Chef Secrets

As some of you know, I'm a personal chef. I don't really think of myself as one, but I guess that's what I get paid to do.

I've never had culinary training, but I've had, and continue to have, hands-on training. I'm never afraid to try new things and I'm always looking for new resources.

I am often asked if I have favorite recipes and if so, could I e-mail them. Well, instead of that, I'll post a favorite here every now and then so that I can reference it whenever asked.

Before the recipe, you must know that I have a strong dislike of cookbooks. It's not that I don't see value in them, but I often find that the recipes have been created by a few chefs and not widely sampled. Therefore, I have found magazine publications to be my favorite place to find new and, 90% of the time, fantastic recipes that are VERY good. My all-time #1 that I use is, Taste of Home's Healthy Cooking (formerly Light and Tasty). I have yet to try an awful recipe. There have been a few so-so, but for the most part, there has been nothing but goodness.

With that said, here is my favorite of the last few weeks.

From Healthy Cooking, April/May 2008, pg. 33

Mexican-Inspired Turkey Burgers
1/4 cup salsa
1/4 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
3 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp ground cumin
3/4 tsp sugar
3/4 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1 lb extra lean ground turkey
4 hamburger buns (I think this makes about 8 small, 6 medium, 4 very large)

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except turkey. Mix well, then add turkey and combine well. Form into patties and either grill covered over medium heat or broil 4 in. from the heat for 5-7 minutes on each side or until meat thermometer reads 165 and juices run clear. You can also add lettuce, tomato, and if you have 1/4 cup salsa and 1/4 sour cream you can mix and add as spread.

Side Dish (same publication and page)

Oven Fries
4 medium potatoes (I like Yukon Golds)
1 T Olive oil
2 1/2 tsp paprika
3/4 tsp salt
3/4 tsp garlic powder

cut potato into wedges. in large bowl combine oil and spices and toss with potatoes. Transfer to baking sheet 10x15 coated with cooking spray and bake at 400 for 40-45 minutes, turning once.

I know the above recipes are good b/c my kids eat them! That's a successful recipe in my book.


If you love to cook, and love to cook healthy, this is a must for you to cook with. Enjoy