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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: christa@culinarilyyours.net

Website

Text Me!

Leave a Voicemail

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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: christa@culinarilyyours.net

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: christa@culinarilyyours.net

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: christa@culinarilyyours.net

Website

Text Me!

Leave a Voicemail

📸 INSTAGRAM | 📺YOUTUBE

Text Christa!

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: christa@culinarilyyours.net

Website

Text Me!

Leave a Voicemail

📸 INSTAGRAM | 📺YOUTUBE

Text Christa!

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: christa@culinarilyyours.net

Website

Text Me!

Leave a Voicemail

📸 INSTAGRAM | 📺YOUTUBE

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: christa@culinarilyyours.net

Website

Text Me!

Leave a Voicemail

📸 INSTAGRAM | 📺YOUTUBE

Text Christa!

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: christa@culinarilyyours.net

Website

Text Me!

Leave a Voicemail

📸 INSTAGRAM | 📺YOUTUBE