Episodes

  • 015. When Chefs Drive 5 Hours to Monterey Bay for Dinner
    Oct 5 2024

    Join Chef Cal and Mrs. Chef as they share their unforgettable 18th wedding anniversary trip to Monterey Bay in California. Discover culinary delights, unique finds, and memorable dining experiences in this detailed podcast.

    • Staying at the Victorian Inn Hotel, appreciating its boutique experience
    • Enjoying a meal at The Salty Seal English pub featuring the CoLoSo Band
    • Visited an olive oil bar with over 70 types of oils and balsamic vinegars
    • Sipping on wine while overlooking the Monterey Bay
    • Experiencing a memorable meal at The Sardine Factory, highlighting dishes and dramatic presentations

    The Victorian Inn Hotel
    Leese-Fitch Wines
    CoLoSo Band
    Salty Seal Brewpub
    Monterey Bay Restaurant Supply
    Malinka European Mini Market
    Monterey's Tasty Olive Bar
    A Taste of Monterey 🎥 Webcam
    🌟 The Sardine Factory 🌟
    Garlic World
    Granzella's Restaurant


    Send us a text

    We love FAN MAIL!
    🎙️VOICE MESSAGE or TEXT us your cooking ideas and Q's
    and we will answer them on the podcast

    You can also LISTEN LIVE ON RADIO Wednesdays from 5-6 pm PT

    Find the DeMercurio's

    👨‍🍳 Chef Cal www.chefcal.net
    👩‍🍳 Christa www.mrschef.net

    together at www.culinarilyyours.net
    podcast page www.cookinglikeapropodcast.net

    📸 INSTAGRAM | 📺YOUTUBE


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    47 mins
  • Crudité, Rib-Eye Stroganoff, Manicotti Bolognese, Cooking with Beer
    Sep 26 2024

    Hey Food Fans!
    This is our best episode yet. We're thrilled to bring you a fresh episode of "Cooking Like a Pro" - the podcast where we explore all things food with a dash of nostalgia and a sprinkle of culinary wisdom. Hosted by the ever-lively Chef Cal and joined by Mrs. Chef, his wife Christa DeMercurio, this episode is a delightful blend of home-cooked memories and practical kitchen tips that'll inspire your next meal.

    • Growing and using beef steak and heirloom tomatoes for the perfect BLT sandwich.
    • Exploring the history and modern preparation of beef stroganoff.
    • Creative ways to use leftover meatloaf for manicotti bolognese.
    • Tips for preparing crudités and the importance of vegetable texture.
    • Culinary uses of beer in recipes like beer batter and beer cheddar soup and Guinness muffins.

    Send us a text

    We love FAN MAIL!
    🎙️VOICE MESSAGE or TEXT us your cooking ideas and Q's
    and we will answer them on the podcast

    You can also LISTEN LIVE ON RADIO Wednesdays from 5-6 pm PT

    Find the DeMercurio's

    👨‍🍳 Chef Cal www.chefcal.net
    👩‍🍳 Christa www.mrschef.net

    together at www.culinarilyyours.net
    podcast page www.cookinglikeapropodcast.net

    📸 INSTAGRAM | 📺YOUTUBE


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    47 mins
  • Storing Vegetables, What's in our Food, Chocolate, Approachable Wine Prices
    Sep 19 2024

    Join us in this episode as we dive into the essentials of food safety, organic certifications, and practical cooking tips. Discover how to make healthy food choices while minimizing waste and experimenting in the kitchen.

    • Importance of knowing your food sources and contamination concerns
    • Practical advice for reducing food waste and maintaining produce quality
    • Tips for safe crock pot usage
    • Creative cooking experimentation
    • Successful way to learning wine varietals

    Send us a text

    We love FAN MAIL!
    🎙️VOICE MESSAGE or TEXT us your cooking ideas and Q's
    and we will answer them on the podcast

    You can also LISTEN LIVE ON RADIO Wednesdays from 5-6 pm PT

    Find the DeMercurio's

    👨‍🍳 Chef Cal www.chefcal.net
    👩‍🍳 Christa www.mrschef.net

    together at www.culinarilyyours.net
    podcast page www.cookinglikeapropodcast.net

    📸 INSTAGRAM | 📺YOUTUBE


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    47 mins
  • 012. Pluots, Better Ways to Fry, Roasted Chicken Flavor, Food Fads
    Sep 17 2024

    Join Chef Cal and Christa as they dive into a variety of culinary topics, focusing on flavor enhancement and cooking techniques. This episode touches on everything from seasonal ingredients to mindful eating, providing valuable insights for home chefs.

    • How to preserve and use concentrated roast drippings, or "liquid gold"
    • Seasonal delights: a taste test of three different pluots
    • Tips on deep frying: maintaining oil temperature and seasoning timing
    • The importance of mindful eating and portion control

    Stay tuned for practical tips and fun kitchen experiments in this episode of "Cooking Like a Pro"!

    Send us a text

    We love FAN MAIL!
    🎙️VOICE MESSAGE or TEXT us your cooking ideas and Q's
    and we will answer them on the podcast

    You can also LISTEN LIVE ON RADIO Wednesdays from 5-6 pm PT

    Find the DeMercurio's

    👨‍🍳 Chef Cal www.chefcal.net
    👩‍🍳 Christa www.mrschef.net

    together at www.culinarilyyours.net
    podcast page www.cookinglikeapropodcast.net

    📸 INSTAGRAM | 📺YOUTUBE


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    46 mins
  • 011. Eggplant, Kitchen Safety, Making Sauces, Chasing Live Lobsters
    Sep 9 2024

    Join Chef Cal and Christa for another insightful episode of "Cooking like a Pro," where they dive into eggplant recipes, kitchen safety tips, and sauce making basics. Stay tuned for lively discussion and practical cooking advice to enhance your kitchen skills.

    • Eggplant preparation methods
    • Importance of oil temperature and its impact on cooking
    • Insights into various sauces and their modifications
    • Food safety practices to avoid cross-contamination
    • Chef Cal's nostalgic culinary stories with Lobster Tales

    Send us a text

    We love FAN MAIL!
    🎙️VOICE MESSAGE or TEXT us your cooking ideas and Q's
    and we will answer them on the podcast

    You can also LISTEN LIVE ON RADIO Wednesdays from 5-6 pm PT

    Find the DeMercurio's

    👨‍🍳 Chef Cal www.chefcal.net
    👩‍🍳 Christa www.mrschef.net

    together at www.culinarilyyours.net
    podcast page www.cookinglikeapropodcast.net

    📸 INSTAGRAM | 📺YOUTUBE


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    46 mins
  • 010. Healthy eating with special guest Chef Sadie Kreuger
    Sep 1 2024

    Join us for an enlightening discussion on food, health, and sustainability in this latest podcast episode. Special guest Chef Sadie Krueger shares her culinary insights and supports local farmers, “The best thing we can do is shop local, organic, know your farmers, know where your food’s coming from.”

    • Empowering youth through culinary education, building a life skill
    • Insights on locally sourced vs. commercial eggs and their nutritional value
    • Remembering French Chef Michel Guérard, his ratatouille known Confit Byaldi, and nouvelle cuisine
    • Innovative, healthier dessert options like chocolate avocado pudding
    • The impact of processed food additives on health and longevity
    • Learn the acronym of NEWSTART
    • The importance of using fresh, unprocessed foods for a healthier lifestyle
    • For food and wine adventures, visit Greystone in St. Helena (Napa, CA):
      https://www.ciafoodies.com/cia-greystone/

    Send us a text

    We love FAN MAIL!
    🎙️VOICE MESSAGE or TEXT us your cooking ideas and Q's
    and we will answer them on the podcast

    You can also LISTEN LIVE ON RADIO Wednesdays from 5-6 pm PT

    Find the DeMercurio's

    👨‍🍳 Chef Cal www.chefcal.net
    👩‍🍳 Christa www.mrschef.net

    together at www.culinarilyyours.net
    podcast page www.cookinglikeapropodcast.net

    📸 INSTAGRAM | 📺YOUTUBE


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    49 mins
  • 009. Butternut Squash Soup, Wild Game, Steaming Veggies and Paso Robles Zinfandel
    Aug 26 2024

    We're back with a brand-new episode of our podcast and this one is bursting with flavor and fun! Join Chef Cal and Christa as they delve into the world of unique culinary experiences in food and wine.

    • Discovering a crispy melon called a Hami
    • Comparison between homemade and store-bought butternut squash soup
    • Cal's hunting family background for eclectic meats
    • Par cooking vegetables and finishing in the oven for roasted flavor
    • Paso Robles as a food and wine destination


    00:00 Excited chat about food, reach out online.

    04:27 Homemade soup saves money and tastes better.

    08:33 Tracking fruit origin and impact of climate.

    11:50 Father's upbringing in scarcity and hunting food.

    15:23 Caring for wild meat is crucial for taste.

    18:37 Grandpa's canyon, hunting, and cooking memories.

    21:07 Mom's stew was tough, even dog refused.

    24:02 Cook vegetables carefully to preserve nutritional value.

    26:36 Preserve vegetable flavor by quick cooking and shocking.

    31:43 Test oil heat before adding vegetables carefully.

    34:15 Tips for cooking vegetables evenly and perfectly.

    37:17 Zinfandels from Paso Robles are preferred.

    41:07 Exceptional wine, enjoyable with great food pairings.

    42:54 Elevate wine experience with barbecue duck.

    46:25 Embrace life, savor food, enjoy every moment.

    48:38 Grateful for your time, see you soon!

    Send us a text

    We love FAN MAIL!
    🎙️VOICE MESSAGE or TEXT us your cooking ideas and Q's
    and we will answer them on the podcast

    You can also LISTEN LIVE ON RADIO Wednesdays from 5-6 pm PT

    Find the DeMercurio's

    👨‍🍳 Chef Cal www.chefcal.net
    👩‍🍳 Christa www.mrschef.net

    together at www.culinarilyyours.net
    podcast page www.cookinglikeapropodcast.net

    📸 INSTAGRAM | 📺YOUTUBE


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    49 mins
  • 008. Heirlooms, Pumpkin Pie Soup, Mock Abalone and Sauvignon Blanc
    Aug 17 2024

    Ready to get cooking, sipping, and savoring? Welcome to another episode of "Cooking like a Pro" with Chef Cal and Christa DeMercurio. Tune in for expert cooking tips, delicious recipes, and insightful culinary discussions.

    Did you know that pumpkin pie soup exists? It’s a unique twist that Chef Cal recommends for those leftover pumpkins. Who knew those autumn vibes could be captured in a savory soup!

    1. Chicken in Clam Juice: Discover how marinating chicken in clam juice can transform it into a mock abalone dish – it's all about that savory twist!
    2. Lobster & Shrimp Tips: Learn key differences among shrimp sizes, and why cold water lobsters from places like Maine and Alaska make all the difference in your seafood dishes.
    3. Perfect Pork Chops on the Grill: Say goodbye to dry pork chops! Cal breaks down the ideal grilling process and the importance of a direct response thermometer.
    4. Wine Wisdom: Step up your wine game with tips on pairing Sauvignon Blanc with the right dishes, and why it’s perfectly okay to chill your glass on a hot day.

    Stay delicious, friends!

    Send us a text

    We love FAN MAIL!
    🎙️VOICE MESSAGE or TEXT us your cooking ideas and Q's
    and we will answer them on the podcast

    You can also LISTEN LIVE ON RADIO Wednesdays from 5-6 pm PT

    Find the DeMercurio's

    👨‍🍳 Chef Cal www.chefcal.net
    👩‍🍳 Christa www.mrschef.net

    together at www.culinarilyyours.net
    podcast page www.cookinglikeapropodcast.net

    📸 INSTAGRAM | 📺YOUTUBE


    Show more Show less
    49 mins