Shows
Cooking Like a Pro033: How to Make Potato Salad Mrs. Chef’s Way – Plus Tips on Scaling, Prep, & Anti-Inflammatory CookingText Christa!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...
2025-07-0433 min
Cooking Like a Pro032. Fixing Salty Soup, Tasting Like a Pro, Home Garden DilemmasText Christa!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 effortYou’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...
2025-05-2222 min
Cooking Like a Pro031. Chicken Piccata, Pan Sauces, Dense Bean SaladsText Christa!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:Pan Sauce 101Discover how to capture every bit of flavor with deglaz...
2025-04-2929 min
Cooking Like a Pro030. Seasoning with Citrus, Cooking Pork Chops, Wrapping Savory with PastryText Christa!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 ch...
2025-04-0143 min
Cooking Like a Pro029. Essential Chef Gadgets and Perfecting St. Patrick's Day MealsText Christa!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? 🔪🍗 🔪🍗 C...
2025-03-1341 min
Cooking Like a Pro028. Meet the Chefs: Getting to know Cal & ChristaText Christa!This week on the podcast join us for a special episode featuring Chef Cal and Christa—better known as Chef and Mrs. Chef—as they sit down with Linda Bott on Northstate Now to explore the transformative power of food.Together, they explore how food brings people together, the importance of fresh ingredients, and insights on pairing wine with food. Chef Cal discusses his upcoming cookbook, while Christa shares about her newly released how-to fix veggies e-book along with how her own culinary journey began. You'll also find out about...
2025-02-2630 min
Cooking Like a Pro027. From Cedar Plank Salmon to Stainless Steel CookwareText Christa!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...
2025-02-1841 min
Cooking Like a Pro026: Spike Your Hot Dogs for a Great TailgateText 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:Crab Season Insights: Learn about the opening of crab season, the best spots to grab these delicious catches, and why cold-water shellfi...
2025-02-0540 min
Cooking Like a ProSeason 2 Trailer: Getting More Efficient in the KitchenText 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 V...
2025-02-0501 min
Cooking Like a Pro025. Christmas is coming! Prime Rib or Ham? Seacuterie for appetizers?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...
2024-12-2139 min
Cooking Like a Pro024. Charcuterie Boards, Filet Mignon, Winter Citrus Salads and MarinadesText 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 fromMaster the seasoning and temperature technique for a juicy filet mignonUncover the differences between New Zealand and Australian lambLearn essential tips for selecting and storing meatGet creative with winter citrus in salads and innovative uses for kiwi in marinadesLet's Connect!
2024-12-0533 min
Cooking Like a Pro023. Thanksgiving Holiday Leftover IdeasText 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...
2024-11-3020 min
Cooking Like a Pro022. Holiday Prep GuideText 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...
2024-11-2238 min
Cooking Like a Pro021. Thanksgiving 101 Turkey BasicsText 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...
2024-11-1842 min
Cooking Like a Pro020. Fall veggies; Caesar Salad and A-1 birthdays; time to start talking TurkeyText 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....
2024-11-1344 min
Cooking Like a Pro019. Mexican cuisine, cooking with Grains, cooling Leftovers, choosing ClamsText 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 popularEfficient cooling techniques and guidelinesUnderstanding grain-to-water ratios for v...
2024-11-1336 min
Cooking Like a Pro017. Mrs. Chef gets schooled in making Beef StockText 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...
2024-10-2844 min
Cooking Like a Pro018. Pomegranate Tips, Soup Mastery, Roast Perfection and Chef ExpectationsText 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 chefLet's Connect! I'm Christa DeMercurio. I...
2024-10-2842 min
Cooking Like a Pro016. Should I open a restaurant? What's it like running a family-owned restaurant?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 b...
2024-10-1437 min
Cooking Like a Pro015. When Chefs Drive 5 Hours to Monterey Bay for DinnerText 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 experienceEnjoying a meal at The Salty Seal English pub featuring the CoLoSo BandVisited an olive oil bar with over 70 types of oils and balsamic vinegarsSipping on wine while overlooking the Monterey BayExperiencing a memorable meal at The Sardine Factory, highlighting dishes and dramatic presentationsThe Victorian Inn HotelLeese-Fitch Wines
2024-10-0547 min
Cooking Like a Pro014. Crudité, Rib-Eye Stroganoff, Manicotti Bolognese, Cooking with BeerText Christa!Hey Food Fans!This is our best episode yet. We're thrilled to bring you a fresh episode of "Cooking Like a Pro" - the podcast where we explore all things food with a dash of nostalgia and a sprinkle of culinary wisdom. Hosted by the ever-lively Chef Cal and joined by Mrs. Chef, his wife Christa DeMercurio, this episode is a delightful blend of home-cooked memories and practical kitchen tips that'll inspire your next meal.Growing and using beef steak and heirloom tomatoes for the perfect BLT sandwich.Exploring the history and modern...
2024-09-2647 min
Cooking Like a Pro013. Storing Vegetables, What's in our Food, Chocolate, Approachable Wine PricesText Christa!Join us in this episode as we dive into the essentials of food safety, organic certifications, and practical cooking tips. Discover how to make healthy food choices while minimizing waste and experimenting in the kitchen.Importance of knowing your food sources and contamination concernsPractical advice for reducing food waste and maintaining produce qualityTips for safe crock pot usageCreative cooking experimentationSuccessful way to learning wine varietalsLet'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...
2024-09-1947 min
Cooking Like a Pro012. Pluots, Better Ways to Fry, Roasted Chicken Flavor, Food FadsText Christa!Join Chef Cal and Christa as they dive into a variety of culinary topics, focusing on flavor enhancement and cooking techniques. This episode touches on everything from seasonal ingredients to mindful eating, providing valuable insights for home chefs.How to preserve and use concentrated roast drippings, or "liquid gold"Seasonal delights: a taste test of three different pluotsTips on deep frying: maintaining oil temperature and seasoning timingThe importance of mindful eating and portion controlStay tuned for practical tips and fun kitchen experiments in this episode of "Cooking Like a Pro"!...
2024-09-1745 min
Cooking Like a Pro011. Eggplant, Kitchen Safety, Making Sauces, Chasing Live LobstersText Christa!Join Chef Cal and Christa for another insightful episode of "Cooking like a Pro," where they dive into eggplant recipes, kitchen safety tips, and sauce making basics. Stay tuned for lively discussion and practical cooking advice to enhance your kitchen skills.Eggplant preparation methods Importance of oil temperature and its impact on cookingInsights into various sauces and their modificationsFood safety practices to avoid cross-contaminationChef Cal's nostalgic culinary stories with Lobster TalesLet's Connect! I'm Christa DeMercurio. I started as a stay-at-home mom who relied on cookbooks, measuring everything and following recipes t...
2024-09-0946 min
Cooking Like a Pro010. Healthy eating with special guest Chef Sadie KreugerText Christa!Join us for an enlightening discussion on food, health, and sustainability in this latest podcast episode. Special guest Chef Sadie Krueger shares her culinary insights and supports local farmers, “The best thing we can do is shop local, organic, know your farmers, know where your food’s coming from.”Empowering youth through culinary education, building a life skillInsights on locally sourced vs. commercial eggs and their nutritional valueRemembering French Chef Michel Guérard, his ratatouille known Confit Byaldi, and nouvelle cuisine Innovative, healthier dessert options like chocolate avocado puddingThe impact of processed food additives on healt...
2024-09-0148 min
Cooking Like a Pro009. Butternut Squash Soup, Wild Game, Steaming Veggies and Paso Robles ZinfandelText Christa!We're back with a brand-new episode of our podcast and this one is bursting with flavor and fun! Join Chef Cal and Christa as they delve into the world of unique culinary experiences in food and wine. Discovering a crispy melon called a HamiComparison between homemade and store-bought butternut squash soupCal's hunting family background for eclectic meatsPar cooking vegetables and finishing in the oven for roasted flavorPaso Robles as a food and wine destination00:00 Excited chat about food, reach out online.04:27 Homemade soup saves money and tastes better.08:33 T...
2024-08-2648 min
Cooking Like a Pro008. Heirlooms, Pumpkin Pie Soup, Mock Abalone and Sauvignon BlancText Christa!Ready to get cooking, sipping, and savoring? Welcome to another episode of "Cooking like a Pro" with Chef Cal and Christa DeMercurio. Tune in for expert cooking tips, delicious recipes, and insightful culinary discussions.Did you know that pumpkin pie soup exists? It’s a unique twist that Chef Cal recommends for those leftover pumpkins. Who knew those autumn vibes could be captured in a savory soup!Chicken in Clam Juice: Discover how marinating chicken in clam juice can transform it into a mock abalone dish – it's all about that savo...
2024-08-1748 min
Cooking Like a Pro007. Spaghetti Squash, Searing and Roasting Meat, Being Together in the Kitchen, CabernetText Christa!On today's episode, Chef Cal and Christa DeMercurio take you on a tasty journey, revealing their secrets for making cooking a delightful experience. In this episode, we're exploring the versatility of spaghetti squash, mastering the art of roasting meat, and finding the perfect wine pairings to elevate your meals. Trust us, you don't want to miss it!TODAY'S FEATURED RECIPE: How to Cook Butternut SquashHere are **5 keys** you'll learn from this episode:1. **Spaghetti Squash Magic**: Discover multiple ways to prepare and utilize spaghetti squash as a...
2024-08-1048 min
Cooking Like a Pro006. Sweet Melons, Breakfast for Dinner, Amazing Halibut and ViognierText Christa!In this episode of Cooking Like a Pro, Chef Cal and Christa dive into a variety of culinary topics, from creamy sauces to breakfast for dinner. Join them as they share their passion for cooking and offer tips and insights for home cooks.- Learn how to make a creamy sauce using cream and vinegar without breaking the sauce- Discover the innovative cooking style of the late chef Charlie Trotter- Explore the characteristics and flavor profile of the white wine varietal Viognier- Get tips...
2024-08-0248 min
Cooking Like a Pro005. Shishitos, Griddling, Timing and PinotText Christa!Welcome to another episode of Cooking Like a Pro with Chef Cal and Christa DeMercurio! Dive in as we explore the distinctions and delights of cooking techniques, spicy food tips, and wine pairing insights.*** Differences between char grilling and griddling, and their impact on flavor.*** How to counteract spicy food effectively.*** Cooking tips for shishito peppers and their health benefits.*** The importance of learning and practicing cooking skills for meal planning.*** Insider wine knowledge: tasting, pairing, and aerating tips.Don't miss out on...
2024-07-2549 min
Cooking Like a Pro004. Peaches, Poppyseeds, Poaching, Plating, and Pairing ChardonnayText Christa!Hey Food Fans!We’re back with another exciting episode of Cooking Like a Pro featuring your favorite culinary duo, Chef Cal and Christa DeMercurio. This week, we’ve got a treasure trove of tips and tricks that will take your kitchen game to the next level! 🎉**Perfect Pasta Every Time 🍝**Christa shares her detailed process for achieving that perfect al dente pasta, with a special method coined "Pasta 123". Trust us, this one's a game-changer!**Poaching Proficiency 🐟**Chef Cal gives us an in-depth guide on poaching seaf...
2024-07-2048 min
Cooking Like a Pro003. Cucumbers, Flipping Dry Toast, How to Bread Chicken Tenders, and MerlotText Christa!Join Chef Cal and Christa on this week's episode of Cooking Like a Pro as they delve into culinary tips and techniques to enhance your cooking skills. This podcast is packed with valuable insights and practical advice for both novice and experienced cooks.FEATURED RECIPE in this episode GAZPACHO✔️ Learn how to prepare a unique dish of sautéed cucumbers with garlic, shallot, cream, and dill. Get tips on grilling cucumbers and reducing their bitterness.✔️ Dive into wine pairing insights, focusing on merlot and how t...
2024-07-1748 min
Cooking Like a Pro002. Blueberries, Master Chefs and BBQ SauceText Christa!Join Chef Cal and Christa on this week's episode of Cooking Like a Pro as they delve into culinary tips and techniques to enhance your cooking skills. This podcast is packed with valuable insights and practical advice for both novice and experienced cooks.✨DOWNLOAD BBQ SAUCE CHEAT SHEET with 10 RECIPES ✨✔️ Explore tips for enhancing store-bought barbecue sauces, including a ginger barbecue sauce recipe for seafood.✔️ Learn about the key to removing the bloodline from salmon and the importance of fresh, non-fishy fish.✔️ Discove...
2024-07-1243 min
Cooking Like a Pro001. Welcome to the ShowText Christa!✅ Ever wondered how choosing the right spoon could make or break your event✅ Discover how attention to detail can transform your culinary experiences ✅ Tune in to this first-ever Cooking Like a Pro podcast featuring Chef Cal and Christa DeMercurio as radio show guests with host Carl Bott on the Free Fire Radio Morning Show!What strategies do Cal and Christa suggest for ensuring all dishes for multiple guests are ready to serve simultaneously in a restaurant setting? Training staff, attention to detail, and stellar service from first contact...
2024-07-0936 min