Episodes

  • 030. Seasoning with Citrus, Cooking Pork Chops, Wrapping Savory with Pastry
    Apr 1 2025

    Text Christa!

    Welcome to the 30th episode of "Cooking Like a Pro" with Chef Cal and Christa DeMercurio, where culinary magic meets practical tips for home cooks. Tune in as we explore an array of mouth-watering topics to elevate your cooking game.

    • The Magic of Citrus: Discover how citrus can transform your dishes with its bright, acidic punch. From lemon zest in your martini to grapefruit segments in your salads, we’ve got you covered!
    • Marinate Like a Pro: Chef Cal shares tips on using vinaigrettes as marinades for seafood, pork, and chicken. Learn how to let flavors infuse without the risk of overcooking or getting mushy textures.
    • Pork Perfection: Understand the difference between pork loin and pork tenderloin, and choose the best cut for your dinner table. Plus, learn the art of pork searing followed by a delicious oven finish.
    • Pastry Possibilities: Explore the world of savory dishes wrapped in delicious puff pastries, phyllo, and more. Chef Cal breaks down how to wrap your proteins for maximum flavor and that perfect flaky texture.
    • Apple Adventures: Elevate your pork chops with an apple compote that adds texture and tang. From selecting the right type of apple to bringing out its flavors, we’ve got tips for you.

    Let's Connect!

    I'm Christa DeMercurio. I started as a stay-at-home mom who relied on cookbooks, measuring everything and following recipes to the letter. But watching my chef husband move effortlessly in the kitchen, I knew there had to be a better way.

    So, I learned—studying his techniques, practicing his methods, and mastering the strategies that keep professional kitchens running smoothly. Over time, I became confident, capable, and free from recipes controlling my cooking.

    I’m here to help you do the same. On Cooking Like a Pro, together we share everything you need to cook with confidence, save time and money, and actually enjoy being in the kitchen—without the stress and frustration.
    P.S. I still reference cookbooks and internet recipes too!

    ❤️Culinarily Yours, Christa DeMercurio (Mrs. Chef)

    Email: christa@culinarilyyours.net

    Website

    Text Me!

    Leave a Voicemail

    📸 INSTAGRAM | 📺YOUTUBE


    Show more Show less
    43 mins
  • 029. Essential Chef Gadgets and Perfecting St. Patrick's Day Meals
    Mar 13 2025

    Text Christa!

    In this episode of Cooking Like a Pro, Chef Cal and guest Chef Sadie Krueger bring you culinary insights to elevate your kitchen game. Delve into kitchen essentials, St. Patrick’s Day menu ideas, and learn new cooking tips from the experts.

    • Discover the must-have kitchen gadgets and pots for cooking like a pro.
    • Explore delicious menu ideas for your St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
    • Learn about Chef Cal’s favorite bean dish and cooking techniques.
    • Insights into the benefits of grains and legumes as kitchen staples.

    🔪🍗 🔪🍗 How fast can you bone out a chicken? 🔪🍗 🔪🍗 Check out Martin Yan and how fast he can on Yan Can Cook.


    ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨

    Let's Connect!

    I'm Christa DeMercurio. I started as a stay-at-home mom who relied on cookbooks, measuring everything and following recipes to the letter. But watching my chef husband move effortlessly in the kitchen, I knew there had to be a better way.

    So, I learned—studying his techniques, practicing his methods, and mastering the strategies that keep professional kitchens running smoothly. Over time, I became confident, capable, and free from recipes controlling my cooking.

    I’m here to help you do the same. On Cooking Like a Pro, together we share everything you need to cook with confidence, save time and money, and actually enjoy being in the kitchen—without the stress and frustration.
    P.S. I still reference cookbooks and internet recipes too!

    ❤️Culinarily Yours, Christa DeMercurio (Mrs. Chef)

    Email: christa@culinarilyyours.net

    Website

    Text Me!

    Leave a Voicemail

    📸 INSTAGRAM | 📺YOUTUBE


    Show more Show less
    41 mins
  • 028. Meet the Chefs: Getting to know Cal & Christa
    Feb 26 2025

    Text Christa!

    This week on the podcast join us for a special episode featuring Chef Cal and Christa—better known as Chef and Mrs. Chef—as they sit down with Linda Bott on Northstate Now to explore the transformative power of food.

    Together, they explore how food brings people together, the importance of fresh ingredients, and insights on pairing wine with food. Chef Cal discusses his upcoming cookbook, while Christa shares about her newly released how-to fix veggies e-book along with how her own culinary journey began.

    You'll also find out about the first time they met.

    Fun Fact from the Episode: Did you know the term "table touching"? Neither did we! It's when chefs in restaurants come out to chat with diners, ensuring they're enjoying their meals. It's all about making a personal connection with food!

    🥕 Grab your FREE "Veggie Quick Fixes" guide! 🌱
    Fast, flavorful ways to make veggies taste amazing—straight from How to Make Vegetables Taste Good!


    Let's Connect!

    I'm Christa DeMercurio. I started as a stay-at-home mom who relied on cookbooks, measuring everything and following recipes to the letter. But watching my chef husband move effortlessly in the kitchen, I knew there had to be a better way.

    So, I learned—studying his techniques, practicing his methods, and mastering the strategies that keep professional kitchens running smoothly. Over time, I became confident, capable, and free from recipes controlling my cooking.

    I’m here to help you do the same. On Cooking Like a Pro, together we share everything you need to cook with confidence, save time and money, and actually enjoy being in the kitchen—without the stress and frustration.
    P.S. I still reference cookbooks and internet recipes too!

    ❤️Culinarily Yours, Christa DeMercurio (Mrs. Chef)

    Email: christa@culinarilyyours.net

    Website

    Text Me!

    Leave a Voicemail

    📸 INSTAGRAM | 📺YOUTUBE


    Show more Show less
    31 mins
  • 027. From Cedar Plank Salmon to Stainless Steel Cookware
    Feb 18 2025

    Text Christa!

    On today's episode, join Chef Cal and Christa DeMercurio as they delve into the world of cooking with professional tips and techniques, sharing insights on cookware, chicken creativity, and delectable recipe ideas.

    • Stainless Steel Savvy: Discover how to choose the right stainless steel cookware and learn the magnet trick to identify top-notch pots and pans.
    • Revamp Your Leftover Chicken: Get creative with your leftovers using Costco's roasted chicken, from chicken cacciatore to chicken salad and beyond.
    • Perfect Polenta: Follow Chef Cal's guide to crafting creamy polenta, perfect for pairing with various dishes.
    • Cedar Plank Salmon Secrets: Uncover the art of cedar plank salmon preparation, including a step-by-step on using red cedar planks from Home Depot.
    • Healthful Ingredient Insights: Understand the importance of minimizing processed foods and opting for organic choices to ensure a healthy diet.

    Fun Fact from the Episode : The Chinese Chicken Salad made famous by Wolfgang Puck was invented by Madame Wu in Santa Monica.

    RECIPES
    Cedar Plank Salmon
    Creamy Polenta
    Chef's Secret Salt

    Let's Connect!

    I'm Christa DeMercurio. I started as a stay-at-home mom who relied on cookbooks, measuring everything and following recipes to the letter. But watching my chef husband move effortlessly in the kitchen, I knew there had to be a better way.

    So, I learned—studying his techniques, practicing his methods, and mastering the strategies that keep professional kitchens running smoothly. Over time, I became confident, capable, and free from recipes controlling my cooking.

    I’m here to help you do the same. On Cooking Like a Pro, together we share everything you need to cook with confidence, save time and money, and actually enjoy being in the kitchen—without the stress and frustration.
    P.S. I still reference cookbooks and internet recipes too!

    ❤️Culinarily Yours, Christa DeMercurio (Mrs. Chef)

    Email: christa@culinarilyyours.net

    Website

    Text Me!

    Leave a Voicemail

    📸 INSTAGRAM | 📺YOUTUBE


    Show more Show less
    41 mins
  • 026: Spike Your Hot Dogs for a Great Tailgate
    Feb 5 2025

    Text Christa!

    Hey Food Fans,

    We're back with another delicious episode of "Cooking Like a Pro"! 🧑‍🍳 Your favorite culinary duo, Chef Cal and Christa, are serving up the latest episode filled with delicious tips, fun stories, and foodie fun that you won't want to miss.

    🍅🥕🥬 Now Available! Veggie Quick Fixes FREE download 🥬🥕🍅

    Here's a sneak peek at the 5 keys you'll discover in this episode:

    1. Crab Season Insights: Learn about the opening of crab season, the best spots to grab these delicious catches, and why cold-water shellfish are top quality.
    2. Organic Vegetables: Discover why organic veggies might just taste a little better and how to score the best ones at your local farmers market.
    3. Tailgate Trends: Expand your tailgate menu with regional specialties inspired by different football matchups—did someone say Seattle-inspired hot dogs with cream cheese? 🌭
    4. Soup Season Staples: Get warmed up for the colder months with a breakdown of different soup types, from creamy to brothy, and learn how to whip up your own unique flavor combinations.
    5. Egg-Cooking Tips: Master the art of peeling hard-boiled eggs without getting stuck on sticking shells—smooth brunches ahead! 🥚

    Fun Fact from the Episode: Did you know that you can eat your Christmas tree? Well, sort of... Tune in to find out how pine needles can be used like rosemary to add a unique twist to your cooking!

    Let's Connect!

    I'm Christa DeMercurio. I started as a stay-at-home mom who relied on cookbooks, measuring everything and following recipes to the letter. But watching my chef husband move effortlessly in the kitchen, I knew there had to be a better way.

    So, I learned—studying his techniques, practicing his methods, and mastering the strategies that keep professional kitchens running smoothly. Over time, I became confident, capable, and free from recipes controlling my cooking.

    I’m here to help you do the same. On Cooking Like a Pro, together we share everything you need to cook with confidence, save time and money, and actually enjoy being in the kitchen—without the stress and frustration.
    P.S. I still reference cookbooks and internet recipes too!

    ❤️Culinarily Yours, Christa DeMercurio (Mrs. Chef)

    Email: christa@culinarilyyours.net

    Website

    Text Me!

    Leave a Voicemail

    📸 INSTAGRAM | 📺YOUTUBE


    Show more Show less
    40 mins
  • Season 2 Trailer: Getting More Efficient in the Kitchen
    Feb 4 2025

    Text Christa!

    Shoot me a text and Chef and I will answer your cooking Question on Season 2 of the podcast.
    .................................

    Hey Food Fans,

    We’re back and sizzling with excitement! I’m Christa DeMercurio, a.k.a Mrs. Chef, and I’m thrilled to welcome you to Season 2 of Cooking Like a Pro. Get ready to discover fresh culinary inspiration alongside my husband, Chef Cal, as we dive into perfecting your kitchen skills.

    Guess What???
    I'm thrilled to announce the launch of my new ebook, How to Make Vegetables Taste Good! 🎉 Say goodbye to mushy, boring veggies—now you can transform them into culinary delights. Plus, grab a free one-page download of my Veggie Quick Fixes with a $2 discount on the full ebook! Trust me, they're chef-approved.

    Thank you for being part of our cooking community. We’re here to help you love every moment in your kitchen, whether you're a newbie or a seasoned pro.

    Before you grab your apron, make sure you’re subscribed to our podcast on Apple or Spotify to get all our episodes fresh off the stove each week. If you love what we're doing, sprinkle a little love by leaving us a five-star rating and a quick review. It really helps fellow home cooks discover our show.

    Let's Dig In!

    🍅🥕🥬 Now Available! Veggie Quick Fixes FREE download 🥬🥕🍅

    Let's Connect!

    I'm Christa DeMercurio. I started as a stay-at-home mom who relied on cookbooks, measuring everything and following recipes to the letter. But watching my chef husband move effortlessly in the kitchen, I knew there had to be a better way.

    So, I learned—studying his techniques, practicing his methods, and mastering the strategies that keep professional kitchens running smoothly. Over time, I became confident, capable, and free from recipes controlling my cooking.

    I’m here to help you do the same. On Cooking Like a Pro, together we share everything you need to cook with confidence, save time and money, and actually enjoy being in the kitchen—without the stress and frustration.
    P.S. I still reference cookbooks and internet recipes too!

    ❤️Culinarily Yours, Christa DeMercurio (Mrs. Chef)

    Email: christa@culinarilyyours.net

    Website

    Text Me!

    Leave a Voicemail

    📸 INSTAGRAM | 📺YOUTUBE


    Show more Show less
    2 mins
  • 025. Christmas is coming! Prime Rib or Ham? Seacuterie for appetizers?
    Dec 21 2024

    Text Christa!

    Hey Foodie Fam,

    We’ve got an exciting new episode of "Cooking Like a Pro" ready just in time for Christmas! 🎉 Join our hosts, Christa DeMercurio and Chef Cal, as they dive into celebrating old, and starting new, holiday traditions.

    Seacuterie Secrets: Level up your holiday gatherings with an impressive seacuterie board. We’re talking smoked fish, poached shrimp, oysters, and all the trimmings! And if you missed it, check out Episode 015.

    Candy-Coated Truth: Uncover the hidden truths about artificial dyes like Red #40, Yellow #5 and #6, and Blue #1, and their potential health impacts.

    Prime Cuts & Pro Selections: Chef Cal spills the tea on choosing the best cuts of meat for your holiday feast, from identifying marbling to making sense of different beef grades like Angus, Wagyu, and Prime.

    Get creative with your Christmas spread by exploring traditional options like prime ribs and ham, or surprise your family with Italian lasagna and Mexican tamales.

    Fun Fact from the Episode: Did you know the “57” in Heinz 57 doesn't refer to the number of ingredients? It's actually based on the founders' lucky numbers! 🍅🍀 A little branding magic for you! Check out this article from the Today Show .

    Let's Connect!

    I'm Christa DeMercurio. I started as a stay-at-home mom who relied on cookbooks, measuring everything and following recipes to the letter. But watching my chef husband move effortlessly in the kitchen, I knew there had to be a better way.

    So, I learned—studying his techniques, practicing his methods, and mastering the strategies that keep professional kitchens running smoothly. Over time, I became confident, capable, and free from recipes controlling my cooking.

    I’m here to help you do the same. On Cooking Like a Pro, together we share everything you need to cook with confidence, save time and money, and actually enjoy being in the kitchen—without the stress and frustration.
    P.S. I still reference cookbooks and internet recipes too!

    ❤️Culinarily Yours, Christa DeMercurio (Mrs. Chef)

    Email: christa@culinarilyyours.net

    Website

    Text Me!

    Leave a Voicemail

    📸 INSTAGRAM | 📺YOUTUBE


    Show more Show less
    40 mins
  • 024. Charcuterie Boards, Filet Mignon, Winter Citrus Salads and Marinades
    Dec 5 2024

    Text Christa!

    Get ready to elevate your culinary skills with insights from Chef Cal and his Mrs. Chef, in today's episode of "Cooking Like a Pro." We'll explore everything from the beginning makings of a charcuterie board to the intricacies of seasoning meats.

    • Discover the art of building a perfect charcuterie board and tips from
    • Master the seasoning and temperature technique for a juicy filet mignon
    • Uncover the differences between New Zealand and Australian lamb
    • Learn essential tips for selecting and storing meat
    • Get creative with winter citrus in salads and innovative uses for kiwi in marinades

    Let's Connect!

    I'm Christa DeMercurio. I started as a stay-at-home mom who relied on cookbooks, measuring everything and following recipes to the letter. But watching my chef husband move effortlessly in the kitchen, I knew there had to be a better way.

    So, I learned—studying his techniques, practicing his methods, and mastering the strategies that keep professional kitchens running smoothly. Over time, I became confident, capable, and free from recipes controlling my cooking.

    I’m here to help you do the same. On Cooking Like a Pro, together we share everything you need to cook with confidence, save time and money, and actually enjoy being in the kitchen—without the stress and frustration.
    P.S. I still reference cookbooks and internet recipes too!

    ❤️Culinarily Yours, Christa DeMercurio (Mrs. Chef)

    Email: christa@culinarilyyours.net

    Website

    Text Me!

    Leave a Voicemail

    📸 INSTAGRAM | 📺YOUTUBE


    Show more Show less
    34 mins
adbl_web_global_use_to_activate_webcro768_stickypopup