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Chef Karen’s Coconut (CocoLoco) Mousse Recipe

by on May 27, 2020 in Uncategorized

coconutmousse

If you’re looking for a light and creamy dessert, look no further than Chef Karen’s Coconut Mousse recipe. This fluffy sweet treat is easy to make and guaranteed to satisfy. Get the recipe below!

Ingredients

  • 250 grams (8.8 ounces) Mascarpone cheese

  • 100 ml. (1/2 cup) coconut milk 

  • 250 ml. (1 cup) heavy whipping cream

  • 2 egg whites

  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

  • 1 teaspoon coconut extract

  • 6 tablespoons icing sugar

  • 150 grams (6 ounces) whole wheat graham cracker crumbs

  • 50 grams (2 ounces) melted butter

  • 50 grams (2 ounces) fresh coconut flakes

Directions

First of all, you need to prepare your coconut flakes.

  1. Using a sharp tool, carefully poke a hole in each of the three spots on the top of the coconut. Flip the coconut over onto a cup or bowl and allow draining.
  2. Preheat your oven to 180 C (356 F) and place your coconut on a baking pan. Bake for 10 minutes or until you see a crack developing. Separate the white meat from the shell using a knife.
  3. After you have the white meat cleaned and cut into pieces, you could either shred it using a hand shredder or a food processor.
  4. Mix the graham crumbs with the butter and the coconut flakes. Place the crumbs in every serving cup and press until a crust layer forms.
  5. Mix the Mascarpone cheese, coconut milk and coconut extract in a large bowl, using either a rubber spatula or your food processor.
  6. Mix the heavy whipping cream with 3 tablespoons of sugar and vanilla extract, using a hand mixer or a stationary mixer. Place the whipped cream in the refrigerator until you need it.
  7. In another bowl, combine egg whites and the rest of the sugar and mix on highest speed of your electric mixer until stiff, dry peaks form.
  8. Add the whipping cream to the Mascarpone mixture and carefully mix, using a rubber spatula. Then add the egg whites.
  9. Be careful not to over mix & pour the mixture in the serving cups. Serve cold.

Connect with our May 2020 Chef of the Month

Instagram: @sweetville_cake_shoppe

Facebook: Sweetville Cake Shoppe

Chef Karen’s Marble Cupcakes Recipe

by on May 21, 2020 in Uncategorized

marble

Here’s a recipe you can “marble” at. Our May Chef of the Month has shared her Marble Cupcakes recipe- you’ll never have to choose between chocolate or vanilla.

Now you can have your cupcake…and eat it, too!

Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cup cake flour, sifted
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/3 cup milk, room temp
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream, room temp
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar, sifted
  • 3 large eggs, room temp
  • 1/2 tsp pure Dominican vanilla extract
  • 1/2 pure Mexican vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened dutch-process cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup boiling water
  • Cream cheese frosting or confectioners sugar to put on tops of cupcakes

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350. Line muffin tins with paper liners. sift cake flour, baking powder, and salt in bowl.
  2. Combine milk and cream in separate bowl. With an electric mixer on medium speed, cream butter and sugar until pale and fluffy.
  3. Add eggs one at a time, beating until each is incorporated. Beat in vanillas.
  4. Add flour mixture in 3 batches, alternating with 2 additions of the milk mixture. Beat until combined.

  5. To make chocolate batter: measure out one cup of batter, transfer to other bowl. Combine cocoa and boiling water in a bowl. Stir into reserved 1 cup batter.

  6. Fill prepared cups with alternating spoonfuls of vanilla and chocolate batter, filling each 3/4 full.
  7. Run toothpick through batter in figure-eight pattern to make swirls. bake, rotating half-way through, until tops are golden and cake tester comes out clean, about 20 minutes.
  8. Transfer to wire racks to cool completely. Decorate with Buttercream or powdered sugar.

Connect with our May 2020 Chef of the Month

Instagram: @sweetville_cake_shoppe

Facebook: Sweetville Cake Shoppe

Chef Karen’s Limoncello Buttercream Recipe

by on May 14, 2020 in Uncategorized

buttercream

Add zesty, creamy Limoncello Buttercream to your next culinary masterpiece courtesy of our May Chef of the Month, Chef Karen. This frosting is perfect for cake fillings or frosting toppers (or eat it alone, we don’t judge). Chef Karen’s perfected recipe can be found below.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Butter – Softened (we used Salted Sweet Cream Butter)

  • 5 cups of Powdered Sugar

  • 1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract 

  • 1 tablespoon of Lemon Zest

  • 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed Lemon Juice

Directions

  1. In a mixer, add the butter and the lemon juice.
  2. Mix together on low speed until they are completely combined.
  3. Add the powdered sugar one cup at a time and continue to beat on medium speed until the frosting is creamy.
  4. Add the lemon zest and 1 small drop of yellow food coloring (if desired)
  5. Add clear vanilla extract
  6. Continue to mix.
  7. If the frosting is too runny, add 1/2 cup additional powdered sugar.
  8. Keep adding powdered sugar 1/2 cup at a time until you have the frosting at the desired consistency.

 

Connect with our May 2020 Chef of the Month

Instagram: @sweetville_cake_shoppe

Facebook: Sweetville Cake Shoppe

May 2020 Chef of the Month- Karen Padilla

by on May 5, 2020 in Uncategorized

3We’re happy to introduce our May Chef of the Month, Karen Padilla! Chef Karen was born in lovely Puerto Rico and now resides in New York as a cake artist and luxury cake designer. Her craft was inspired by her mother, who first began a small side business making cakes that then developed into a prestigious company. Chef Karen’s impressive cakes are a result of talent, passion and a love of the arts. Read more about our creative chef below!

 

 

1. Where were you born? 

I was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico

2. Where do you work and where are you based? 

I currently work in Maritime Parc, Jersey City.

I’m based in Staten Island, New York.

3. What is your favorite kitchen tool in creating your masterpieces/dishes?

I Love using the Hobart Mixer, but my favorite tools to create my masterpieces are my hands.

4. What is your sharpest sense out of all the 5 senses?

My sense of taste which allows me to make sure my cakes not only look amazing, but taste amazing as well.

5. What advice would you offer for aspiring chefs?

My best advice is to be organized, clean and to be very creative and enjoy what they do! My husband always tells me the phrase “I think therefore I am”, It reminds me to always think positive, because your mindset gives you the ability to always do more.

6. What is one culinary tip every chef should know and perfect?

Always use the best ingredients and do it with lots of love.

7. What does good food mean to you?

A good food is the one that nourishes my soul.

8. What features are important to you when selecting your chef outfit?

To be stylish and comfortable.

9. Favorite ingredient to work with? 

Love to work with fondant!

10. Favorite City to dine out in? 

Definitely San Juan, the best food ever.

11. Best Dish you have ever made? 

My decadent and signature Vanilla Cake infused with Brandy.

12. What you like to eat most often on your days off? 

A good filet mignon with steamed vegetables, a good wine, followed by a tasty Crème brûlée.

13. Person you would most like to cook for? 

My clients and of course, my dear husband.

14. What made you decide to become a chef?

My mother’s determination to overcome obstacles. She raised 4 kids while working as a teacher, and decided to run a small side business making cakes. This side business eventually became a prestigious company where its unique taste and skills set itself apart. This led me to study arts such as painting, sculpting and even graphic arts.

Thanks to her, I was able to learn from her experience and combined it with my love for traveling around the world, appreciate different cultures and sceneries. Also, my love for art and creativity helped me to become the cake artist I am today.

Connect with our May 2020 Chef of the Month

Instagram: @sweetville_cake_shoppe

Facebook: Sweetville Cake Shoppe

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Chef Barbara’s Zucchini Pancakes Recipe

by on April 29, 2020 in Uncategorized

zucchini pancakes

The inspirational Chef Barbara has shared her delicious, vegetarian-friendly zucchini pancakes recipe. Now you can enjoy a simple treat without any added guilt- all with ingredients that can easily be found in your kitchen.

Ingredients

  • 2 Medium zucchinis
  • Grater
  • 1 TSP of salt
  • 2 Eggs
  • 1/3 Cup of flour
  • Canola oil

Directions

  1.  Grate the zucchini and squeeze to let out the water.
  2.  Add the salt, 2 eggs and mix.
  3.  Add the flour and mix.
  4.  Fry the zucchini mix in canola oil.

 

Connect with our April 2020 Chef of the Month

Instagram: @barbara_pollastrini

Facebook: Barbara Pollastrini

Chef Barbara’s Pollo Alla Cacciatora Recipe

by on April 23, 2020 in Uncategorized

chef barbara chicken

Our April Chef of the Month, Barabara Pollastrini, has shared her mother’s delicious chicken recipe: Pollo Alla Cacciatora. Chef Barbara’s dish rendition is created using basic items that you can find in your refrigerator and pantry. We’re sure it won’t disappoint. Find the recipe below!

Ingredients

  • Organic Chicken
  • 2 TBSP of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
  • Rosemary Garlic
  • Salt and Pepper
  • 1/2 cup of white wine
  • 1/2 cup of white vinegar

Directions

  1. Sautee EVOO, rosemary and garlic for 2 minutes.
  2. Add the chicken, then salt and pepper.
  3. Cook chicken for 10 minutes.
  4. Add the wine and vinegar to the chicken.
  5. Cover and cook until the chicken is completely done. Add some water if needed.

 

Connect with our April 2020 Chef of the Month

Instagram: @barbara_pollastrini

Facebook: Barbara Pollastrini

Chef Barbara’s Santa Barbara Pasta Recipe

by on April 15, 2020 in Uncategorized

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If you’re looking for a different twist to a classic pasta dish, then Chef Barbara’s Santa Barbara Pasta recipe is ideal for you. Not only is this dish tasty, but her use of colors & food styling instructions make it an eye pleaser. Get the recipe below.

Ingredients

  • 80 grams of Rustichella blue spirulina pasta
  • 2 grams of salt
  • 3 tablespoons of homemade butter with sea urchins
  • 1 pinch of minced garlic
  • Shrimp coral (obtained by squeezing the head)

For dish decoration:

  • 1 Santa Barbara Prawns
  • 1 Tablespoon of Beluga caviar
  • 1 Sea urchin
  • 1 violet

Directions

  1. Cook the spaghetti in plenty of boiling salted water, drain al dente.
  2. Cut the top cap over the sea urchin curls and gently remove the internal eggs with a teaspoon, placing them in a bowl with ice.
  3. Prepare the homemade butter and blend the eggs previously obtained from the sea urchin, leaving a hedgehog tongue for the final decoration.
  4. In the meantime, in a frying pan, soften the urchin butter at room temperature, add the garlic and the prawn’s coral and mix everything together.
  5. Meanwhile fry the head off the prawn until it becomes crunchy.
  6. Brown the prawn tail on a pan for a few moments with a little salt and pepper
  7. Drain the spaghetti and pour into the pan, stir gently for a minute with the heat off, until the butter melts completely.
  8. Serve the pasta, place the shrimp and its head on the side of spaghetti, add the urchin’s eggs and caviar.
  9. Decorate with a flower

 

Connect with our April 2020 Chef of the Month

Instagram: @barbara_pollastrini

Facebook: Barbara Pollastrini

 

APRIL 2020 CHEF OF THE MONTH- BARBARA POLLASTRINI

by on April 7, 2020 in Uncategorized

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Born in the beautiful city of Rome, and now residing in sunny Los Angeles, we’re proud to introduce our April 2020 Chef of the Month- Barbara Pollastrini! Chef Barbara is an impressive, creative chef with an incredible talent for food styling. She even worked as a food stylist for movies! She attributes her love of cooking back to her mom, who would create unforgettable meals with the simple things she had in her fridge. Now, due to COVID-19, she is giving back and serving food to hospitals, caregivers, law enforcement and first responders along with Domingo Deli in Encino. We’re so honored to feature Chef Barbara. You find out more about her and see her story below.

 

 

1. Where were you born?
I come from the Mediterranean world; where eating is the highlight of the day, looked forward to and enjoyed as if it were a sacred ritual.
Italy is my home. I was born and raised in Rome, one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

2. Where do you work and where are you based?
I worked as a personal chef for many years and as a food stylist for movies. I am also the only Italian ambassador of The Taste USA and I am an Executive Chef. Currently during this COVID-19 crisis, I am giving back and serving our heroes: children hospitals, general hospitals, law enforcement and first responders with Domingo Deli in Encino. I love this initiative.

3. What is your favorite kitchen tool in creating your masterpieces/dishes?
A sharp knife can help you accomplish a number of tasks quicker and more efficiently than any machine. I also use my hands a lot (with gloves, of course).

4. What is your sharpest sense out of all the 5 senses?
As a chef, it would have to be the sense of taste. However, learning to trust all your senses in the kitchen takes time and practice, but definitely smell is my sharpest sense. You can distinguish over 1 trillion unique scents. Most of the eating experience is actually experienced by your sense of smell.  Any flavors you perceive beyond the basic flavors (Salty, Savory, Spicy, Sour and Sweet) are perceived nasally.

The sense of Sight, for me as a chef and food stylist, is super important : your sense of sight is not as broad as your sense of smell, but can still distinguish several million shades of colors. Ugly food turns people off fast!

5. What advice would you offer for aspiring chefs?
Work ethic and attitude is everything. Never stop learning, from anybody and or anything.

6. What is one culinary tip every chef should know and perfect?
Consistency is the key for a successful career

7. What does good food mean to you?
Good food means love, passion and dedication.

8. What features are important to you when selecting your chef outfit?
Style and comfort. Short sleeves is a must.

9. Favorite ingredient to work with?
I can’t live without Sicilian Sea Salt Sea, sun and wind are the only ingredients used to obtain this unrefined sea salt.

10. Favorite City to dine out in?
Naples.

11. Best Dish you have ever made?
Recently, I created Pasta with Santa Barbara Spot prawns, uni and caviar. Its different flavors and texture make it delicious.
12. What you like to eat most often on your days off?
I love trying new restaurants, there are so many talented chefs in Los Angeles!
If I am home, I enjoy pizza and take-out food (Chinese food is one of my favorites ever)!

13. Person you would most like to cook for?
Keanu Reeves. I am sure he will appreciate my cooking skills

14. What made you decide to become a chef?
My mother, she was my inspiration. I would say I started my love of cooking just by watching her create unforgettable meals with only what was available in her refrigerator.

Connect with our April 2020 Chef of the Month

Instagram: @barbara_pollastrini

Facebook: Barbara Pollastrini

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ACTIVITIES & RESOURCES DURING SOCIAL DISTANCING

by on April 2, 2020 in Uncategorized

Here at Chef Uniforms, we’d first like to acknowledge all of the caregivers that are working tirelessly to ensure our community’s safety. Without your selflessness, we wouldn’t be able to face COVID-19 head on, and for your bravery, we thank you.

To our chefs and everyone impacted by COVID-19, we know that these are unprecedented times in which we are facing a lot of fear and uncertainty. We are here for you and we support you. It won’t be easy, but we WILL come out of this stronger.

We’d also like to thank everyone else who is doing their part and is practicing social distancing. It’s the support from people that also gives us the strength to keep going through this difficult time.

If you’re practicing social distancing, or even just need a mental health break, here are some helpful guides and activities to get you through it.

Family-Friendly Activities

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  • Many celebrities and authors are taking the time to read some of their favorite children’s books. This list provides resources for elementary school kids up to young adults!
  • For more storytelling activities, storyonline.net also showcases celebrities reading children’s stories. This award-winning literacy website can make a genuine difference in your child’s life.
  • If you have kids under five, then this list of activities from virtual field trips to crafts, can be the key to some educational entertainment.
  • National Geographic for Kids offers children a selection of activities and tools to choose from – want to take a personality quiz? Need homework help? It’s all there!
  • Parade.com has also shared their list of 125 ideas that you can promote at home to avoid feeling bored.
  • You can never go wrong with knowing more history. This interactive website features fun history lessons and offers quizzes, lessons and worksheets.

Binge-Worthy Favorites

The time to break out the pajamas and microwaveable popcorn (without feeling guilty) is among us. Sometimes a little “me” time with binge-worthy content is just what you needed to get you through social distancing.

  • Enjoy this guide from Rotten Tomatoes – you’ll be covered in all things relating to television and movies.
  • If you’re stressed and looking for feel-good shows, then this list from Buzzfeed will do the trick. This is the time to embody our guilty pleasures.
  • Looking for a laugh? Here you’ll find 57 of the best stand-up specials that Netflix has to offer!

Arts and Culture

We’re lucky that we’re able to still stay connected virtually, even if right now we have to do so from home. Your favorite museums, classes, ballets and Broadway shows can still be accessed digitally.

  • The stage is always there to welcome those who desire it. You can now watch Broadway musicals, plays and ballets for free for a limited time.
  • Avoid cabin fever and virtually tour some of the world’s most famous museums (yes, from the comfort of your own couch!).
  • You can also take free online courses from top universities in a wide variety of subjects ranging from the arts to the sciences.
  • Both kid and adult friendly, you can take some free Spanish lessons online or find children’s stories in Spanish to share with your kids.

Stress Relievers

Practicing social distancing doesn’t mean that you have to give up healthy living or that you can’t still be active. There are numerous virtual fitness and workout stress relievers readily available. Here are just some of the many:

  • These yoga and fitness classes can allow you to get your daily workout. Even after things return to normal, virtual workouts might be an everyday option for you.
  • Here, you can find even another list of different online workouts that you can best fit your needs.
  • We know that during these tough times, your mental health can take a toll. Find some meditation apps that you can download to help keep you relaxed.

Let’s Get Cookin’

We’re undoubtedly missing going out to eat at some of our favorite restaurants, but some amazing chefs have made virtual cooking classes an option. This is the time to perfect your home-cooked meal.

  • The Michelin-starred Massimo Bottura is now offering free virtual cooking classes on Instagram.
  • Looking for even more foodspiration? Here are 6 virtual cooking classes to fill your appetite.
  • Another activity that you can share with your kids is cooking together. Delish.com now offers online classes for parents and kids.
  • Not sure what to make for dinner? The New York Times offers recipes and video lessons for you to try!
  • The BBC also has a selection of videos or instructions for cooks of all levels.

How are you keeping busy while social distancing? Show us your favorite recipes or share your activities on Instagram by tagging @chefuniforms

Chef Kryssie’s Vegetarian Pancit Carbonara Recipe

by on March 26, 2020 in Uncategorized

pancitcarbonara

Our March Chef of the Month has shared another delicious treat – her Vegetarian Pancit Carbonara recipe. This popular Filipino noodle dish is healthy and full of flavor. You can also enjoy it for lunch or dinner, find the recipe below!

Ingredients

Directions

Fried Enoki Mushroom Directions

  1. Set your fryer to 350F
  2. Cut off ends of mushrooms and separate.
  3. Fry Enoki mushrooms until crispy.
  4. Drain and season with salt and pepper.

Putting it all together

  1. Bring water to a boil. Season with salt
  2. Cook noodles until al dente
  3. Transfer noodles on your serving dish and dispense your siphon over the noodles. Garnish with fried Enoki mushrooms.

 

Connect with our March 2020 Chef of the Month

Instagram: @chefkryssie.eats

Website: Kitchen 1726

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