Cooking Like a Pro

033: How to Make Potato Salad Mrs. Chef’s Way – Plus Tips on Scaling, Prep, & Anti-Inflammatory Cooking

Text Christa! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2377468/open_sms] 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: christa@culinarilyyours.net Website [https://culinarilyyours.net/] Text Me! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2377468/open_sms] Leave a Voicemail [https://www.speakpipe.com/cookinglikeapro] 📸 INSTAGRAM [https://www.instagram.com/culinarilyyours] | 📺YOUTUBE [https://www.youtube.com/@culinarilyyours]

032. Fixing Salty Soup, Tasting Like a Pro, Home Garden Dilemmas

Text Christa! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2377468/open_sms] 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: christa@culinarilyyours.net Website [https://culinarilyyours.net/] Text Me! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2377468/open_sms] Leave a Voicemail [https://www.speakpipe.com/cookinglikeapro] 📸 INSTAGRAM [https://www.instagram.com/culinarilyyours] | 📺YOUTUBE [https://www.youtube.com/@culinarilyyours]

031. Chicken Piccata, Pan Sauces, Dense Bean Salads

Text Christa! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2377468/open_sms] 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: christa@culinarilyyours.net Website [https://culinarilyyours.net/] Text Me! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2377468/open_sms] Leave a Voicemail [https://www.speakpipe.com/cookinglikeapro] 📸 INSTAGRAM [https://www.instagram.com/culinarilyyours] | 📺YOUTUBE [https://www.youtube.com/@culinarilyyours]

030. Seasoning with Citrus, Cooking Pork Chops, Wrapping Savory with Pastry

Text Christa! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2377468/open_sms] 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: christa@culinarilyyours.net Website [https://culinarilyyours.net/] Text Me! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2377468/open_sms] Leave a Voicemail [https://www.speakpipe.com/cookinglikeapro] 📸 INSTAGRAM [https://www.instagram.com/culinarilyyours] | 📺YOUTUBE [https://www.youtube.com/@culinarilyyours]

029. Essential Chef Gadgets and Perfecting St. Patrick's Day Meals

Text Christa! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2377468/open_sms] 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 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJP8t0W3J58].  ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ 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 [https://culinarilyyours.net/] Text Me! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2377468/open_sms] Leave a Voicemail [https://www.speakpipe.com/cookinglikeapro] 📸 INSTAGRAM [https://www.instagram.com/culinarilyyours] | 📺YOUTUBE [https://www.youtube.com/@culinarilyyours]