The Culinary Quickies Podcast with Chef Mel The Happy Chef

Are you sick of your own cooking? Is the family complaining about the same old meals being made for dinner? First of all, you're not alone. And secondly, it's not your fault. In this episode of Culinary Quickies listen as Chef Mel tells us how we can pimp up and refresh the everyday dishes that you confidently know how to cook!

Get your Culinary Quickies Cookbook + Cheffy Toolbox here. 

In this episode you'll learn:

- what to do to refresh new flavour for everyday dishes

- why building a repertoire of dishes helps weeknight meals

- how to season your food for excitement and flavour

- why cooking is a form of your personality... and so much more! 

Connect with Chef Mel here:

IG - @chefmel_happychef

FB - @MelAlafaci

This podcast is produced by Nikki Voxx from Quintessential Being.

Are you stressed whenever you have a dinner party? Have you been wishing you could entertain with ease? In this episode of Culinary Quickies listen as Chef Mel shares tips for reducing stress while cooking for dinner parties.

Get your Culinary Quickies Cookbook + Cheffy Toolbox here. 

In this episode you'll learn:

- easy and flavourful slow cooking methods

- cost effective ways to tantalise your guests taste buds

- Chef Mel's favourite cooking techniques and recipes

- easy and elegant dinner party dishes.. and so much more! 

Connect with Chef Mel here:

IG - @chefmel_happychef

FB - @MelAlafaci

This podcast is produced by Nikki Voxx from Quintessential Being.

Are you wanting to make perfect poached eggs? Have you tried poaching eggs only to end up creating a mess? In this episode of Culinary Quickies listen to learn the common problems with poaching eggs, why it's NOT your fault and how to poach the perfect egg! 

Get your Culinary Quickies Cookbook + Cheffy Toolbox here. 

In this episode you'll learn:

- which eggs are the BEST for poaching

- what to do if you don't have farm fresh eggs to get the perfect poach

- why you should swap white vinegar for salt when poaching

- what role the temperature plays in poaching success... and so much more! 

Connect with Chef Mel here:

IG - @chefmel_happychef

FB - @MelAlafaci

Is your kitchen pantry in complete disarray? Are you wanting to feel inspired to cook again? When you have a stale, messy and disorganised pantry, some spring cleaning is in order to get your kitchen mojo back. In this episode Chef Mel shares why it's high time to sniff your nuts, oils, flowers and spices!

Get your Culinary Quickies Cookbook + Cheffy Toolbox here. 

In this episode you'll learn:

- why it's not your fault if you've got a stale pantry

- how to organise your pantry into categories

- how to roast your ground spices to get more personality out of them

- what you can do to extend the life of your spices... and so much more! 

Connect with Chef Mel here:

IG - @chefmel_happychef

FB - @MelAlafaci

This podcast is produced by Nikki Voxx from Quintessential Being.

Want to know the secrets to cooking light, delicate gnocchi? Have all of your previous attempts at cooking gnocchi been a horrible, stressful mess? In this episode of Culinary Quickies we uncover the mystery that is Nonna's perfect gnocchi and 

Get your Culinary Quickies Cookbook + Cheffy Toolbox here. 

In this episode you'll learn:

- why the variety of potato matters to achieve perfect gnocchi

- the easy way to prepare and handle your potatoes

- what potato starch does and how to get the most out of it.. and so much more! 

Connect with Chef Mel here:

IG - @chefmel_happychef

FB - @MelAlafaci

This podcast is produced by Nikki Voxx from Quintessential Being.

Have you ever done a tray of roast vegetables in your oven, and after 45 minutes, you've opened the oven door and all you've got is a face full of steam and regrets? If yes, then this will change your life. If you want a stress free, exciting way to prepare a lot of vegetables all at once, then listen up! 

Get your Culinary Quickies Cookbook + Cheffy Toolbox here. 

In this episode you'll learn:

- how to get maximum flavour out of your vegetables

- what you need to know to be clever AND lazy with your food prep

- how to avoid the dreaded, mushy, old people home vegetables

- ways to use leftover vegetables... and so much more! 

Connect with Chef Mel here:

IG - @chefmel_happychef

FB - @MelAlafaci

This podcast is produced by Nikki Voxx from Quintessential Being.

Have you ever done a spring clean of your wardrobe only to find that your favourite dress or suit just doesn’t fit the way it used to? 😩

That happened to me too — and it was my wake-up call. I realised I’d let food and habits take control, and it left me feeling bloated, tired, and cranky.

But here’s the good news: you don’t have to stay stuck there. 🙌

In this brand-new episode, I’ll show you how to take back control and Eat Yourself Sexy with small, powerful shifts that will change how you feel in your body (and your kitchen) forever.

✅ Why we are what we eat and how we eat — and how to reset your habits today.
✅ The quick shift to go from bloated, lethargic, and cranky → to healthy, happy, and energetic.
✅ How to rearrange your fridge to support new habits that stick.
✅ The surprising role of meal planning + portion sizes in boosting energy.
✅ How to choose happiness over alcohol (without missing out on the fun).

✨ Quick Win: Start with my FREE Knife Skills Course — because kitchen confidence is the first step to body confidence. 

✨ Next Step: Get 20% OFF my Eat Yourself Sexy Course + Digital Cookbook for a limited time. These resources are packed with recipes and strategies to help you look good, feel good, and glow from the inside out.

Eat Yourself Sexy Course 20% OFF

Eat Yourself Sexy digital cookbook 20% OFF

Connect with Chef Mel here:

IG - @chefmel_happychef

FB - @MelAlafaci

💖 Imagine slipping into that outfit again — but this time feeling proud, energised, and confident. That’s the transformation waiting for you.

👉 Grab your discounts and start your journey today.
Please email me [email protected] and let me know if this podcast helped yoPlease share this with anyone who needs my help!

Mel

Do you wish you could get perfect pork crackling every time? Pork crackling is one of those delightful things that we love to enjoy, whether it's a family roast or just a weeknight meal... let me take you through some of my tricks and hacks on how to get it perfect every time!

Get your Culinary Quickies Cookbook + Cheffy Toolbox here. 

In this episode you'll learn:

- how to get the most out of your pork

- the difference between roasting and braising

- what you can do to make your own stock

- how to salt the crackling to get it perfect

- the important role preparing your pork plays in the perfect crackling... and so much more! 

Connect with Chef Mel here:

IG - @chefmel_happychef

FB - @MelAlafaci

This podcast is produced by Nikki Voxx from Quintessential Being.

Is your stir-fry soggy? Do you want crisp, flavour-filled vegetables? In today's Culinary Quickies Podcast episode we are chatting with Ange Anderson about the quick fixes to go from soggy, sticky mess in the pan to sensational, sexy stir-fry! Listen as we point out the common cooking mistakes that are holding you back in the kitchen.

Get your Culinary Quickies Cookbook + Cheffy Toolbox here. 

In this episode you'll learn:

- what you need to do to the meat and pan before starting

- why the browning stage of meat is very important

- the half-half rule that applies to your stir-fry success

- what you need to know about supermarket stir-fry jars... and so much more! 

Connect with Chef Mel here:

IG - @chefmel_happychef

FB - @MelAlafaci

This podcast is produced by Nikki Voxx from Quintessential Being.

Is your chicken tasting dull? Are you wishing you could get some great flavour without adding calories? In today's episode we are chatting to the wonderful Dr Hayley O'Neill about how to add flavour and spice to your chicken (or any other meat) -- giving it a culinary spray tan-- without having to use the sugar and preservative filled sauces you find on the supermarkets shelves! Dr Hayley's mission is to break the yo-yo dieting fad and help us become healthier, happier and prouder of who we are. Listen as I share with you my top tricks to get beautifully flavoured chicken every time. 

Get your Culinary Quickies Cookbook + Cheffy Toolbox here. 

In this episode you'll learn:

- how to use the right spices to add healthy flavour to your meals 

- what you can do to ensure you have fresh spices all year round

- the best cooking method to brown chicken breasts

- why it is important to plan your meals to avoid binge eating

- what having a plan to go grocery shopping with does ... and so much more! 

Connect with Chef Mel here:

IG - @chefmel_happychef

FB - @MelAlafaci

Connect with Dr Hayley O'Neil here:

IG - @drhayleyoneill

FB Group - @nourishedfoxymama

This podcast is produced by Nikki Voxx from Quintessential Being.