We’re happy to introduce our August Chef of the Month, James Couch (Chef...
What's Cookin'?
May 2021 Chef of the Month – Gina Clarke
Our May 2021 Chef of the Month is the talented Chef Gina Clarke! Chef Gina is California-born and raised and now resides in Malibu. She’s the head chef and owner of Malibu Seaside Chef, a high-end private chef service that provides catering, fine dining and more!
Chef Gina first studied at the French Epicurean School in Los Angeles and then apprenticed under renowned Chef Giuliano Bugialli in Florence and Wolfgang Puck in Malibu. Among this chef’s clientele are movie stars, musicians and athletes!
Chef Gina is passionate about traveling and creating delicious masterpieces. She is strong-willed and open for new techniques, ideas and methods of cooking. She believes that you can always learn from someone else when it comes to food. We can’t wait to introduce her and some delicious recipes!
1. Where were you born?
I was born and raised in San Luis Obispo, California which lies on the Central Coast. Incredible coastline with beautiful beaches, farms, vineyards and farm to table food.
2. Where do you work and where are you based?
I am head chef and owner of Malibu Seaside Chef. I am a high-end private chef that provides services for catering, fine dining, and events. I am based out of Malibu, California, but service all of Southern California and have traveled to other states and countries to work.
3. What is your favorite kitchen tool in creating your masterpieces/dishes?
Anything “Le Creuset” I’ve been using their pans for years and they are tried and proven with all dishes. They are beautiful, nonporous, not-reactive and resistant to scratches. They retain the heat and cook evenly throughout.
4. What is your sharpest sense out of all the 5 senses?
For me, the sense of “smell” is the sharpest of any. I can almost tell what food will taste like by the smell and if it needs any adjustments. Smell also brings back memories of prior food, restaurants and travel.
5. What advice would you offer for aspiring chefs?
You need to always educate yourself and be open for new techniques, ideas and methods of doing things. You can always learn from someone when It comes to food.
6. What is one culinary tip every chef should know and perfect?
Every Chef should be able to improvise in times of need. You may be faced with many obstacles that force you to adapt and overcome in order to succeed. I’ve shown up to cook five course meals and the oven doesn’t work, thus, I’ve had to improvise and cook entire meals on the BBQ.
7. What does good food mean to you?
Good food to me incorporates all sense, I love the way food smells, tastes, the color, the textures and how it makes me feel. There’s no better food than when it brings people together.
8. What features are important to you when selecting your chef outfit?
The features to me that are important in a chef’s outfit are comfort, proper fit, durability and it has to be stylish.
9. Favorite ingredient to work with?
I love using aged Balsamic, I can use it in marinates, salads dressing, soups, drizzled over fruit and veggies.
10. Favorite City to dine out in?
Florence, Italy. I attended cooking school in Florence, Italy and was able to sample the flavors throughout the region. It’s a magical city with incredible dining, flavors, wine and old-world restaurants.
11. Best Dish you have ever made?
It’s hard to pick, but my husband dies over my Osso Buco. Veal shanks braised with vegetables, wine, and broth served over risotto or polenta.
12. What do you like to eat most often on your days off?
I definitely enjoy food and dining out gives me inspiration. My favorite foods to eat on my days off are Indian, Persian, Thai and Sushi. I love big, bold flavor and lots of spices.
13. Person you would most like to cook for?
I think it would be amazing to cook for the Pope, I’d make him some amazing Italian food and finish it off with dessert and a good espresso.
14. What made you decide to become a chef?
I was an international model from the age of 16 to my early 30’s and was fortunate travel, dine and sample food around the world. This captured my attention to food and I wanted to do something after my modeling days were over that was creative and innovative. Becoming a chef fulfilled that creative side in me and allowed me to continue supporting myself in a way that I felt needed.
Connect with our May 2021 Chef of the Month
Instagram: @malibuseasidechef
Facebook: @malibuseasidechef
Website: https://www.malibuseasidechef.com/
Shop Chef Coats
Chef Jessica’s Passion Fruit Banana Fruit Tart Recipe
If you’re a lover of tasty berries, sweet bananas and refreshing custard, then our April Chef of the Month, Pastry Chef Jessica’s Scott Passion fruit Banana Fruit Tart Recipe is a must-have! This tasty dessert is the ideal way to end a meal. Find the recipe below!
Passion fruit Banana Custard Ingredients
- 5 eggs
- 115 grams passion fruit puree
- 200 grams granulated sugar
- 3 each gelatin sheets, bloomed
- Pinch of salt
- 1 banana, ripe
Passion fruit Banana Custard Directions
- Using a double boiler, whisk together and heat the eggs, puree, sugar, and salt.
- Heat on medium heat and whisk every few minutes to make sure the mixture continue to cook evenly. Continue cooking until thick like condensed milk.
- Take off heat and place in a blender with the gelatin and banana. Blend until smooth.
- Strain, using a chinois, into a clean container and let cool to room temperature with no ice bath.
- When cooled, pour into pre-cooked tart shells.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Caramel Lace Tuile Ingredients
- 85 grams Unsalted Butter, melted
- 200 grams Granulated Sugar
- 70 grams All Purpose Flour
- 85 grams Corn Syrup
- 55 grams Whole Milk
- 1 tsp. Vanilla Extract
- Pinch of salt
Assembly
Ingredients
- Passionfruit Banana Tart
- Caramel Lace Tuile
- Berries, fresh
- Edible Flowers
Directions
- Arrange the berries on the tart in random places. Make sure the tart is covered nearly completely.
- Break off pieces of the caramel tuile and stick the pieces standing up in random angles.
- Decorate with edible flowers, mini meringues, and enjoy!
Connect with our April 2021 Chef of the Month
Instagram: @jessicamfscott
Chef Jessica’s “Herbed Goat Cheese” Recipe
It looks like cheese…but it’s a sweet White Chocolate Mascarpone Mousse! Our April Chef of the Month, Pastry Chef Jessica Scott has shared her “Herbed Goat Cheese” recipe from her famous Faux Cheesy Platter. We urge you to get your sweet tooth on!
Ingredients
- 120 grams Heavy Cream
- 53 grams Corn Syrup
- 23 grams Unsalted Butter
- 390 grams White Chocolate
- 450 grams Mascarpone Cheese
- 475 grams Heavy Cream
- 8 each Gelatin Sheets, bloomed
Directions
- In a double boiler, melt the white chocolate and butter together. Whisk to combine and set aside.
- In a separate saucepot, heat the 1st measurement of heavy cream and the corn syrup to scalding. Take off heat and add bloomed gelatin. Whisk to combine.
- Pour the hot liquid over the white chocolate mixture and let sit for 2-3 minutes. Whisk to combine and set aside to cool down to room temperature.
- In a standing mixer, with a whip attachment, whip the 2nd measurement of heavy cream and the mascarpone to stiff peaks.
- Once the ganache has cooled, fold in the whipped cream.
- Separate the mousse onto 2 pieces of parchment paper and roll tightly like a roulade. The roll should be about 2 inches in diameter.
- Refrigerate to set.
Connect with our April 2021 Chef of the Month
Instagram: @jessicamfscott
Chef Jessica’s Mexican Chocolate Churro Éclair Recipe
Life is just better with chocolate. Our April 2021 Chef of the Month, Pastry Chef Jessica Scott has shared her delicious Mexican Chocolate Churro Éclair recipe! Complete with coffee, dark chocolate, Mexican chocolate and delectable toppings, the standards for desserts have been raised!
Ingredients
- 80 grams Mexican Chocolate, chopped
- 335 grams Dark Chocolate (between 51-58%)
- 110 grams Coffee, freshly brewed
- 250 grams Whole Milk
- 165 grams Heavy Cream
- 5 each Egg Yolks
- 1/8 tsp Nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp Cayenne
- ½ tsp Vanilla Extract
- 560 grams Heavy Cream
- 200 grams Granulated Sugar
Directions
- Combine the chocolates in a large bowl and set aside.
- Heat the coffee, milk, 1st heavy cream, and all spices to scalding.
- Temper in the egg yolks to the hot milk mixture and cook on low heat until nappe is achieved.
- Pour the hot anglaise over the chocolate and let sit for 2-3 minutes.
- Use an immersion blender to combine. Strain, using a chinois, into a clean container. Set aside to cool to room temperature.
- In a standing mixer, with a whip attachment, whip the 2nd heavy cream and sugar to stiff peaks.
- Fold the whipped cream into the cooled ganache.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before using.
Connect with our April 2021 Chef of the Month
Instagram: @jessicamfscott
April 2021 Chef of the Month – Jessica Scott
What better way to bring in Spring and the month of April than with our April 2021 Chef of the Month, Jessica Scott?!
Chef Jess grew up in San Diego, California and now resides in Las Vegas where she’s the corporate pastry chef for 50 Eggs Inc, a hospitality group that includes brands such as the Yardbird, CHICA and Spritz brands!
After attending culinary school, the talented pastry chef realized what it meant to become a true chef while working Sushi alongside Chef Koji. Chef Jess is driven and strives to put out the best dishes possible. She believes that one must never stop learning and embraces the fact that knowledge is limitless.
Chef Jess is the winner of Food Network’s Desert game and season 3 Halloween Baking Championship Finalist! She’s also a cheese monger and a lover of passion fruit. We’re so excited to introduce her story, plus stay tuned for some delicious recipes & shop her look!
1. Where were you born?
I grew up in San Diego, California.
2. Where do you work and where are you based?
I am the Corporate Pastry Chef for 50 Eggs Inc that includes the Yardbird, CHICA, and Spritz brands. I am based in Las Vegas, Nevada.
3. What is your favorite kitchen tool in creating your masterpieces/dishes?
My favorite tool is the kitchen is an offset spatula. It smooths surfaces, releases product from pans, and assists in plating.
4. What is your sharpest sense out of all the 5 senses?
My sharpest sense would have to be my sense of smell. I can tell that things are baked even before the timer goes off, and it’s a big reason why I can multi-task so much!
5. What advice would you offer for aspiring chefs?
Never stop learning. There are so many details that go into making a food-related business work and the more that you know, the more valuable you are. Research alternate cooking techniques, perfect your computer skills, learn how your equipment works and how to make minor repairs, or even branch out and explore different cultures and where dishes have originated. There are no limits to the amount of knowledge that you can obtain and use for your own benefit.
6. What is one culinary tip every chef should know and perfect?
Knife skills. No matter what type of food you prepare, I think that knowing how to handle, cut, and sharpen your knives is something that is taken for granted too often and shows your professionalism and respect for your craft.
7. What does good food mean to you?
Good food to me means balance. I need balance of not only just flavor, but also texture and temperature. Combine all of that and give me something I’ve never had before, then I’ll be talking about your food for years!
8. What features are important to you when selecting your chef outfit?
Luckily in my position I have a lot of freedom when it comes to appearance! I try to stand out while staying professional by always wearing slim-fitting coats and pants, with a colorful or unique colored apron as a statement piece.
9. Favorite ingredient to work with?
My favorite ingredient to work with is passionfruit. It’s a flavor that can be so powerful, but also melds so well when combined with other fruits.
10. Favorite City to dine out in?
My favorite city to dine out in would have to be Mexico City. The city is bustling with life, culture, and above all else – food! The type of respect and commitment to food is seen through the quality of product and constant service being offered in even the most casual concepts on the street. You can’t help but feel inspired!
11. Best Dish you have ever made?
My favorite dish of mine would have to be the “Faux Cheesey” Dessert. It’s a complete cheese plate where nothing is made of cheese and everything is sweet! The prosciutto, salami, blue cheese, olives, and even the strawberries are all made with different pastry recipes to achieve authentic color and texture to mimic a real plate. It can be really interactive to have a full display of dishes that you simply have no idea what to expect next!
12. What do you like to eat most often on your days off?
Most often on my days off, I just LOVE making epic cheese boards! I used to be a cheese monger for some time, and there’s nothing better than visiting a cheese shop and trying out new seasonal offerings, local salami, and some wine to complete!
13. Person you would most like to cook for?
Cooking for someone wouldn’t be on my list of to-dos, but I would love to cook WITH Duff Goldman. The dude is so nice in person, and I love that his style is always pertaining to the guest, he never cooks out of ego. I really enjoy creating and testing weird ideas out and I think that collaborating with him would be so epic!
14. What made you decide to become a chef?
When I originally went to culinary school, I didn’t really understand the meaning of being a chef. It wasn’t until I was given the chance to work Sushi at a restaurant in San Diego, that gave me that drive. My Chef not only taught me everything he knew about sushi, but he taught me the importance of respecting all ingredients, respect for others in the kitchen, and putting out the best dishes possible. Chef Koji gave me a reason to be my best self and to strive to be the best no matter the level of work it entailed.
Connect with our April 2021 Chef of the Month
Instagram: @jessicamfscott
Shop Her Look
Shop Chef Coats
Chef Justin’s Honey-Drizzled Fried Chicken Recipe
Liven up your taste buds with our March 2021 Chef of the Month, Chef Justin‘s Honey-Drizzled Fried Chicken recipe! Whether you like your chicken crispy or extra crispy, this easy-to-make recipe is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. Plus, the extra drizzle of honey gives it that sweet kick we crave!
Ingredients
- Chicken breast
- 1/2 TBS garlic pepper
- 1/2 TBS cajun seasoning
- 1/2 TBS ranch dry seasoning mix
- Buttermilk
- Flour
- Honey
Directions
- Season each chicken breast with ½ tablespoon of each: garlic pepper, Cajun seasoning, and ranch dry seasoning mix. Note: Also, use the same seasonings in your flour.
- Place chicken breasts in a buttermilk and salt mixture.
- Then, batter in flour and seasoning mixture. After, fry at 356 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes (until golden brown). Note: Double-Dip if you like it extra crispaayyyyy!
- Lightly coat fried chicken with a drizzle of honey.
Connect with our March 2021 Chef of the Month
Instagram: @chef.jrob
Facebook: @chefjrob
Website: https://chefjrob.com/
Chef Justin’s Mac Attack Recipe
You can’t go wrong with Mac and Cheese – no matter the circumstance, it’s always a good idea. Our March 2021 Chef of the Month, Chef Justin, has shared his famous Mac and Cheese recipe; otherwise known as “Mac Attack”. There’s garlic, there’s pepper, there are 3 different types of cheese…we’re all in. Find the recipe below!
Ingredients
- Noodles
- Whipping cream
- 1 TBS salt
- 1 TBS pepper
- 1 TBS garlic powder
- 1 TBS ‘Slap Ya Mama’ Cajun seasoning
- 1/4 cup Cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded Gouda cheese
- 1/4 cup Cheddar Jack cheese
Directions
- Bring water to a rolling boil, and pour ½ pound of noodles into a pot of 4 cups of water. Boil for 5-10 minutes. Cook hack: Throw your noodle on the wall when you think it’s done. If it sticks, rock and roll with it; If it falls off, continue to cook.
- Pour ½ cup of heavy whipping cream into the saucepot on medium-high heat until it begins to boil. Caution: The cream may boil out of the pot so keep a close eye on it.
- Season the cream with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Slap Ya Mama–- 1 tablespoon each. Add in ¼ cup of cheddar cheese and whisk until fully combined. Don’t be afraid to taste test in order to ensure the flavor of the base is to your liking.
- Pour the sauce into the noodles, and mix the combination thoroughly. Then add ¼ cup of shredded gouda cheese and mix in.
- Cover the top of your Mac Attack with cheddar jack cheese and cheddar cheese. Lastly, place under broil until a crisp cheese crust is achieved (1-3 min.)
Connect with our March 2021 Chef of the Month
Instagram: @chef.jrob
Facebook: @chefjrob
Website: https://chefjrob.com/
Chef Justin’s Coconut Curry Chicken Thigh Recipe
Our March 2021 Chef of the Month, Chef Justin, is cooking up a juicy recipe – coconut curry chicken thigh. Prepared with coconut milk and mixed with a variety of delectable spices, Chef Justin’s chicken curry is sure to become your next go-to meal. Try it below!
Ingredients
- Coconut milk
- 2 TBS of tomato paste
- 2 TBS curry powder
- 1/2 TBS pepper
- 1/2 TBS salt
- 1/2 TBS Cajun seasoning
- Chickpeas
- Chicken thighs
- Salt to taste
- Peppercorn
- Garlic
- Thyme
Directions
- Add your coconut milk to a saucepan and allow it to simmer on medium heat for 6 minutes, or until it starts to bubble.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low, and add 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, 2 tablespoons curry powder, and ½ tablespoon of each of the following: pepper, salt, and Cajun seasoning. Give it some wrist work!
- Rinse your chickpeas off in a strainer, and then combine with your curry mixture. Stir until the mixture thickens. Note: Do not forget to turn off the eye! When the chickpeas are added into the sauce, do not turn the eye back on; instead allow the temperature of the curry sauce to engulf the chickpeas. Let it develop into a euphoric dish.
- Season Chicken thighs liberally with salt, peppercorn, garlic, and thyme.
- Cook on each side for 10 minutes and finish in over at 375 degrees for an additional 12-15 minutes.
Connect with our March 2021 Chef of the Month
Instagram: @chef.jrob
Facebook: @chefjrob
Website: https://chefjrob.com/
March 2021 Chef of the Month – Justin Robinson
We’re excited to introduce our talented March 2021 Chef of the Month – Chef Justin Robinson! Chef Justin was born in Mobile, Alabama and now resides in downtown Atlanta Georgia. He currently owns his own business called the Chef JRob Experience in which he’s a private chef, caterer and a content creator! Adding to the list of his successful endeavors, Chef Justin is also a tax preparer AND Epidemiologist for the Department of Public Health. Chef Justin is big on his work ethic and attitude, he strongly urges that being hard-working is one of the best traits you can have as a Chef. He’s been on MasterChef Season 10, Iron Chef Showdown and is a proud cookbook author! Read more about Chef Justin story below & shop his look!
1. Where were you born?
I was born in Mobile, Alabama.
2. Where do you work and where are you based?
I am a located in the heart of downtown Atlanta, Georgia. I own my own business called the Chef JRob Experience, where I am a private chef, caterer, and content creator! I am also a tax preparer and Epidemiologist for the Department of Public Health.
3. What is your favorite kitchen tool in creating your masterpieces/dishes?
My favorite tool in the kitchen is my thermostat. Getting the perfect cook temperature on my proteins is crucial to the presentation of a perfect medium rare steak or rare double-chop rack of lamb, or the perfect pink when slicing into my duck breast.
4. What is your sharpest sense out of all the 5 senses?
I believe that using your senses in the kitchen is key to your success in the kitchen. Multitasking all the time, your eyes can’t simultaneously see everything, so my hearing is my sharpest sense. Being able to tell whether a protein is finished cooking by the way it sounds in a pan or hearing the crackles and pops to time the execution of dishes.
5. What advice would you offer for aspiring chefs?
You don’t have to be the best chef in the kitchen, but you have to be the most hard working chef in kitchen.
6. What is one culinary tip every chef should know and perfect?
Plating- People eat with their eyes first and plating can make or break dishes!
7. What does good food mean to you?
Good food brings good conversations and good conversations leads to great friendships. My motto is “changing lives one taste bud at a time”. I want my client’s first bite to be life changing and a lasting memory that sparks conversation and relationships outside of the kitchen.
8. What features are important to you when selecting your chef outfit?
I like comfortable material that doesn’t stain and that has a nice athletic fit!
9. Favorite ingredient to work with?
Lime: the acidity of a lime is so versatile in array of my dishes that I prepare. A coconut curry chicken, to a cilantro lime rice, or even a sprinkle of lime salt over a steak.
10. Favorite City to dine out in?
I loved dining out in San Francisco. The culture of the food was so well thought out and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
11. Best Dish you have ever made?
The best dish I have made to date was my Mediterranean salmon, over a sweet corn puree, cherry tomatoes and fresh buttered popped popcorn with thyme as a garnish. It was such a summery refreshing dish.
12. What you like to eat most often on your days off?
On my off days I find myself making tacos with leftover ingredients in the fridge!
13. Person you would most like to cook for?
I would love to cook for President Barak Obama or Snoh Aalegra.
14. What made you decide to become a chef?
After graduating graduate school and trying to figure out my next step in life. I just prayed more frequently than usual asking God for direction on a path that would bring both happiness to me and him and I received a whisper that said “I got you” and I knew that perusing my culinary business full time would bring me ultimate happiness!
Connect with our March 2021 Chef of the Month
Instagram: @chef.jrob
Facebook: @chefjrob
Website: https://chefjrob.com/
Shop His Look
Shop Chef Coats
February 2021 Chef Of The Month – Amy Brace
We’re excited to welcome our February 2021 Chef of the Month into the mix – meet Pastry Chef Amy Brace! She’s the proud owner of Amy’s Cupcake Shoppe, a divine pastry shoppe in Hopkins, Minnesota that serves made-from-scratch custom cakes, gourmet cupcakes, macarons and more! Pastry Chef Amy has been baking her entire life and after working in the medical field for 10 years, she decided to follow her passion. She first began her baking journey out of her home in 2014 with 5 weddings. By 2015, she grew to 36 weddings, and in 2016, her dream came to fruition when she opened her first brick & mortar. Chef Amy is a lover of breakfast food, a proud small business owner and a dedicated, creative individual. Read more about her story below, check out her shoppe & shop her look!
1. Where were you born?
Minneapolis, Minnesota.
2. Where do you work and where are you based?
I am the owner of Amy’s Cupcake Shoppe in Hopkins, Minnesota.
3. What is your favorite kitchen tool in creating your masterpieces/dishes?
My favorite tool would have to be a piping bag! You can do so many different things with what you put in it such as frosting or macaron batter and changing out tips to create beautiful artwork that comes out of the bag.
4. What is your sharpest sense out of all the 5 senses?
I would have to say hearing is my sharpest sense. So no secrets around me, ha!
5. What advice would you offer for aspiring chefs?
For aspiring chefs, I would remind you to never stop learning. There are things to learn from every mistake, every person, and every situation you are put in. Learn not only about what you are passionate about, but what those around you are passionate about too.
6. What is one culinary tip every chef should know and perfect?
Every chef should know how to make a beautiful silky buttercream. As a pastry chef, your cakes can live and die by the buttercream you make them with.
7. What does good food mean to you?
Good food to me is always made from scratch. Every aspect of the dish has been thought out and planned to be together to accent the other parts of the dish. Once they are put together in that perfect bite, you are transported to true beauty in food form.
8. What features are important to you when selecting your chef outfit?
When selecting my chef outfit, it needs to be comfortable, breathable, stretchable, and the arms aren’t too long that they have to be rolled up to not get caught in a mixer.
9. Favorite ingredient to work with?
My favorite ingredient to work with would have to be butter. It can be added to so many different desserts, and completely transform them. From using it in ganache to using it in Swiss meringue buttercream, either one wouldn’t be the same without butter.
10. Favorite City to dine out in?
We haven’t been to too many cities outside our own, so I would have to say Hopkins! We have everything we need from everyday staples, to authentic tacos and amazing pub food.
11. Best Dish you have ever made?
The best dish I have ever made I would say was a turtle bonfire cake. It was a chocolate cake filled with salted caramel, chocolate ganache and pecans frosted in toasted homemade marshmallow frosting. It’s like a cozy summer night all wrapped up in a cake!
12. What you like to eat most often on your days off?
Breakfast! I would eat breakfast all day every day if I could. I started making our bread for home fresh anytime we need a new loaf, and my favorite has been French toast made with Japanese milk bread topped with bourbon maple syrup and bacon.
13. Person you would most like to cook for?
I would love to bake for Kristen Bell, because I think she would love the desserts we make at the Shoppe, and would think our little bakery in Hopkins is adorable not only for adults, but for families with kiddos.
14. What made you decide to become a chef?
I have been baking all my life with my mom, and had been working in the medical field for 10 years. After watching Cupcake Wars and bringing my experiments into work, it turns out I was ready for a change. I started out of my home in 2014 with 5 weddings, and quickly grew to 36 weddings in 2015, and opened my first brick & mortar in June 2016. We have grown a crazy amount as a company in the last 4.5 years, and say cheers to many more!
Connect with our February 2021 Chef of the Month
Instagram: @amyscupcakeshoppe
Facebook: @amyscupcakeshoppe
Twitter: @AmysCupcakeShop
Website: https://www.amyscupcakeshoppe.com/
Pinterest: @amyscupcakeshop
