Pickles get dressed up for company and paired with the savory flavors of Asia in our Get Cheffy Smashed Cucumbers. Called “Pai Huang Gua” in the Szechuan province, where this dish originates, they pair beautifully with anything rich/fatty, spicy, or fried. When you’re bored with broccoli, lettuce, and the other usual-vegetable-suspects, this dish will surpriseContinue reading “Smashed Cucumbers (Pai Huang Gua)”
Author Archives: GetCheffy
Banana Bread
Banana Bread is a classic quick bread, but there’s a trick to getting banana flavor into baked goods without weighing it down with excessive liquid from too many bananas. The technique used below is inspired from America’s Test Kitchen, and can be applied in a variety of dishes that call for banana or banana flavorContinue reading “Banana Bread”
Bangers & Mash
Fried sausages served over mashed potatoes and gravy is lovingly called “Bangers & Mash” in Ireland. In the United States, sausages are more often grilled in the summertime over open-air barbecue pits, but a pan roasted sausage paired with mashed potatoes is a lovely, and economical, cold-weather meal that you and your family will enjoy.Continue reading “Bangers & Mash”
DIY Basil Pesto
We planted three basil plants in our herb garden this spring, and we’ve enjoyed adding basil to our Get Cheffy Herb Roasted Chicken, pizzas, salads, and bruschettas throughout the summer. The first frost hit our region a few days ago, so we harvested our plants and turned them into the classic Italian sauce, Pesto. FORContinue reading “DIY Basil Pesto”
Sweet Potato, Ginger, & Coconut Soup
We recently experienced this soup while traveling to Ireland (of all places), at the palatial “Adare Manor” in County Claire. While there isn’t anything “Irish” about this soup, the flavors were so warming and comforting, that we had to recreate it when we got home. A perfect soup for Spring (when there’s still a littleContinue reading “Sweet Potato, Ginger, & Coconut Soup”
Fried Rice
One of our favorite things to do is recreate dishes we’ve enjoyed from restaurants and take-out menus in the Get Cheffy kitchen. Fried rice is one of our favorite such dishes and, due to the endless variety of ingredients you can add, it’s a perfect way to use what you have on hand and “cleanContinue reading “Fried Rice”
Crab Cakes
Depending on the region you live in, seafood can be plentiful and familiar, or uncommon and exorbitantly priced (with crab and lobster meat being some of the most overpriced items at your grocery store). The Get Cheffy kitchen is currently based in St. Louis, Missouri. The Midwest has a surprising range of freshwater fish optionsContinue reading “Crab Cakes”
Chicken Fat (DIY)
Sometimes called “schmaltz” chicken fat can impart a remarkable taste and richness to dishes. Rendering down animal fat may sound unappealing, or altogether foreign, but non-dairy animal fats have been used throughout history (in the United States rendered bacon fat would be one of the most familiar forms of re-used animal fats). Animal fats haveContinue reading “Chicken Fat (DIY)”
Potato Gratin
A “gratin” is any dish where ingredients are layered into a shallow vessel with a browned/crusted topping (usually cheese and breadcrumbs). “Potatoes au gratin” is an American box-top classic (and to be honest, that potatoes au gratin from the box does taste pretty good #nofoodsnobs). However, with only 3-4 ingredients, you can have an amazingContinue reading “Potato Gratin”
Jeweled Coconut Rice & Shrimp
Don’t let a fancy name fool you; jeweled rice simply means a plain rice that you’ve added colorful ingredients to like green pistachios, red pomegranate seeds, black dried currants, herbs, or anything else that sounds good. We utilize a few of these additives to create a beautiful and healthy rice and shrimp dish for easyContinue reading “Jeweled Coconut Rice & Shrimp”
Butterflied Chicken (Technique)
Whole chickens are sold at a fraction of the price of individual chicken parts, so knowing some basics on how to break down a whole bird is an excellent skill to learn. The technique, and step-by-step photographs, shown below will teach you how to “butterfly” (also called “spatchcocking”) a chicken. Simply put, a butterflied chickenContinue reading “Butterflied Chicken (Technique)”
Pickle Dip
An unexpected but delicious quick dip that can be made with pantry staples. Whether you enjoy dill, hot, or bread and butter, all styles of pickle can be used. Bon Appetit, and Get Cheffy! GET CHEFFY TIP!- Before you read through the ingredient list below, remember that one of the goals of Get Cheffy isContinue reading “Pickle Dip”
Spring Rolls
Looking for something satisfying and full of flavor, but also nutritious and healthy? Very often the flavors of Asia tik all of these boxes, especially foods from South East Asian countries like Thailand, and Vietnam. Spring rolls, and the many variations on them, are inexpensive, packed with flavor, and are fun to eat. With swimsuitContinue reading “Spring Rolls”
Rosé Sangria
We can thank the good people of Spain and Portugal for inventing Sangria. Originally made with red wine and chopped fruits soaked in brandy or curaçao, our Get Cheffy Rosé Sangria relies on the more floral notes of rosé wine and triple sec to make an excellent warm weather cocktail. The perfect patio or poolsideContinue reading “Rosé Sangria”
Buttermilk Ranch
If you’re like us, you grew up with a bottle of Hidden Valley Ranch in your fridge. There’s, truly, nothing wrong with this store bought staple, or with any other store bought salad dressing. However, it’s a good skill to know how to make vinaigrettes and salad dressings, like Ranch, out of pantry staples. OnceContinue reading “Buttermilk Ranch”
Frutti di Mare
“Fruits of the sea”, is the exact translation of this dish and, like the name implies, this is a pasta dish for seafood lovers. We use three types of seafood (detailed below), but you can easily use just one, or swap in your favorite seafood that we don’t use below. Bon Appetit, and Get Cheffy!Continue reading “Frutti di Mare”
Potato Soup
On cold days, soups, stews, and chowders bring warming comfort that salads simply can’t touch. Of those warming soups, our Get Cheffy classic potato soup is one of the most comforting, yet economical soups you can make. Best of all, it’s so simple, you barely need a recipe. FOR THE SOUP: 1 Pound of RussetContinue reading “Potato Soup”
Frittata
A wonderful way to “clean out your fridge”, a Frittata can be simple, containing only eggs, or filled with your favorite meats, vegetables, and cheeses. The Get Cheffy kitchen hits the middle ground (so we think), and adds one protein, two main vegetables, and a handful of aromatics to create an excellent lunch, dinner, orContinue reading “Frittata”
Spring Vegetable Pasta with Sausage & Breadcrumbs
The first vegetables out of the gate in Spring are usually asparagus, artichokes, chives, and greens like watercress and baby spinach. We utilize a few of them in our Get Cheffy vegetable pasta. As we always say, however, Get Cheffy with it, and use as many of them as you like. A mixture of toastedContinue reading “Spring Vegetable Pasta with Sausage & Breadcrumbs”
Poached Pears
You’ve seen these on fancy food shows before and said to yourself, “I’m totally gonna make that…”, before smashing your hand back into the Doritos bag and forgetting about it. If this sounds like you, don’t be afraid of this “posh” and “fancy” sounding dessert; poached fruit is versatile and can be served country styleContinue reading “Poached Pears”
Shephard’s Pie
Tracing its roots back to Ireland, Shepard’s Pie is a humble dish of meat and vegetables, topped with mashed potatoes. When making something simple as this you can run the risk of being boring and forgettable if not properly executed, and not properly seasoned. Follow our steps below to Get Cheffy and dress up standardContinue reading “Shephard’s Pie”
Chili Con Carne
Chili is warm, comforting, and a perfect dish to serve when cold weather is here. However for being such a humble dish of vegetables, meat, and spices, chili has a surprising groups of followers, and aficionados, who take it seriously. Purists hotly debate whether or not the dish should contain beans (our Get Cheffy ChiliContinue reading “Chili Con Carne”
Osso Buco
The Italian cousin to beef bourguignon, Osso Buco is a staple of Northern Italy. Traditionally made with slow braised veal shanks (veal leg), our Get Cheffy version swaps out the veal for more readily available beef shoulder/chuck. Think of Osso Buco as a fancy way of saying “beef pot roast”, with some unique flavors (lemon,Continue reading “Osso Buco”
Thai Slaw with Peanut Dressing
One of our favorite salads/slaws made from pantry staple ingredients. Thinly shaved vegetables are tossed in a peanut/satay dressing that combines the spice of ginger, and the richness, and naturally high fat content, of peanuts. Rich, complex, and satisfying, this is an excellent salad for those who “don’t like salad“, and pairs beautifully with barbecuedContinue reading “Thai Slaw with Peanut Dressing”
Breakfast Pizza
A large, one-tray dish, like this pizza, is an excellent way to feed a crowd who’ve gathered for a breakfast or brunch. We replace pizza’s traditional pepperoni, marinara, and mozzarella, with eggs, scallions, bacon, and a cream based sauce that would please anyone. Enjoy with a Bloody Mary or Mimosa. FOR THE DOUGH: 3 cupsContinue reading “Breakfast Pizza”
Hummus (with variations)
Hummus has seen an enormous increase in popularity over the past 10 years. This popularity has given rise to inventive new flavor combinations but, in its purest form, hummus is a combination of Chickpeas/Garbanzo beans, Tahini (ground Sesame Seed paste), Lemon Juice, Garlic, and Olive Oil. Our Get Cheffy Hummus recipe below provides step byContinue reading “Hummus (with variations)”
French Onion Soup
There is beauty in the complex and elaborate, and there is beauty in simplicity. French Onion soup is an excellent example of a simple and classic soup that maintains its place as a wintertime staple. Onions, broth, and a little wine….and you’ve got something tremendous…..and so simple, there’s barely a recipe to follow. 3 PoundsContinue reading “French Onion Soup”
St.Louis Style Pizza
St. Louis has a unique and thriving food, beer, and wine scene. Voted 5th best city to eat in by Food & Wine magazine, you’ll find an impressive list of restaurants serving updated, and contemporary versions, of the classics. You’ll also find a unique blend of cultures and, therefore, cuisines. Southern BBQ, blended with ItalianContinue reading “St.Louis Style Pizza”
DIY Pumpkin Liqueur
The warmer, cozier, red-headed cousin to the White Claws you enjoyed this summer. Pumpkin Liqueur, or Pumkincello, can easily be made at home with a few simple ingredients. Your friends will roll their eyes when you bring a bottle of your homemade, Pumpkincello to the next bonfire, but their opinions will change when they tasteContinue reading “DIY Pumpkin Liqueur”
Shrimp, Chicken, & Sausage, Gumbo
Throughout the history of the United States, the ports of New Orleans were second only to New York’s Ellis Island in volume, and variety, of immigrants who were coming to the new world. Due to this unique blend, New Orleans food, much like its culture, stands apart, as it combines French, Spanish, Caribbean, and AfricanContinue reading “Shrimp, Chicken, & Sausage, Gumbo”
Classic Tomato Bisque
Don’t let the word “bisque” fool you. “Bisque” traditionally refers to a cream based seafood soup, but the word “bisque” is now generally accepted for any cream based, or creamy textured, soup. Our Get Cheffy Tomato Bisque is approachable, familiar, and satisfying and is made from pantry staples that you probably have on hand rightContinue reading “Classic Tomato Bisque”
Pretzels & Beer Cheese Dip
Guten Tag! As Summer moves out, and Fall moves in, cultures around the globe celebrate, and welcome the changing of the seasons with the German holiday of Oktoberfest (a lesser known festival, called Maifest, takes place in Spring). Like all good parties, Oktoberfest is celebrated with food. Pretzels are a common food served at OktoberfestContinue reading “Pretzels & Beer Cheese Dip”
Philly Cheesesteak Sliders
Perfect for the Labor Day weekend, delight your friends with these unexpected, but familiar, crowd pleasers. Wind down your summer properly-with a steak, onion, and cheese sandwich in your hand. FOR THE CHEESESTEAKS: 2 Pounds Ribeye or Strip Steak 2 Large, or 3 Medium Yellow Onions 1 Green Pepper 6 Slices of Provolone and AmericanContinue reading “Philly Cheesesteak Sliders”
Summer Vegetable Gratin
Gratin (gra-TAN) is a fancy word for any dish cooked in a shallow pan. Usually topped with breadcrumbs, cheese, and butter, the potato gratin is a common variation that you’re probably most familiar with (and, to be fair, that box-top recipe for “potatoes au gratin” is actually pretty good). With high summer winding down, Eggplant,Continue reading “Summer Vegetable Gratin”
Chicken Gyros & Tzatziki
Iconic and delicious, Gyros are a staple of Greek restaurants. Traditionally made with skewered lamb meat, chicken and pork gyros are now more common in Greece. Learn how to make this delicious and classic street food at home. FOR THE GYROS: 2 lbs. Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs 1 Cup Full Fat Greek Yogurt Fage isContinue reading “Chicken Gyros & Tzatziki”
White Castle style Sliders (with variations)
“I don’t care about nutrition, I care about taste“- Julia Child Right on Julia. In the Get Cheffy kitchen, we care about both nutrition and taste, but we know that rich and indulgent food has its place in the world, and on our plates. In honor of Julia’s birthdate yesterday, on August 15, we wantedContinue reading “White Castle style Sliders (with variations)”
DIY Pickles (with Bread & Butter and Sour Dill variations)
Claussen is the pickle brand we reach for in our supermarket. Crisp and refreshing, with a “snap” in their texture, the brand routinely wins “best in show” in pickle taste testings (yes,…that is a thing). What’s the difference between Claussen and other brands? A Claussen pickle is never heated; never heated in the brine, neverContinue reading “DIY Pickles (with Bread & Butter and Sour Dill variations)”
Stir Fry with Chicken & Vegetables
Perfect for a weeknight meal, our Get Cheffy stir fry combines a protein, a few humble vegetables, and some pantry staples to create an economical and resourceful dinner. The techniques described below can be applied to a multitude of vegetables, meats, and other ingredients. Clean out your fridge with this one as you can addContinue reading “Stir Fry with Chicken & Vegetables”
DIY Sun Dried Tomatos
With summer’s tomato bounty continuing, what is one to do with those bushels of ripe tomatoes? Make your own sun dried (oven dried) tomatoes! If you’re like us at Get Cheffy, you sneer at the price tag associated with store bought sun dried tomatoes (12 bucks for a little jar?…it’s not happening). Follow the easyContinue reading “DIY Sun Dried Tomatos”
Sausage & Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms
Rich and delicious, with a complex flavor profile, serve these little beauties to your friends the next time they come over, or make a tray for yourself and eat appetizers for dinner. 1 pound pork sausage Any type of sausage can be used here from breakfast sausage to Bratwurst to Italian Sausage (ensure you removeContinue reading “Sausage & Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms”
Pulled Pork (with variations)
Convenience cuts (chicken breast, pork chops, steaks, etc.) are quick cooking, lean, and generally come with a higher price tag for their “out-of-the-package” handiness that allows them to go from pan to plate in minutes. However, on the other end of the spectrum, the most economical cuts of beef, pork, and chicken require longer cookingContinue reading “Pulled Pork (with variations)”
White Chocolate & Peach Swirl Ice Cream
Haagen Dazs is the brand we reach for when we buy store bought ice cream, and it was Haagen Dazs that inspired our flavor combination of sweet, buttery white chocolate and tangy peach. Haagen Dazs is expensive and sold in disappointingly tiny pints; however, it is truly superb ice cream. They can charge more forContinue reading “White Chocolate & Peach Swirl Ice Cream”
Pizza on the Grill
Properly executed, grilled pizzas will make you a hero of your next backyard barbecue or grilling party. Follow our steps below to create an exceptional dough that cooperates with you while being grilled. FOR THE DOUGH: 3 cups all purpose flour (plus extra for kneading and rolling) 1 tablespoon honey 1/2 teaspoon instant, or rapidContinue reading “Pizza on the Grill”
Grilled Fajitas with Cilantro Crema
Tex-Mex cuisine is not classified as authentic Mexican. That doesn’t make it any less delicious. The term “fajita” has been around since the 1930’s, but the concept of grilled, and sizzling meat/vegetables wasn’t popularized until the 1990’s in Texas. Our fajitas use a humble spice mixture, and a few simple techniques on the grill toContinue reading “Grilled Fajitas with Cilantro Crema”
5 Ingredient Macaroni & Cheese
Ready in under 20 minutes, this is an all American classic. The techniques described below quickly create a creamy, cheesy, sauce with just a handful of ingredients (no milk, or cream needed here). The technique used to create our Get Cheffy Macaroni & Cheese can be applied to any pasta dish (alfredo, carbonaro, etc.) thatContinue reading “5 Ingredient Macaroni & Cheese”
Breadcrumb Stuffed Tomatoes with Browned Butter
With summer in full swing, tomatoes are plentiful. An inexpensive, but impressive, method for using summer’s bounty is to stuff tomatoes with bread, cheese, and aromatics. Follow the GET CHEFFY TIP(s) throughout the recipe below to create a beautiful side dish, or an excellent main course, out of the humble, and versatile tomato FOR THEContinue reading “Breadcrumb Stuffed Tomatoes with Browned Butter”
Vinaigrette (with variations)
Ever run out of something to dress your salad, seafood, or chicken with? Never again. Keep your pantry stocked with high quality Olive Oil, vegetable oil, and your favorite vinegars, and you’ll never need the stuff in the bottle again. White Wine Vinaigrette An all purpose vinaigrette that can be used on salads, chicken, orContinue reading “Vinaigrette (with variations)”
Pork Tenderloin & Stone Fruit Relish
Extra. That’s what your friends will call you when you make a “stone fruit relish”…..(call it a “stone fruit compote” to really get them going). Their taunts will stop when they taste the complex, and subtle flavors of cooked, summer fruits, paired with the creme de la creme of pork; the tenderloin. FOR THE TENDERLOINS:Continue reading “Pork Tenderloin & Stone Fruit Relish”
Grilled Asian Chicken & Vegetable Kebabs
Chicken wants to be grilled and glazed in the sweet, spicy, umami, flavors indicative of Asian cuisine(s). Ready in one hour, these kebabs are perfect for a weeknight dinner, or weekend grill session. FOR THE CHICKEN: 2 pounds boneless, skinless, chicken thighs 1/2 cup soy sauce 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) hoisin 3 tablespoons grated gingerContinue reading “Grilled Asian Chicken & Vegetable Kebabs”
Grilled Bruschetta
Bruschetta is an ultimate summertime dish, but it can go wrong. Follow our techniques below to achieve extraordinary results that would please anyone. Serve it as a first course, or make it your whole meal. FOR THE BREAD: 1 Large baguette ciabatta, sourdough, country loaf(s), focaccia, Italian bread, or flat bread(s) of any kind canContinue reading “Grilled Bruschetta”
Stuffed Cabbage
Poor cabbage. It looks so unappealing in the grocery store sitting among its more beautiful, Artichoke, Red Pepper, and Asparagus pals. Transform this humble, economical, and versatile vegetable, into the belle of the ball. FOR THE CABBAGE: 1 large cabbage The common varieties of cabbage that you’ll fine in your supermarket would be Green, Purple,Continue reading “Stuffed Cabbage”
Pavlova
Despite its show-stopping beauty, a Pavlova is inexpensive, and easy to prepare; you simply need to follow the proper techniques. FOR THE PAVLOVA BASE (MERINGUE): 3/4 cup of egg whites 1 1/2 cup white sugar 1 teaspoon cornstarch 1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract FOR THE WHIPPED CREAM & TOPPINGS: 1 cupContinue reading “Pavlova”
Beef Meatballs in Quick Tomato Sauce
Seasoned beef with a sweet, and mildly acidic, tomato sauce; what’s not to like? FOR THE MEATBALLS: 2 pounds ground beef We use 80/20 percent fat ratio 2 teaspoons dried garlic powder 2 teaspoons dried oregano 2 teaspoons salt 2 teaspoons ground black pepper 2 tablespoons shredded parmesan cheese (optional) GET CHEFFY TIP!– The ingredientsContinue reading “Beef Meatballs in Quick Tomato Sauce”
House-Made Stock
Because you’re an avid Get Cheffy reader, you know that we’re all about reducing waste in the kitchen. Listen to chefs from previous generations (those from the Jacques Pepin, WWII era), and you’ll learn that kitchens, personal or professional, need to be resourceful, economical, and reduce waste as much as possible. This stock recipe utilizesContinue reading “House-Made Stock”
Grilled Chicken Wings with Honey Bourbon Glaze
Chicken wings want to be glazed in a sweet, sticky, umami sauce, but wings can very often disappoint if they’re undercooked with flabby, un-rendered, skin, and tossed in an underwhelming sauce. FOR THE CHICKEN: 2 pounds chicken wings FOR THE DRY RUB 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion powder 2 teaspoons paprika 2 teaspoonsContinue reading “Grilled Chicken Wings with Honey Bourbon Glaze”
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