tips and more on "Cooking Like a Pro"!

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! In this episode, we dive into the heart of family-owned restaurant operations, revealing the secrets behind hand-crafted, from-scratch, dishes and staying community and customer driven. 

Join Chef Cal as he chats with Kathy and Charlew Byerly from Charlew's Taphouse about the intricacies of running a family-owned restaurant and how they maintain quality and customer satisfaction amidst economic challenges.

• The evolution of Charlew's, from a Mary's Pizza Shack family franchise operation, to their current success as an independent third-generation owned Italian restaurant.
• How Grandma Mary started out in the restaurant business at 48 years old back in the 60's, creating a legacy that inspires current operations
• Being family-owned and independent allows for adaptability and personalized customer experiences, unlike chain restaurants
• Navigating economic challenges and maintaining menu prices
• The importance of hands-on experience and unique recipes for aspiring restaurateurs

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!

Join Chef Cal and Mrs. Chef as they share their unforgettable 18th wedding anniversary trip to Monterey Bay in California. Discover culinary delights, unique finds, and memorable dining experiences in this detailed podcast.

• Staying at the Victorian Inn Hotel, appreciating its boutique experience
• Enjoying a meal at The Salty Seal English pub featuring the CoLoSo Band
• Visited an olive oil bar with over 70 types of oils and balsamic vinegars
• Sipping on wine while overlooking the Monterey Bay
• Experiencing a memorable meal at The Sardine Factory, highlighting dishes and dramatic presentations

The Victorian Inn Hotel
Leese-Fitch Wines
CoLoSo Band
Salty Seal Brewpub
Monterey Bay Restaurant Supply
Malinka European Mini Market
Monterey's Tasty Olive Bar
A Taste of Monterey 🎥 Webcam
🌟 The Sardine Factory 🌟
Garlic World
Granzella's Restaurant

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