Episodes

  • Holiday Prep Guide
    Nov 22 2024

    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 culinaryyours.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.


    Send us a text

    We love FAN MAIL!
    🎙️VOICE MESSAGE or TEXT us your cooking ideas and Q's
    and we will answer them on the podcast

    You can also LISTEN LIVE ON RADIO Wednesdays from 5-6 pm PT

    Find the DeMercurio's

    👨‍🍳 Chef Cal www.chefcal.net
    👩‍🍳 Christa www.mrschef.net

    together at www.culinarilyyours.net
    podcast page www.cookinglikeapropodcast.net

    📸 INSTAGRAM | 📺YOUTUBE


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    39 mins
  • 021. Thanksgiving 101 Turkey Basics
    43 mins
  • 020. Fall veggies; Caesar Salad and A-1 birthdays; time to start talking Turkey
    Nov 13 2024

    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.

    Send us a text

    We love FAN MAIL!
    🎙️VOICE MESSAGE or TEXT us your cooking ideas and Q's
    and we will answer them on the podcast

    You can also LISTEN LIVE ON RADIO Wednesdays from 5-6 pm PT

    Find the DeMercurio's

    👨‍🍳 Chef Cal www.chefcal.net
    👩‍🍳 Christa www.mrschef.net

    together at www.culinarilyyours.net
    podcast page www.cookinglikeapropodcast.net

    📸 INSTAGRAM | 📺YOUTUBE


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    44 mins
  • 019. Mexican cuisine, cooking with Grains, cooling Leftovers, choosing Clams
    Nov 13 2024

    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

    Send us a text

    We love FAN MAIL!
    🎙️VOICE MESSAGE or TEXT us your cooking ideas and Q's
    and we will answer them on the podcast

    You can also LISTEN LIVE ON RADIO Wednesdays from 5-6 pm PT

    Find the DeMercurio's

    👨‍🍳 Chef Cal www.chefcal.net
    👩‍🍳 Christa www.mrschef.net

    together at www.culinarilyyours.net
    podcast page www.cookinglikeapropodcast.net

    📸 INSTAGRAM | 📺YOUTUBE


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    37 mins
  • 018. Pomegranate Tips, Soup Mastery, Roast Perfection and Chef Expectations
    Oct 28 2024

    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

    Send us a text

    We love FAN MAIL!
    🎙️VOICE MESSAGE or TEXT us your cooking ideas and Q's
    and we will answer them on the podcast

    You can also LISTEN LIVE ON RADIO Wednesdays from 5-6 pm PT

    Find the DeMercurio's

    👨‍🍳 Chef Cal www.chefcal.net
    👩‍🍳 Christa www.mrschef.net

    together at www.culinarilyyours.net
    podcast page www.cookinglikeapropodcast.net

    📸 INSTAGRAM | 📺YOUTUBE


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    43 mins
  • 017. Mrs. Chef gets schooled in making Beef Stock
    Oct 28 2024

    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"!

    Send us a text

    We love FAN MAIL!
    🎙️VOICE MESSAGE or TEXT us your cooking ideas and Q's
    and we will answer them on the podcast

    You can also LISTEN LIVE ON RADIO Wednesdays from 5-6 pm PT

    Find the DeMercurio's

    👨‍🍳 Chef Cal www.chefcal.net
    👩‍🍳 Christa www.mrschef.net

    together at www.culinarilyyours.net
    podcast page www.cookinglikeapropodcast.net

    📸 INSTAGRAM | 📺YOUTUBE


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    45 mins
  • 016. Should I open a restaurant? What's it like running a family-owned restaurant?
    Oct 14 2024

    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

    Send us a text

    We love FAN MAIL!
    🎙️VOICE MESSAGE or TEXT us your cooking ideas and Q's
    and we will answer them on the podcast

    You can also LISTEN LIVE ON RADIO Wednesdays from 5-6 pm PT

    Find the DeMercurio's

    👨‍🍳 Chef Cal www.chefcal.net
    👩‍🍳 Christa www.mrschef.net

    together at www.culinarilyyours.net
    podcast page www.cookinglikeapropodcast.net

    📸 INSTAGRAM | 📺YOUTUBE


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    37 mins
  • 015. When Chefs Drive 5 Hours to Monterey Bay for Dinner
    Oct 5 2024

    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


    Send us a text

    We love FAN MAIL!
    🎙️VOICE MESSAGE or TEXT us your cooking ideas and Q's
    and we will answer them on the podcast

    You can also LISTEN LIVE ON RADIO Wednesdays from 5-6 pm PT

    Find the DeMercurio's

    👨‍🍳 Chef Cal www.chefcal.net
    👩‍🍳 Christa www.mrschef.net

    together at www.culinarilyyours.net
    podcast page www.cookinglikeapropodcast.net

    📸 INSTAGRAM | 📺YOUTUBE


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    47 mins