BFF with the Chef: Recent Episodes
Nicole Schwegman
BFF with the Chef aims to unite a community of like-minded enthusiasts who want to cook beyond recipes, better understand ingredients and hone their techniques and culinary instincts to cook the food they really want to eat.
Each week, Nicole invites a new blogger or culinary professional to her podcast for honest, candid conversations about what they’re cooking, eating and the knowledge, inspiration, and experiences behind it all.
On this special bonus episode, I interview Chef Léa Piel, a French chef raised in the South of France. Chef Léa originally started her professional life by going to med school, but after deciding to follow her passion, she switched to culinary school and has not looked back. Chef Léa started her culinary career at Fera, the esteemed restaurant of the five-star hotel, Claridges. There she honed her skills. Afterward, she received a tremendous opportunity to return to Paris to work with famed pastry chef, Chef Stephane Glacier. Léa is vegetarian and gluten-free, and her diet has influenced how she cooks. Lea currently works as a private chef, a venture she started after COVID hit, where she decided to bring the joy of a restaurant-quality meal safely to people’s homes.
Today, I'm interviewing Chef Angela Michelle, the founder and chef owner behind the cooking education company Culinary Kisses. Chef Angela was a fashion model for 25 years before she traded in her stiletto heels for chef whites, driven by her passion for cooking that was nurtured since she was six years old. Chef Angela decided to start her company, which focuses on offering a wide range of culinary services geared to expand and explore her clients' culinary horizons. She offers a variety of culinary services to include online cooking classes, meal planning, and theme cooking parties. In addition to running her business, Chef Angela is also a published author, the host of a cooking and travel show, a culinary curriculum writer, a verified chef on Cozy Meal, and she's certified in plant-based nutrition by Cornell University.
Find Chef Angela Michelle:
Website
Cookbook – From the Catwalk to the Kitchen
Online Cooking Course
Newsletter
Facebook Page
Facebook Group
YouTube
Come Visit BFF with the Chef:
The BFF with the Chef Website
Today, I'm chatting with Becky Striepe, a vegan food writer, cookbook author, and by the time this airs, podcast host. Becky has been a vegan since 2006 and has been developing simple vegan recipes since 2008. At her blog, Glue and Glitter, you'll find easy vegan comfort food recipes that don't sacrifice flavor along with tips for making eating vegan deliciously easy. Like me, Becky is a gadget cooking queen and she plays all types from the Instant Pot to the air fryer to help her cook delicious plant-based meals that anyone can enjoy. Becky has also written two vegan cookbooks, 40 Days of Green Smoothies and Bowls, both of which can be found on her blog. Her podcast, Talkin' Tofu, is scheduled to launch in July 2020.
Find Becky:
Website
Talkin’ Tofu Podcast
Cookbooks – 40 Days of Green Smoothies and Bowls!
YouTube
Recipes Mentioned in this Episode
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Shepherd’s Pie
Come Visit BFF with the Chef:
The BFF with the Chef Website
Today, I'm excited to interview Chef Joel Gamoran, one of the nation's most well-known sustainability focused chefs and the host of A&E's hit series Scraps. In addition to his television show, Joel also previously served as the Head National Chef for Sur La Table and makes monthly appearances on NBC's Today Show. Joel's book, Cooking Scrappy, shows students, viewers, and readers around the world how to turn food scraps into delicious meals. And Joel continues to find new ways to inspire home cooks with the start of his latest show called Stretched. Chef Joel is a graduate of both the Culinary Institute of America and the Culinary Institute of Florence. He and his wife, Angelina live in Seattle with their baby Jenna.
Find Chef Joel:
Website
Cooking Scrappy: 100 Recipes to Help You Stop Wasting Food, Save Money, and Love What You Eat
Scraps: Parts Uneaten TV Show
Faceboo
Recipes Mentioned in this Episode
Carrot Top Pesto
Broccoli Rabe & Sausage Top Frittata
Mushroom Stem Risotto
Banana Bread
Come Visit BFF with the Chef:
The BFF with the Chef Website
Today, I'm excited to interview Jason Logsdon, the brains behind Amazing Food Made Easy, one of the largest sous vide and modernist cooking blogs on the internet and of course, Makin’ Bacon, a website dedicated to helping food bloggers succeed in the business. Jason is also a bestselling author who has published 14 cookbooks that have sold more than 60,000 copies, including the bestselling Modernist Cooking Made Easy: Sous Vide, and the official Instant Pot Sous Vide Cookbook. He's a frequent speaker at the Everything Food Conference and he's the president of the International Sous Vide Association.
Find Jason:
Amazing Food Made Easy Website
Amazing Food Made Easy Facebook Page
Exploring Sous Vide Facebook Group
Makin’ Bacon Website
YouTube
Recipes Mentioned in this Episode
Sous Vide Pork Tenderloin with Bourbon Glaze
Come Visit BFF with the Chef:
The BFF with the Chef Website
This week, I'm interviewing Daina Falk, the founder of Hungry Fan, a food website that is dedicated to helping sports fans have a great time and eat well while doing it. Having been an avid sports fan her entire life, Daina decided to create a platform for tailgaters, home gaters, sports bar goers, and sporting event attendees of the world that focuses on food and entertaining. Daina can often be seen hosting events, TV shows, and segments on game day dishes and treats. She's appeared on shows such as Late Night with Seth Meyers and the Today Show. And she's hosted Toughest Tailgate, which highlights NFL tailgating traditions on CBS Sports as well as participated in celebrity chef appearances for teams such as the New York Giants and Yankees. Daina is also the bestselling author of The Hungry Fan's Game Day Cookbook, which can be found on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
Find Daina:
Website
YouTube
Vimeo
Come Visit BFF with the Chef:
The BFF with the Chef Website
Today, I'm excited to interview the incredible Nicole Tingwall, the talented chef and food stylist behind the blog and food styling account Windy City Dinner Fairy. Nicole gained a passion for cooking at an early age and as a graduate of the Culinary Hospitality Institute of Chicago, she served in many roles in the food industry, from the front of the house to pastry chef, to chef instructor, all of which have helped her hone her skills and prepare her for current role. Despite being a jack of all trades, Nicole ultimately fell in love with food styling. She started her company in 2010 and she hasn't looked back. Nicole credits her time from operating in intensely demanding environment of high-end restaurants for preparing her for the time constraints and unexpected occurrences that can arise during a food photo shoot. Nicole has styled for top food brands including All Clad, T-Fal, Protein Bar & Kitchen, Safe+ Fair, as well as many others.
Find Nicole:
Website
YouTube
Come Visit BFF with the Chef:
The BFF with the Chef Website
Today, I'm chatting with Brandi Wharton, the creator behind the blog Inspired Fresh Life. Brandi is a former high school English teacher who left the field to head into bartending, inspired by her love of cooking. She started her blog in 2016 and hasn't looked back. Brandi's blog focuses on easy, healthy recipes, many which fit into either the Whole 30 regimen or the gluten free lifestyle. And while she mostly focuses on health, Brandi also knows that it's good to indulge once in a while, and she provides recipes for that too. Brandi's blog is a tribute to her love of gathering friends and family together and sharing good times. And while she can't do that at the moment, she hopes her recipes will be an inspiration to everyone out there that is staying inside and cooking.
Find Brandi:
Website
Recipes Mentioned in this Episode
Chicken Enchilada Casserole
Smoked Chuck Roast with Garlic Sage Butter
Easy Champagne Vinaigrette (or Marinade)
Grilled Peaches with Coconut Whipped Cream
Come Visit BFF with the Chef:
The BFF with the Chef Website
Today, I'm interviewing Chef Josh Walbolt, a chef whose most recent position was at Eleven Madison Park. Chef Josh started his illustrious culinary career in high school where he was a two time Minnesota state champion in a culinary arts competition called ProStart, a competition that is sponsored by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. After winning at state, Chef Josh went on to compete at the national level, which cemented his determination to become a professional chef. After high school, Chef Josh honed his skills through a wide variety of experiences around the country, and has done everything from being a Chef de Cuisine, a catering company owner, a competitor in cooking battles against James Beard and Michelin starred chefs to mentoring future chefs in the very program that jumpstarted his career. He's also been a nominee for the Rising Star Chef award by the Charlie's Award, an annual event that celebrates the exceptional contributions of the Twin Cities area's restaurant and food service industry.
Find Chef Josh:
YouTube
Come Visit BFF with the Chef:
The BFF with the Chef Website
Today, I'm interviewing Chef Tony Maddog Maggert, a 23-year military veteran who decided to become a chef after he retired from the Army. Chef Maddog began his culinary journey in the US Marine Corps after he got put on extra duty in the kitchen galley. During that time, he fell in love with the work and decided to stay for an extra five months. Chef Maddog ultimately received a commission in the US Air Force, but transferred to the Army to finish out his military career. Chef Maddog served three tours in Iraq and two tours in Afghanistan and Iraq, during which he suffered from a flesh-eating bacteria that ultimately took his leg. Despite being an amputee, he remained on active duty until his retirement. After his military service, he attended the Institute of Culinary Education in New York and graduated in 2019, making him the first amputee to go through the program. He's currently working on his YouTube channel, where he's making videos to teach others how to cook.
Find Chef Maddog:
YouTube
Recipes Mentioned in this Episode
Potato Chip Fried Chicken
Come Visit BFF with the Chef:
The BFF with the Chef Website
Today I'm chatting with Kellie and Aaron Johnsen, the founders of Experience Winefulness, a company that focuses on helping others experience the joy of learning about wine by focusing on mindfulness and positive mental health. Kellie is a trained marriage and relationship counselor by day, and Aaron is a retired United States Marine. They started the company in 2018 after Kellie found that through her practice, people were using wine for self-medication and were not fully appreciating the joy that wine knowledge could bring. Kellie wanted to create a new mantra for wine was not for sadness, but instead could be used to generate joy and that wine could be enjoyed and appreciated, but a healthy mental attitude. Kellie and Aaron are currently living on the beautiful shores of North Shore Hawaii, where they are running their company.
Find Aaron and Kellie:
Website
Come Visit BFF with the Chef:
The BFF with the Chef Website
Today I'm chatting with Lola Osinkolu, the writer and voice behind Chef Lola's Kitchen, a blog and YouTube channel that focuses on easy, family-friendly meals and recipes with an African influence. Lola was born and raised in Nigeria, where her passion for cooking started at a very young age. She cooked her first family meal at the age of eight and has cooked for most of her young life. Although Lola obtained a degree in geology and mineral science, she chose to follow her passion by instead first working in restaurants before moving into blogging. Lola now works on creating delicious recipes and teaching people how to do the same in the comfort of their home. Lola is also a self-taught baker, which she attributes to her grandmother's influence.
Find Chef Lola:
Website
YouTube
Recipes Mentioned in this Episode
Coconut Fried Rice with Extra Veggies
African Puff Puff Donuts
African Sausage Rolls
African Style Pancakes
African Stew
Jollof Rice
Today I'm interviewing Chef Rocky Dunnam, the Executive Chef for the Missouri University Healthcare System in Columbia, Missouri. Chef Rocky began his culinary career at the Le Cordon Bleu and has worked for more than 10 years in the hospitality industry. Chef Rocky has competed in the American Culinary Federation Chef of the Year Central Regional Salon. He's also won several awards and competitions in his career, including the Battle of the Area Chefs Championship at Restaurant Roundup Best Tasting, Most Authentic and Best Theme, and the March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction and Gala, and has twice received the Amarillo Visitor Council's Prime Service award. Chef Rocky is also a former competitor on Food Network's Cutthroat Kitchen.
Find Chef Rocky:
Website
Come Visit BFF with the Chef:
The BFF with the Chef Website
Aloha friends and foodies, and welcome to season five. The first guest of this season is Joe Gatto, a private chef who hosts the culinary TV series From Scratch, currently debuting on Pluto TV. Bringing his passion for scratch cooking, big personality and knowledge of film, Joe has created a truly unique cooking show from making his own charcoal, hand forging knives to milking cows to make butter and cheese, Joe goes all out to show you just how far he's willing to go to make everything from scratch. When he's not filming. Joe can be found hosting major food events in and around Boston, including Boston Magazine's The Cue. Joe is also the author of Seriously from Scratch, a cookbook that you guessed it, teaches you how to make a variety of recipes from the very basics. You can find Joe's cookbook now on Amazon or wherever fine cookbooks are sold.
Find Chef Joe:
Joe Gatto's From Scratch on Pluto TV
Chef Joe’s Cookbook – Seriously From Scratch
Come Visit BFF with the Chef:
The BFF with the Chef Website
Today I'm interviewing Jessica Gavin, the incredibly accomplished blogger behind JessicaGavin.com, a food blog and website that focuses on the science behind cooking. Jessica is a certified culinary scientist and a certified food scientist with a passion for helping home cooks get a good dinner on the table. Jessica worked full time in research and development as a nutrition formulation scientist for 12 years and has been blogging for over seven years. Additionally, she's earned an associates degree in culinary arts, has two foodie kids, James and Olivia, published her first cookbook, Easy Culinary Science for Better Cooking, and launched a recipe app. She recently quit her job to become a full time food media entrepreneur.
Find Jessica:
Website
Book - Easy Culinary Science for Better Cooking: Recipes for Everyday Meals Made Easier, Faster and More Delicious
Recipes Mentioned on the Show
Grandma’s Famous Italian Meatballs
How to Reverse Sear a Steak
Homemade Pancakes
Come Visit BFF with the Chef:
The BFF with the Chef Website
Today I'm interviewing Belqui, the blogger behind Belqui's Twist, a food blog that focuses on Latin fusion comfort food with a twist. Belqui started her food blog just over a year ago, but has been an avid home cook for 10 years. Cooking was a way for her to keep herself upbeat through the harrowing journey of working through her son's autism diagnosis. She credits cooking with helping her to cope with that difficult time and decided that after many years of pouring her heart into her recipes, she would share them with the world. A former New Yorker, Belqui now lives with her family in Arizona where she maintains her blog and YouTube channel.
Find Belqui:
Website
YouTube
Recipes Mentioned on the Show
Dominican Pernil (Pulled Pork)
Dominican Sazón (All Purpose Seasoning)
Dominican Rice and Beans
Cuban Wontons and Egg Rolls
Come Visit BFF with the Chef:
- The BFF with the Chef Website
Today I'm interviewing Amanda Kanashiro, the blogger behind Eat at Our Table, a food blog dedicated to helping others live a gluten free lifestyle. Several years ago, Amanda was diagnosed with celiac disease, which requires a strict gluten free diet. While she was heartbroken over the food she could no longer eat, Amanda decided that she would start a blog to share all the dishes that she was learning to recreate gluten-free, especially the Peruvian dishes from her husband's family. Since then, Amanda's family and her blog have grown together. She now works full time as a food blogger and has discovered through blogging a community of friends and fellow autoimmune patients that view her blog as a resource. For Amanda, she hopes that her blog provides people with great recipes, but also information that helps them confidently live gluten-free without feeling like they're missing out.
Find Amanda:
- Website
Recipes Mentioned in the Show
- Peruvian Beef Stew – Seco de Res
- Peruvian Arroz con Pollo
- Aji Amarillo – Hot Yellow Pepper Paste
- Huancaina Sauce
Come Visit BFF with the Chef:
- The BFF with the Chef Website
Today I'm interviewing Chef Ed Harris, winner of Food Network's Chopped Turbo Powered season four and Iron Chef International. He's also appeared as a chef on 24-hour Restaurant Battle, which his team won. Chef Ed began his culinary education at the Art Institute of New York City. For more than 20 years, he's been heavily involved in several aspects of the food industry from Saucier all the way up to Executive Chef. This eclectic background has allowed him to currently work as a consultant chef where he plays an active role in the planning, supervision, and creative aspects involved in the food industry.
Find Chef Ed:
- Website
- Chef Ed’s Spices – Faye’s Flavor Enhancers
Recipes Mentioned in the Show
- Metem (Metemgee – Guyanese Stew)
- Duff (Guyanese Steamed Dumplings)
Today I'm interviewing Chef Tristan B. Jones, an American chef, who currently lives in Prague. Tristan grew up on a small farm in Texas, cooking game meat that he hunted as a child. He also grew up in the kitchen, cooking family meals with his mother. It was that curiosity of food that inspired him to attend Le Cordon Bleu in Orlando, Florida. From there, he's traveled around the world to work in restaurant kitchens, where he could hone his culinary skill. He's cooked for presidents, dignitaries, celebrities, and he's also cooked on three continents as a chef. In 2019, he decided to write a book about his life experience in a raw memoir called Blood, Bones and Blisters: A Culinary Rant, currently available on Amazon.
Find Chef Tristan:
- Blood, Bones and Blisters: A Culinary Rant on Amazon
Come Visit BFF with the Chef:
- The BFF with the Chef Website
Today I'm interviewing Chef Joshua Tango, a chef who spent nearly 10 months working at the French Laundry. Josh is originally from Los Angeles, but he left the city to join the United States Marine Corps where he served four years in the infantry. After his time in service, Josh decided he wanted to cook professionally, so he took a job at the first restaurant that would hire him as a self-trained cook. Josh worked his way up through the restaurant business around the country for five years until he got the offer to work at the French Laundry. Currently, Chef Josh works at the Charter Oak Restaurant in Napa Valley.
Find Chef Joshua:
- The Charter Oak Restaurant
Come Visit BFF with the Chef:
- The BFF with the Chef Website
Today I'm interviewing Chef Darnell Ferguson, AKA Super Chef. Originally from Ohio, Darnell's love of cooking started from adolescence and would continue on as he graduated from Sullivan University in Kentucky with a degree in the Culinary Arts. However, after taking a wrong turn along his journey, Darnell found himself on a self-destructive path, leaving him homeless, in and out of jail and unemployed for nearly a year. But thanks to Darnell's faith, he used that time to reflect on his past and to reassess his life's purpose. With relentless drive and a new found spirit Darnell's best and brightest decision was to bring high end fine dining to short order cooking in Louisville, Kentucky. In 2012, Darnell began a series of popup restaurants serving breakfast within existing restaurants that served only lunch and dinner. This innovative approach led Darnell to open his first Super Chef's restaurant in 2015, and despite a series of setbacks, Darnell has continued to grow the Super Chefs brand into three restaurants. But more importantly, he's grown it into a community where cooking has become a positive and creative outlet for his employees, which include teens, young adults, and those in need. Chef Darnell is also known for winning the Ultimate Thanksgiving Challenge hosted by Giada DeLaurentis on the Food Network in 2018. He's also appeared on the Today Show, the Rachael Ray Show, Guy Fieri's Guy's Grocery Games, Beat Bobby Flay on the Food Network, Cheap Eats on the Cooking Channel, and has cooked for Team USA at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and can be credited with creating the cooking style Urban Eclectic.
Find Chef Darnell:
- SuperChefs website
Come Visit BFF with the Chef:
- The BFF with the Chef Website
Today I'm interviewing Chef Cristina Nishioka, the Honolulu based pastry chef behind the Instagram account Beyond Pastry. A graduate of baking school, Cristina started out her life as an apprentice baker, eventually working her way up at a company to become the general manager. She did this all while also attending college to pursue a degree in history at the University of the Philippines. After college, Cristina decided to explore the world, so she packed up and traveled across the Middle East, landing a job in the pastry department of a restaurant in Doha, Qatar, before moving to Singapore for a job as a general manager at a gourmet bakery. After that job, she became a pastry chef instructor at a local baking school. In 2018, she won Cookie Corner’s recipe contest and has since become their Research and Development chef. She also works full time as a pastry chef at 3660 on the Rise, a local restaurant here in Honolulu.
Find Chef Cristina:
- 3660 on the Rise
Mentioned in this Episode
- Om Ali dessert
- Bain Marie
- Bubu Arare (crispy rice crackers)
Come Visit BFF with the Chef:
- The BFF with the Chef Website
Today I'm interviewing Chef Rashad Armstead, a Bay area chef who has dedicated his craft to exquisite cuisines and exceptional customer service. Chef Rashad's passion for cooking started when he watched his mom prepare secret recipes, deploying her knowledge of flavor and imparting on him the wisdom of great taste. After graduating from culinary school, he worked his way up in the field to become one of the area's most prominent chefs leading him to be invited to compete and actually winning the Food Network show Chopped. Chef Rashad currently owns two restaurants, Grammie's Down Home Chicken and Seafood, and Crave BBQ.
Find Chef Rashad:
- Crave BBQ Website
- Crave BBQ Facebook
- Crave BBQ Instagram
- Grammie’s Down Home Chicken & Seafood Instagram
- Grammie’s Down Home Chicken & Seafood Facebook
Come Visit BFF with the Chef:
- The BFF with the Chef Website
Today I'm interviewing Chef Martel Stone, the executive sous chef of Kith and Kin in Washington, DC. Chef Martel, a native of Philadelphia, started his life journey in the Navy. After serving the nation for five years, he left the service to travel and explore the world. His love of serious cooking began with a single French omelet challenge. Thirty dozen eggs later, he knew he had found what he wanted to do with his life and began his career by cooking in the kitchens in South Hampton Roads, Virginia. His vast culinary experience led to a key leadership role at Kith and Kin, a restaurant that Eater DC has named one of the top essential restaurants in the city.
Find Chef Martel:
- Kith/Kin
Come Visit BFF with the Chef:
- The BFF with the Chef Website
Today I'm interviewing Kaumudi Marathé, the cookbook author and chef behind Un-Curry, a company that is dedicated to sharing the richness of India's culinary traditions through cooking classes, catering, and popups. Originally from India. Kaumudi is a former journalist who got tired of hearing Americans describe Indian food as Curry. Her first cookbook, Maharashtrian Cuisine: A Family Treasury, was the first English language cookbook about the region and her second book, The Essential Marathi Cookbook, offers a more comprehensive look at its' cuisines. In 2017, her memoir Shared Tables, Family Stories, and Recipes from Poona to LA, was published. That same year, she applied for a job teaching cooking on ships and was thrilled to discover it was for America's Test Kitchen. Two years later, with her daughter heading to college, Kaumudi decided to take the plunge and apply for a job as a senior book editor where she has just recently started.
Find Kaumudi:
- Un-Curry Website
- Un-Curry Blog
- Unlikely Chef at Sea Blog
- America’s Test Kitchen Website
- Shared Tables Facebook
- Un-Curry Facebook
Today I’m interviewing Trent Pheifer, the blogger behind Store Bought is Fine, a blog where he has chronicled his way cooking his way through Ina Garten’s entire recipe repertoire. Trent started this project in 2015 after he got fed up with online recipes that hadn't been tested and also because he realized he didn't have the basic skills needed to be successful in the kitchen. After years of watching Ina’s show and seeing the success he had with her recipes, he created the Instagram account, Store Bought is Fine, which is a riff on a regular line that Ina uses. Since then, Trent has made more than 800 of Ina’s recipes and has moved away from cooking his meals from the frozen aisle, to using fresh ingredients to prepare most of his meals. Along the way, Trent has had a lot of fun, earned some food world fame, and has expanded his cooking skills.
Find Trent:
- Website
Today I'm interviewing Chef Hailley Field, the founder of HomeCooked, an on-demand chef service that has been in operation for more than a year. Hailley's been interested in food since she was 10 years old, when she started experimenting in the kitchen. Always up for an adventure, Hailley spent two years circling the globe, cooking in restaurants and diverse family kitchens. It was those unique and very kitchen experiences that convinced her she needed to start a career in food. Before starting her business, Hailley managed and worked in several restaurants, and commercial kitchens up and down the West Coast. She's been featured on the Food Network, in Angeleno Magazine, LA Confidential Magazine's The List alongside Beyoncé, and Voyage LA. She's also appeared as a guest chef at the Hollywood Farmers' Market, as well as at some of LA's popular food and cooking events, including Foodie Con, and Live & Dine LA.
Find Chef Hailley:
- Website
Come Visit BFF with the Chef:
- The BFF with the Chef Website
Today, I'm interviewing Chef Kelsey Morgan, a pastry chef currently working in Honolulu, Hawaii. Originally from Sacramento, California, Kelsey originally started her life by getting a degree in theater arts. However, after college, she decided to follow her passion and attend the Culinary Institute of America, where she got her degree in baking and pastry arts. Since graduating, Kelsey has moved around the world, working in various kitchens in order to continue to hone her skills. She's currently just hosted a cake and ice cream popup with one of her culinary buddies, and I can tell you, it was a dream come true, because I was there. Kelsey's philosophy to professional baking is to approach each task with integrity and joy. She feels lucky to work in a field that allows her to share her work with so many other people. As she puts it, she wants to spend the rest of her career chasing the infinite possibilities of butter, sugar, flour, chocolate, and fruit.
Find Kelsey:
Come Visit BFF with the Chef:
- The BFF with the Chef Website
Today, I'm interviewing Matt Lokay, the self-taught grill master behind a successful Instagram account, California Grillin. Matt aspires to help others make their best barbecue by teaching in person workshops on both grilling and barbecue at his home in Temecula, California, and by displaying his grilling techniques on his Instagram account. Matt's been into live fire cooking for as far back as he can remember, and he's been innovating better ways to grill for more than a decade. His grilling skills started to go viral on his Instagram, where he's helped thousands of people perfect their backyard grilling skills. In this episode, Matt shares grilling techniques for various meats that you can put into practice right away, and the magic of reverse searing
Find Matt:
- Website
Come Visit BFF with the Chef:
- The BFF with the Chef Website
Today, I'm interviewing K80 Jones, the creator of the Food Heroes Podcast. Before entering the food industry, K80 worked in wetland restorations. Seeing the change that she could make in the world and working in align with her values served as the catalyst for her own food journey, and is what has led her to work in the food industry. K80's love of science and her thirst for all things creative has allowed her to blossom, while working in the industry, and has allowed her to see that there are better ways to create food and give back to the causes we all care about. K80 is highly interested and deeply concerned about the social and environmental issues caused by food. On the Food Heroes Podcast, she asks guests from all corners of the culinary community to talk about the ways they are using food to solve problems to make the world a better, clearer, safer and tastier place.
Find K80:
- Food Heroes Podcast
- Food Heroes Podcast episode on eggs
Come Visit BFF with the Chef:
- The BFF with the Chef Website
Today I'm interviewing Traci Houston from The Gestational Diabetic, a blog that focuses on helping women navigate their pregnancies in a healthy and nutritious way. Traci is an Air Force veteran who realized nine years into her career that her true passion was in food. She left the military and enrolled in culinary school with the goal of opening a food truck. However, it was her experience with gestational diabetes during her pregnancy that truly shaped her culinary career, and it is the reason she founded her blog. The Gestational Diabetic had its first anniversary in April, and Traci has a cookbook and meal plan that were released this September. In this episode, we discuss Traci’s journey to becoming a chef, the creation of her blog from her experiences with gestational diabetes, and quick & easy ways that you can shop and cook healthier and easier!
Find Traci:
- Website
- YouTube
Recipes Mentioned in this Episode:
- Keto Cinnamon Roll Mug Cake
- Breakfast Burrito Casserole
Come Visit BFF with the Chef:
- The BFF with the Chef Website
Today I'm interviewing YouTube phenom Jen Phanomrat, the co-Founder of Just Eat Life and star of Just Jen on Tastemade TV. Together with her partner, Leo Samanamud, they create food, travel, and lifestyle videos to inspire their audience's hunger for life in and out of the kitchen. Jen is a self-taught cook, host, producer, editor, photographer, and food stylist who believes food and experiences should be approachable, enjoyable, and inspiring. With her playful and vibrant creations, Jen brings a blend of global influences from her culturally diverse hometown of Queens, New York along with her Filipino and Thai roots. This journey has taken her from stirring up cooking shows on Tastemade to hosting a travel series on the top of Machu Picchu. With every experience, she makes it her mission to just eat life with lots of humor and a hungry soul. In this episode, we talk about Jen’s wildly popular show on Tastemade – Just Jen, her journey to becoming a chef and food blogger, and a simple method for making creative dishes with what you already have in your refrigerator and pantry.
Find Jen:
- YouTube
- Just Jen on Tastemade
Come Visit BFF with the Chef:
- The BFF with the Chef Website
Today I'm interviewing Lisa Hatfield, the creator of Delicious Table, a food blog that is dedicated to helping home cooks by giving them every day, fresh, seasonal ingredient recipes along with holiday and party food ideas. With 25 years of professional culinary experience, Lisa is a pro at creating fun, festive recipes for busy people so, as she puts it, you look like a star chef in your own kitchen. In this episode, we talk about Lisa’s journey to becoming a food blogger, delicious dishes that you can incorporate in your menu starting tonight, and simple steps you can take in advance to host an unforgettable party.
Find Lisa:
- Website
- YouTube
Recipes Mentioned in this Episode:
- Cowboy Baked Beans
- Coca-Cola Pulled Pork Sandwiches
- Cheese Soup
- Green Goddess Dressing
- Parmesan Baked Hash Browns
- Grill & BBQ Rub
- Tater Tot Nachos “Totchos” with Pulled Pork and Tomatillo Sauce
- Flavored Finishing Salts and House Seasoning
- Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes Reheated 5 Ways
- Baked Lobster Ravioli with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce
- Chicken Enchilada Casserole
- Roasted Lemon Chicken
- Cherry Balsamic Roast Pork Loin
- Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Pineapple Rice Bowls
Come Visit BFF with the Chef:
- The BFF with the Chef Website
Today, I'm interviewing Rebecca Blackwell, the blogger, recipe developer, and photographer behind Of Batter and Dough, a blog that focuses on making everyday baking simple, fun, and delicious. Rebecca has been writing about and taking pictures of food since 2013 when she launched her blog. Of Batter and Dough contains hundreds of tested recipes all designed to best suit your needs, whether you're having a fancy party or an afternoon treat. In 2018, she launched her second food blog, A Little and A Lot, which is devoted to meal plans and dinner recipes for every night of the week. In this episode, we talk about being a full-time food blogger, delicious baked goods, and simple things you can do to make your weekly meal prep quicker with little extra effort.
Find Rebecca:
- Of Batter and Dough Website
- A Little and a Lot Website
Recipes Mentioned in this Episode:
- Banana Bread
- Apple Fritters
- Cinnamon Rolls
- Vanilla Cake
- Chicken Enchilada Casserole
- Roast Chicken
Come Visit BFF with the Chef:
- The BFF with the Chef Website
Today I'm interviewing Tanya Harris, the creator of My Forking Life, a food blog that specializes in quick, easy and flavorful recipes. Tanya started her blog in March of 2016, while working as an assistant public defender. Her passion for cooking started when she fell in love with the cookbook. She now owns more than 200 cookbooks and strives to learn new methods and techniques to make her favorite recipes. In just three years, My Forking Life has become so popular that Tanya has been able to quit her job in order to blog full-time. In this episode, we talk about Tanya’s journey from lawyer to full time food blogger, unexpected dishes that air fryers cook perfectly, and how to elevate any dish with the proper use of salt.
Find Tanya:
Website
Recipes Mentioned in this Episode:
Perfect Air Fryer Steak with Garlic Herb Butter
Pressure Cooker (Instant Pot) Chicken Spaghetti
Air Fryer Fried Chicken
Marinated Air Fryer Salmon
Crispy Air Fryer Fish
Come Visit BFF with the Chef:
- The BFF with the Chef Website
Today, I'm interviewing Aneesha Gupta, the blogger behind Spice Cravings. Aneesha originally started her blog as an online recipe book for her twin teenagers, so that they could be empowered to cook for themselves. Aneesha's blog now serves as a peek inside her California kitchen where she creates quick, easy, and healthy global recipes that are low in effort and big on taste. With step by step instructions, pictures, and videos, these recipes are weeknight friendly and perfect for busy families. All of Aneesha's meals are inspired by her love of spices, her North Indian roots, her global travels, and her life as a working mom. When she's not cooking, Aneesha can be found either on travel with her family, or watching a classic romantic comedy with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine. In this episode, Aneesha talks to us about Indian comfort foods that you can make quickly and easily in the Instant Pot, her journey to becoming a food blogger, recaps the Everything Food Conference, and teaches us a simple way to plan our weekly meals.
Find Aneesha:
Website
YouTube
Recipes Mentioned in this Episode:
Lazy Lasagna (Instant Pot)
Instant Pot Punjabi Kadhi Rice (Yogurt Curry with Rice)
Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
Paneer Tikka Masala
Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala (No Cream)
Come Visit BFF with the Chef:
- The BFF with the Chef Website
Today I'm interviewing Chef Marlee Brady, the blogger behind I Just Make Sandwiches. Marlee's blog focuses on helping home cooks elevate their meals to restaurant quality by teaching them chefy secrets. Marlee was classically trained in culinary school and spent nearly 10 years working in restaurants. As a young chef, she competed in an international competition hosted in Austria. Marlee's goal is for home cooks to seek inspiration on what to make for dinner, gain knowledge on how to cook from scratch and become confident in the kitchen. In this episode, Marlee shares on the importance of and how to use different varieties of salt to flavor your food, integrating blogging into her culinary journey, and how to plate your food like a five-star chef
Find Marlee:
Website
Recipes Mentioned in this Episode:
How To Make Homemade Pasta
Elote (Mexican Street Corn Dip)
Lemon Genoise Cake with Fresh Berries
Seven Simple Hacks to Elevate Your Dinner
Come Visit BFF with the Chef:
- The BFF with the Chef Website
Today I'm interviewing Cassie Heilbron of Cook it Real Good. Cassie’s blog focuses on quick, easy, and healthy recipes with some indulgence sprinkled in between. Cassie is a self-taught cook who focuses on food that is fresh, fast, and flavorful. She cooks with every day ingredients and uses as little dishes as possible because she hates washing dishes. Cassie started her first blog, Be Forever Healthier, in January of 2017 which featured healthy recipes, tips, and exercise advice, but over time Cassie realized she was far more interested in recipe creation and food photography. Since then, she's moved her focus solely to food and rebranded her site. In this episode, Cassie shares about her journey to becoming and evolving as a food blogger, info from this year’s Everything Food Conference, how to make salads that excite, and tips for easy yet delicious meals you can make tonight.
Find Cassie:
Website
Recipes Mentioned in this Episode:
The Best Ever Chocolate Caramel Slice
Pumpkin, Halloumi and Avocado Salad
Come Visit BFF with the Chef:
- The BFF with the Chef Website
This week I get the awesome opportunity to interview Jess Madsen, the incredible talent behind the blog, Wild Bloom Creative. Jess is currently a food stylist and photographer from Tacoma, Washington. When Jess isn't working on developing recipes for local brands or consulting on menus, she's using her free time to pursue her love of photographing mostly plant-based recipes for her blog. Jess is also a folk medicine enthusiast and an herbal apprentice, sharing what she learns about the healing power of herbs on her blog with her readers In this episode, we talk about her food blogging journey, her love affair with herbs, and delicious and easy herbal additions to your meals.
Find Jess:
Website
Recipes Mentioned in this Episode:
Birthday Cake Donuts (Vegan + Keto)
Herbs Mentioned in this Episode:
Nettles
Rose Hips
Come Visit BFF with the Chef:
- The BFF with the Chef Website
Today I’m interviewing a special guest – my friend and cookbook author ChihYu Smith, who's also the creator of the popular food blog I Heart Umami. ChihYu’s blog is dedicated to helping busy folks like you and I make everyday Asian-inspired Paleo Cuisine. A Whole 30 certified coach, ChihYu shares Asian-inspired Paleo, Whole 30, and Keto recipes on her blog. She also offers several programs including Cook Once Eat All Week and Feel Good Food Plan, as well as other online Paleo meal planning programs. ChihYu’s cookbook Asian Paleo was recently released, and it's already hit number one in Chinese cooking, Korean cooking, high protein, and gluten-free diet cookbooks on Amazon. ChihYu’s book has been featured by NBC News Wellness, Huffington Post, Good Housekeeping, Country Living, Chowhound and Greatist. Two of her recipes also appear in The Whole30 Fast and Easy Cookbook. A graduate of Columbia University Teachers College, she lives with her husband and two dogs in Brooklyn New York. You can find her book now on Amazon, at Barnes and Noble as well as anywhere fine cookbooks are sold.
In this episode, we talk about ChihYu’s journey to Paleo living, the differences between the Paleo, Keto and Whole-30 plans, cooking Paleo Asian Cuisine, tips for flavoring your meals with aromatics and sauces, a report from the Everything Food Conference, and tips for those who want to explore food blogging
Find ChihYu:
- Website
- YouTube
Recipes Mentioned in this Episode:
- Vietnamese Noodle Salad with Lemongrass Chicken
- Lemongrass Chicken Pizza with Almond Butter Sauce
- Paleo Chinese Chicken Stir-Fry
- Paleo Mongolian Beef
- Paleo Fish Tacos
- Tantanmen Ramen
Korean Sweet Potato Noodles mentioned on the show
ChihYu’s Cookbook – Asian Paleo
Asian Paleo (visit this link to claim the cookbook companion gift)
Come Visit BFF with the Chef:
- The BFF with the Chef Website
Aloha friends and foodies, and welcome back. Today I'm interviewing Nguyen Tran, one half of the duo behind Starry Kitchen, a restaurant and brand that was started in Nguyen's small North Hollywood apartment. Originally, it was a way to earn some money after Thi, Nguyen's wife, lost her job in the big economic crash of 2008. After realizing they had an underground hit on their hands, the two operated from their apartment for eight months before finally moving to a legit restaurant site. Since starting the restaurant, Nguyen and Thi have become part of L.A.'s food culture scene and Los Angeles Food Galore. Just a few years ago, they started Button Mash, the next iteration of Starry Kitchen, and Nguyen has also been a frequent guest to shows on the Cooking Channel.
In this episode, we talk about Nguyen’s fascinating journey from underground restauranteur to a key member of the LA food culture, delicious Vietnamese cuisine that you can make at home, and the tip to giving amazing parties.
Find Nguyen:
Starry Kitchen
Blog
Button Mash
Website
Recipes Mentioned in this Episode:
- Thit Ko (Braised Coconut Pork)
Nguyen’s Cookbook
Adventures in Starry Kitchen: 88 Asian-Inspired Recipes from America's Most Famous Underground Restaurant
Come Visit BFF with the Chef:
- The BFF with the Chef Website
Aloha friends and foodies, and welcome back. Today I'm interviewing Lesli Schwartz, the creator of Asian Caucasian, a food blog dedicated to helping the average cook create Asian inspired cuisine in their home kitchens. Lesli began her interest in Asian food in Sweden where she met a fellow expat named Damien, a native of Singapore and a talented gourmet Asian cook. After discovering their shared joy of preparing Asian cuisine, they began to work as a team hosting dinner parties and catering for clients. After a few years, Lesli returned home to Atlanta with her husband, where she started her blog. The blog has been up and running now for at least three and a half years, and within two years Lesli has managed to grow her Instagram to over 6,000 followers.
In this episode, we talk about Lesli’s favorite spicy sauce, versatile & delicious recipes you can start cooking tonight, and the simple steps you can take to begin your Asian inspired cooking journey.
You can find Lesli on her blog, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Pinterest
Recipes Mentioned in this Episode:
- Asian Inspired Matzo Ball Soup
- Asian Rubbed Salmon
- Miso Glazed Salmon
- Wasabi Crusted Tuna
- 10 Essentials for Asian Cooking
Cookbook Mentioned by Nicole (Pad Thai recipe)
- Night + Market: Delicious Thai Food to Facilitate Drinking and Fun-Having Amongst Friends by Kris Yenbamroong
Come Visit BFF with the Chef:
- The BFF with the Chef Website
Aloha friends and foodies, and welcome back. Today I'm interviewing Nick Anderson, the food photographer behind the immensely popular Instagram account forkinpancakes. Nick started his Instagram account in summer of 2016 as a way to grow his portfolio, share food photography tips, and also share his love of all things breakfast. Since then, his account has grown to more than 33,000 followers. Nick also has a YouTube channel where he shows you how he creates the incredible images on his accounts. He also shares some of his life with videos about his travels and his family. He's a native of Illinois, and currently resides in Chicago.
In this episode, we talk about how Nick got into food photography, the merits of a great breakfast, how to make amazing cinnamon rolls, and the easy way to make your food photographs stand out.
You can find Nick on his blog, Instagram, YouTube and Pinterest
Recipes Mentioned in this Episode:
- The Fluffiest Pancakes Ever
Come Visit BFF with the Chef:
- The BFF with the Chef Website
Today, I'm interviewing Elaine Benoit, the blogger and podcaster behind Dishing with Delishes, a podcast where she dishes with other successful food bloggers to find out their tips and tricks to help others in the space reach the next level in their businesses. Dishes Delish is Elaine's second successful podcast, as she previously sold her first.
Elaine originally started by blogging at her site, Dishes Delish, in August of 2015, not only because she wanted to start a business, but because she wanted to share her food and cocktail recipes with the world. To Elaine's surprise, it was her cocktail recipes that became so popular that she tripled her traffic in less than four months, and since then, it's her cocktails that have become the most popular posts on her blog.
In this episode, we talk about a great tip for cooking with the Instant Pot, delicious layered shots, and the secret to a core ingredient of many cocktails.
You can find Elaine on her blog, podcast, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter
Recipes Mentioned in this Episode:
- Bacon Tomato and Cheese Pasta Casserole
- Snickers Shot
- Ultimate Cadillac Margarita
- Pistachio Cream Cheese Cookies
- Chocolate Covered Cherry Shot
Come Visit BFF with the Chef:
- The BFF with the Chef Website
Today I’m interviewing Julia, the blogger and photographer behind Julia’s Recipes, a blog that’s dedicated to sharing her passion for food and her deep love of baking. Julia got started in the Summer of 2016, and she’s amassed more than 10,000 followers on Instagram alone. A self-taught baker, Julia seeks to share her vision of love in every bite by showcasing the homemade meals she’s prepared with fresh and local ingredients. She hopes that her recipes and her imagery will encourage other home cooks to do the same.
In this episode, we talk about Czech cuisine and the two unexpected core spices that make it delectable, delicious, easy comfort food that you can make tonight, and two tips that make every home cook’s meals better.
You can find Julia on her blog, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest
Recipes Mentioned in this Episode:
- Roasted Beef with Cream Vegetable Sauce & Dumplings (traditional Czech Republic meal)
- Chia Pudding
- Plum Galette with Almond Filling
- Goulash
Come Visit BFF with the Chef:
- The BFF with the Chef Website
This week's guest is Chef Ryan Peters. A former restaurant owner and now the current sous chef at Fish nor Fowl located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Born and raised in Reading, Pennsylvania Ryan has always had a passion for the culinary arts. After graduating from culinary school he moved to Florida to begin his career. After short stints in both Florida and Pittsburgh working under chefs such as Chef Kevin Sousa at the Former Salt of the Earth in Pittsburgh. Ryan opened his own restaurant inside of a Pittsburgh food hall. Ryan has also stodged at some of the best restaurants around the country to include one month at the famed French Laundry in Yountville, California. Despite all of those amazing learning experiences, Ryan believes that opening a restaurant was one of the best he had because it taught him how to run a business and see the big picture.
In this episode, we talk about Ryan’s journey to culinary school and his experience working in some of the world’s finest kitchens to restaurant owner, an inexpensive and accessible way to elevate your dishes, and how a home cook can approach the cooking process to make their meals as great as those of a professional chef.
You can find Chef Ryan on Instagram. He is currently the sous chef at the restaurant, Fish nor Fowl, which can be found via their website or on Instagram. Ryan’s culinary journey has led him through The James Beard Society, The French Laundry. He also competed to represent Team USA for the Bocuse d’Or.
Come Visit BFF with the Chef:
- The BFF with the Chef Website
On this week’s mini episode, Nicole shares five cooking tips that she has learned from her podcast guests. The show is on hiatus this week, but will be back March 6th with a new episode. Nicole has been using these tips since she has been interviewing guests here on the show. They've really changed the way she cooks. Nicole has learned so much from these people. They're so amazing. We really highly recommend if you want to improve your cooking, go back, listen to season 1. Start listening to season 2. You will learn a lot.
In this episode, Nicole talks about seasoning your dishes, what to do with ingredients before you bake, how to make delightfully delicious fried foods, and the top tip for what to do for your food while you’re cooking it as well as heat control.
Come Visit BFF with the Chef:
- The BFF with the Chef Website
Today, I’m chatting with Jo Thrasher from Jo Eats, a blog that chronicles her recipes and musings on daily life. Jo is a self-taught home cook who pretty much loves all things food. She’s obsessed with creating, photographing and sharing beautiful and accessible recipes with her readers. And, in just 12 months, she’s managed to grow her Instagram account to more than 1,800 followers despite working a full time job.
In this episode, we talk about the merits of American cheese, how to elevate any cuisine with a simple ingredient, the trick to making perfect roasted vegetables, and why you should cook with medium high heat.
You can find Jo on her website, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter
Recipes Mentioned in this Episode
- Sweet Potato Gnocchi
- 15 Minute Avocado Pasta
- Gochujang Roasted Carrots
Come Visit BFF with the Chef:
- The BFF with the Chef Website
This week’s guest is Meeta Arora, the blogger behind Piping Pot Curry; a blog that is dedicated to showing you how to make simple and easy recipes. A former computer engineer, Meeta is now a full time blogger. Her blog primarily focuses on Indian food, but her love of global cuisine such as Italian, Thai, and Mexican, amongst others, also occasionally shows up in her repertoire. Meeta strongly believes that everyone has an inner chef and that we just need some inspiration to explore ingredients and create great food. Each week she shares step by step recipes that use her Instant Pot and other gadgets, like her air fryer.
In this episode, we talk about delicious, easy to prepare authentic Indian meals, the five easy to obtain spices that you always need to make Indian food, how to lock flavor into your ingredients, and why the Instant Pot is a game changer for Indian cuisine.
You can find Meeta on her website, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, and YouTube
Recipes Mentioned in this Episode
- Mom’s Chicken Curry
- Instant Pot Aloo Gobi
- Instant Pot Chana Masala
- Roti
- Paratha
- Pav Bhaji
Come Visit BFF with the Chef:
- The BFF with the Chef Website
This week’s guest is Amy Lauren Pottinger, the self-taught chef, food blogger, and caterer behind Caviar and Crayons, a food blog and catering service that focuses on elevated comfort food. Amy gained national attention when she auditioned and landed a spot on season 13 of Food Network Star. Since the show Amy has continued to grow her business and brand, while remaining rooted in her love of food. Amy is the proud military spouse of an Air Force fighter pilot, and she is also the proud mommy of two utterly adorable kiddos.
In this episode, we talk about Amy’s journey to becoming a chef, her journey from blogger to becoming a Food Network Star contestant, how to incorporate new ingredients in your kids’ diet, how to repurpose one central dish for an entire week’s worth of unique meals, and how you can make your meals better starting tonight.
You can find Amy on her website, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter
Recipes Mentioned in this Episode
- Bruschetta Chicken
- Ancho Chile Brown Sugar Dry Rub (for chicken and other tasty treats)
Come Visit BFF with the Chef:
- The BFF with the Chef Website
This week’s guest is Emmeline Kemperyd, the blogger behind Always Use Butter, a blog that’s dedicated to bringing quick, easy and healthy-ish recipes that are designed to make sure her readers eat delicious every day. A Stockholm based foodie and management consultant, Emmeline was raised in a Swedish American household in Stockholm, where her international palate was first cultivated by her American Dad. Since those days, she has continued to seek out new and delicious cuisines around the world in her travels. As she puts it, Emmeline just wants to share her love of food and wine, and wants to help her readers cook up some amazing food in their own kitchens.
In this episode, we talk about morning scones, authentic Swedish food, decadent desserts that are easy to make, her go-to meal, variances and delights in Thai cuisine, the merits and culinary craft of mocktails, the kitchen tool she can’t live without, and her #1 tip to elevate your recipes.
You can find Emmeline on her website, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest
Recipes Mentioned in this Episode
- Passion Fruit Gino
- Thai Chicken Salad
- Easy Baked Tortellini Casserole
Come Visit BFF with the Chef:
- The BFF with the Chef Website
This week’s guest is Ridhima Gugnani, the blogger behind Everything Dessert, a blog that focuses on the sweet treats that she loves to make. Ridhima originally fell in love with baking when she was just 10 years old when her grandmother taught her how to make a sponge cake. A visual communications designer by trade, she fell in love with food photography, which led to her starting her blog in June of 2018. In less than a year, she's gained more than 5,000 followers and her account continues to grow daily as she shares the delightful treats that come out of her kitchen.
In this episode, we talked about delicious savory galettes that you can make at home, Indian comfort food, why you always need to have lots of chocolate in your kitchen, how toasted seeds can transform your dishes, and dessert recipes that will quickly become favorites.
You can find Ridhima on her website, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter
Recipes Mentioned in this Episode
- Apple Pie
- Honeyed Pear & Almond Cake
Come Visit BFF with the Chef:
- The BFF with the Chef Website
This week’s guest is Madalaine McDaniel, the blogger and YouTube host of Lakeside Table. A channel that is dedicated to showing you how to make simple and tasty recipes each week. A native of Saint Louis, Madalaine was a former medical sales rep, and a single mom that started out cooking by listening out for the fire alarm, however, after meeting her husband Jerry, and moving with him and his family to rural Illinois, she decided to buckle down and learn to cook. Since her early days of humble cooking, Madalaine has blogged about her journey become an accomplished home cook in her own right. She now shares what she's learned, as well as tips and tricks about cooking on her show and her blog.
In this episode, we talked about Midwestern comfort food and amazing authentic Italian cuisine, how to elevate dishes with spices, an amazing hack for dried herbs, divinely delicious popovers, the benefits of culinary school education, and a useful trick for measuring cream based foods.
You can find Madalaine on her website, YouTube, Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook
Recipes Mentioned in this Episode
- Popovers
- Pecan Crusted Salmon over Mustard Sauce
- Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Golden Crusted Crab Cakes
Come Visit BFF with the Chef:
- The BFF with the Chef Website
This week’s guest is Olivia Hersey, the owner of LivFit Training, a company dedicated to helping women and men meet their fitness goals. Olivia has been living the dream in Hawaii, where she's been a certified personal trainer since 2014, and she's also a group fitness coach at F45, a high-intensity interval training student. Liv is also an avid foodie and takes her meals quite seriously. She aims to have her clients have a healthy and balanced approach to nutrition so that they can meet their goals..
In this episode, we talked about how you can improve your health with small changes to your diet, how your personal trainer can be a fun part of your holistic life plan, three foods Olivia could eat every day, easy and delicious meal planning & prep, and how to enjoy treats without guilt.
You can find Liv on her website, Instagram, and Facebook,
Come Visit BFF with the Chef:
- The BFF with the Chef Website
Have you ever wondered what cookbooks a food podcaster loves? Join host Nicole Schwegman as she shares and explores her top ten cookbooks of 2018! From no-knead breads to incredible smashburgers courtesy of the Baking Steel, sinfully delicious brownies, pad thai to incorporating more vegetables into your meals, delicious Persian meals, reimagined roast chicken, how to make elevated gourmet meals for one, odysseys of food and heritage, to divine pies and wine pairings, there’s something for everyone!
10) Bread Toast Crumbs: Recipes for No-Knead Loaves & Meals to Savor Every Slice by Alexandra Stafford
9) Baking with Steel: The Revolutionary New Approach to Perfect Pizza, Bread, and More by Andris Lagsdin
8) BraveTart: Iconic American Desserts by Stella Parks
7) Night + Market: Delicious Thai Food to Facilitate Drinking and Fun-Having Amongst Friends by Kris Yenbamroong
6) Six Seasons: A New Way with Vegetables by Joshua McFadden
5) Bottom of the Pot: Persian Recipes and Stories by Naz Deravian
4) Dining In: Highly Cookable Recipes by Alison Roman
3) Solo: A Modern Cookbook for a Party of One by Anita Lo
2) Shaya: An Odyssey of Food, My Journey Back to Israel by Alon Shaya
1) Sister Pie: The Recipes and Stories of a Big-Hearted Bakery in Detroit by Lisa Ludwinski
Honorable Mention:
Wine Food: New Adventures in Drinking and Cooking by Dana Frank and Andrea Slonecker
Recipes Mentioned in this Episode
- Alexandra Stafford’s Peasant Bread recipe
- Andris Lagsdin’s Smashburger Recipe
- BraveTart’s Brownies recipe
- Kris Yenbamroong’s Pad Thai recipe
- Naz Deravian’s Tahdig recipe
- Alison Roman’s Roast Chicken recipe
Come Visit BFF with the Chef:
- The BFF with the Chef Website
Join host Nicole Schwegman on a recap of BFF with the Chef’s first season and our 13 amazing guests! Hear the best cooking tips, recipes and eating advice shared by chefs and bloggers Jen Wooster (Peel with Zeal), Emily Wilson (The Craveable Kitchen), Riz Asad (Chocolates and Chai), Ben Myhre (Ramshackle Pantry), Brenda Sickles (Becoming Betty), Nick Hortense (Blogtastic Food), Haylie Abele (Our Balanced Bowl), Andris Lagsdin (Baking Steel), Madison Surdyke (Sunny Thymes Blog), Wendi Spraker (Loaves and Dishes), author & food critic Morgan Murphy, Kathleen Phillips (Grits and Gouda), and Sandy Axelrod (The Traveling Locavores).
From amazing two ingredient biscuits to divine cocktails, must-have black bean burgers that can be easily made and frozen, to better than takeout pizza with the Baking Steel, favorite foods from Trader Joe’s, no-churn ice cream, and the best eating and cooking advice, enjoy this retrospective on our first season! We’re grateful for each and every guest for sharing their time, their knowledge, their recipes, and even their family secrets with us!
Come Visit BFF with the Chef:
- The BFF with the Chef Website
This week’s guest is Andris Lagsdin, the chef and inventor of the Baking Steel. Andris started out as a chef, but gave up restaurant life to work for his family Steels business. While working there, he had the brilliant idea to create a Steel surface to cook pizza, based on a technique he read about in the book Modernist Cuisine by Nathan Myhrvold. Andris spent 16 months tinkering with a prototype before he started his first Kickstarter. The Kickstarter became wildly successful after it was featured on the prominent food blog, Serious Eats. Since then, he hasn't looked back. Andris is also the author of Baking With Steel: The Revolutionary New Approach to Perfect Pizza, Bread, and More.
Show Notes:
This week’s guest is Andris Lagsdin, the chef and inventor of the Baking Steel. Andris started out as a chef, but gave up restaurant life to work for his family Steels business. While working there, he had the brilliant idea to create a Steel surface to cook pizza, based on a technique he read about in the book Modernist Cuisine by Nathan Myhrvold. Andris spent 16 months tinkering with a prototype before he started his first Kickstarter. The Kickstarter became wildly successful after it was featured on the prominent food blog, Serious Eats. Since then, he hasn't looked back. Andris is also the author of Baking With Steel: The Revolutionary New Approach to Perfect Pizza, Bread, and More.
In this episode, we talked about Andris’ quest to create the Baking Steel, how the home chef can make restaurant quality pizza with the Steel, secrets for the most delicious dough, cheese and seasonings, and the versatility of the Baking Steel for recipes such as smashburgers and English Muffins.
Links to Recipes that were Mentioned:
- Thin Crust Pizza Dough Recipe
- A Simple Margherita Pizza
- Homemade English Muffins
- The Ultimate Smash Burger
Andris’ Cookbook
Baking with Steel: The Revolutionary New Approach to Perfect Pizza, Bread, and More
You can find Andris on his website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest
Come Visit BFF with the Chef:
- The BFF with the Chef Website
This week’s guest is Jen Wooster, the creator of the healthy food blog, Peel with Zeal. Both Jen and her husband, who she affectionately calls Mr. Peel, suffer from different autoimmune diseases. She has Celiac Disease, while Mr. Peel suffers from a more serious diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. They both follow the Wahl's Protocol, a functional medicine diet, which Jen blogs about each week. Both she and her husband invite their readers to join them as they create healthy recipes that focus on healing your body through food. They believe that food and life should be fun and that a little bit of humor makes each dish taste just a little bit better.
In this episode, we talked about Jen’s creation of delicious, healthy, adventurous and beautiful dishes full of fruits and vegetables that also fit gluten-free dietary requirements, how to make homemade tasty treats for your pet, “fake out the takeout” dishes, easy meal prep and the three components that will ensure that your recipe will be right on track.
Links to Recipes that were Mentioned:
- Seven Healthy No-Cook Sauces
- Easy Paleo Thai “Peanut” Sauce
- Paleo Swimming Rama
- Charred Cauliflower Steaks with Curry Sauce
- Roasted Cranberries
- Wild Cauliflower Rice Pilaf with Grapes
- Pumpkin Pupcakes with Peanut Butter Frosting
Other Links mentioned in this episode:
The Wahl Protocol
Purpose and Plenty (Jen’s Sister’s Website)
You can find Jen on her website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest
Come Visit BFF with the Chef:
- The BFF with the Chef Website
This week’s guest is Sandy Axelrod, the executive chef, blogger and one half of the dynamic duo known as The Traveling Locavores. Sandy and her husband Steve’s blog combine their passion for local food and travel by sharing adventures, recipes and wonderful insight into America’s best food, farmers markets and attractions.
Trained at Le Cordon Bleu School of Cookery in London, Sandy spent 18 years as the chef-owner of Affairs to Remember Catering. Her love for great food, family, entertaining, RV adventures and travel combine to give Sandy an amazing perspective.
Show Notes:
This week’s guest is Sandy Axelrod, the executive chef, blogger and one half of the dynamic duo known as The Traveling Locavores. Sandy and her husband Steve’s blog combine their passion for local food and travel by sharing adventures, recipes and wonderful insight into America’s best food, farmers markets and attractions.
Trained at Le Cordon Bleu School of Cookery in London, Sandy spent 18 years as the chef-owner of Affairs to Remember Catering. Her love for great food, family, entertaining, RV adventures and travel combine to give Sandy an amazing perspective.
In this episode, we talked about Sandy’s stellar 50 year career as a chef, her time at Le Cordon Bleu School of Cookery, designing menus for a party, her love of Bobby Flay, and how to make her new favorite dessert, Grasshopper Pie.
Links to Recipes that were Mentioned:
- Tuna Pasta (Penne with Tuna, Capers and Raisins)
- Grasshopper Pie
Links to Chef’s Knives mentioned in this episode:
Global Chef’s Knife (from Williams-Sonoma)
Shun Kaji Chef’s Knife (from Williams-Sonoma)
Ken Onion Chef’s Knife (from Bed, Bath and Beyond)
Sandy’s Cookbook – Affairs to Remember
You can find Sandy on her website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest
Come Visit BFF with the Chef:
- The BFF with the Chef Website
This week, Nicole is telling you about the best Black Friday deals for home cooks and she gives a look at to what she’s hoping to buy this holiday season
This week’s special Thanksgiving guest is author, traveler and amazing storyteller, Morgan Murphy. His most recent book, On the Road Again immediately hit #1 on Publisher's Weekly when it was released and his book, Bourbon & Bacon also launched #1 in Wine and Spirits. His other books, Off the Eaten Path and Second Helpings have helped to make him one of the culinary world’s best-known food critics.
You may have seen him on the Travel Channel or read his work in Southern Living. In short, Morgan is everywhere, and it was great fun to reminisce with him about all things Thanksgiving.
In this episode, we talked about Morgan’s family Thanksgiving memories, how you can expand your child’s palate and why you should not feel guilty about eating whatever you want on Thanksgiving.
Links to Morgan’s Books:
- Off the Eaten Path
- Second Helpings
- Bourbon and Bacon
You can find Morgan on his website. Here is also a link to the bourbon that Morgan discussed, Pappy Van Winkle. Good luck finding it and let me know if you do.
Come Visit BFF with the Chef:
- The BFF with the Chef Website
This week’s guest is Haylie Abele, the blogger and force behind Our Balanced Bowl. Haylie’s blog is a fun, lighthearted place where she shares recipes that come straight from her kitchen.
After losing 80 pounds and recovering from an eating disorder, she makes an emphasis on living a balanced lifestyle and is passionate about showing others how it can be done. Her recipes are mostly healthy, occasionally indulgent, and always filled with love.
In this episode, we talked about Haylie’s journey to recovery from an eating disorder, how and why she started her blog and her love of the Pioneer Woman and how she and her husband make homemade tortillas.
Links to Recipes that were Mentioned:
- Haylie’s Black Bean Burgers
- Southern Biscuits and Gravy
- The Best Stovetop Mac and Cheese
You can find Hayley on her website, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest
Come Visit BFF with the Chef:
- The BFF with the Chef Website
This week’s guest is Wendi Spraker, the blogger behind the blog Loaves and Dishes, a website dedicated to unapologetic Comfort Food where Wendi also serves up funny stories, memories, and nourishment for body and soul.
In addition to running her blog, Wendi serves on the board of The International Food Bloggers Conference where she recently served as a moderator. She’s the director of her local arts council culinary program, "Taste of Stokes" and she’s a food columnist for her local paper, the Stokes News. When she’s not writing, teaching or speaking at a food conference, you'll find Wendi at home in the mountains, enjoying her family, hiking, kayaking or hugging her pugs.
This week’s guest is Kathleen Phillips, the food stylist and cookbook author behind Grits and Gouda, the blog that features a delectable array of gourmet southern recipes, but, with a healthy and frugal twist.
Kathleen’s recipes and food styling have been featured numerous times in Southern Living and Cooking Light cookbooks, as well as Christian Woman, Coastal Living, and Parent's Magazine. Kathleen's goal is to inspire us to get into the kitchen, where she'll show you how to cook with fresh, seasonal ingredients, and encourage you along the way to share hospitality with others, all while on a budget. Her book, Magic Cakes, on sale now at Amazon, simplified the cake baking process and gives home bakers invaluable tips on how to easily make a layer cake.
This week’s guest is Colleen Kokx, the registered dietician behind the blog, Mitten Dietitian. Colleen's blog is dedicated to providing her readers with the tools, tips, and recipes they need to live healthy lives. Colleen truly believes that diets don't work and wants her readers to stop worrying about food, and instead, embrace a no rules approach to eating that allows them to focus on their health and wellness. Colleen's a fan of intuitive eating and demonstrates how to live a culinary life that contains both carrots and cookies along the way.
This week’s guest is Nicolas Hortense, the chef behind Blogtastic Food. Nick’s goal for the blog, as he puts it, is to get as many people’s butts into the kitchen as possible”. Nick believes that home cooking can bring people closer together and he invites his readers to learn alongside him as he expands his food horizons. During the episode, Nick teaches us how to make no-churn ice cream.
This week’s guest is Madison Surdyke, the incredible founder behind Sunny Thymes blog.
Sunny Thymes is a fun, colorful, anti-diet food blog that is dedicated to sharing delicious recipes as well as information on how to practice intuitive eating. Madison is passionate about helping other people make peace with food while discovering their own definition of health.
She’s on a mission to help her readers unpack the often-misguided messages that we are given about food, and her goal is to release people from the prison of dieting and shame so that they can develop relaxed, joyful relationships with food, movement, and their bodies.
This week's guest is Brenda Sickles of Become Betty.
Brenda is a full-time teacher and the woman behind the blog: Become Betty.
Brenda's blog is dedicated to providing high quality consumer information about all things Trader Joe's and Stew Leonard's. During the interview, we talk about cinnamon rolls, Brenda’s favorite Trader Joes products and why it’s so important to keep your kitchen knives sharp.
This week guest is Rizwan Asad, a self-taught home baker who runs the blog Chocolates and Chai.
Riz was a finalist in the 2017 Saveur Blog Awards Reader’s Choice for Best Baking and Sweets Blog. During the episode we talk about how he got nominated for this award, we go into details on how to make pate choux swans, and we give away our secrets tips to making the best French Madeleine cakes, plus Riz tells us why we should make a habit of mise en place.
This week, we get to hear from the creator behind the blog The Craveable Kitchen, Emily Wilson.
Emily is a former accountant who decided to leave it all behind and become a chef. On today's show, she teaches us how to make quick pickles and the importance of always having an acid nearby to brighten your meals.
This week's guest is Ben Myhre, the man behind the history-focused food blog, Ramshackle Pantry. Ben is a prior soldier who has dedicated a large portion of his blog to taking deep historical dives into the recipes that we all know and love.
Coming soon is BFF with the Chef, a podcast that aims to unite a community of like-minded enthusiasts who want to cook beyond recipes, better understand ingredients and hone their techniques and culinary instincts to cook the food they really want to eat.
Each week, Nicole invites a new blogger or culinary professional to her podcast for honest, candid conversations about what they’re cooking, eating and the knowledge, inspiration, and experiences behind it all.