#30Seconds In-Depth: What's for Dinner? Get Inspired With Kitchen Chat's Margaret McSweeney! by Nicole DeAvilla
Need some inspiration in the kitchen? Would you love advice from chefs or cookbook authors? We were thrilled to welcome 30Seconds contributor Margaret McSweeney, who shared the best tips from the almost 200 chefs, cookbook authors, restaurateurs, food industry experts and foodies she has interviewed on her podcast, Kitchen Chat.
Q: Tell us about Margaret McSweeney, the “accidental culinary expert.”
First, I started my career in NYC as a banker who couldn’t cook anything! Then I authored/edited FIVE books to inspire others, but still couldn’t really cook a great meal for my family. Finally, my culinary journey began as a tribute to my late father with the start of Kitchen Chat. One of my greatest culinary influences and friends is Jaime Laurita.
Q: We heard that 10 years ago you couldn’t even make a great grilled cheese! And now Kitchen Chat!
Funny! Kitchen Chat is my journey to learn how to cook – something I didn’t get to learn from my dad who was amazing home chef. And then I extended my journey to discover the world of culinary, travel and much more! Yes, now I can make grilled cheese and challenging recipes. My Youtube channel shows my progress.
Yes. I CAN make #GrilledCheese & challenging #recipes My @YouTube channel shows my progress! https://t.co/3bAlQBHLWh #30seconds #KitchenChat
— #KitchenChatTv (@kitchenchattv) August 10, 2017
Q. What are your suggestions to expand the culinary palate of children?
- First have fun exploring ethnic grocery stores – you learn about culture, languages and different foods.
- Be adventurous with your produce! Try rambutan and dragon fruit.
- Discover spices and make your own curry!
Yes. And even growing basil indoors is great too #30Seconds https://t.co/kALct7L5Rq
— margaret mcsweeney (@mcsweeney) August 10, 2017
Q. You have interviewed amazing chefs. What are some top tips from top chefs?
- Best lesson was from Chef Jamie Laurita. “Fear should never be an ingredient.” (Watch our Kitchen Chat video of @chefjmelaurita.)
- Tip from Carla Hall: “Keep it simple,” and “use seasonings.” (Watch me interview Carla Hall!)
- Tip from Jacques Pepin is to always, “Taste, taste and taste again.”
I love this photo of @jacques_pepin Such a hug from heaven to interview him #kitchenchat #30seconds yes pic.twitter.com/FEPZiUr5rJ
— margaret mcsweeney (@mcsweeney) August 10, 2017
Q. We hear you have a community question. What is it?
"What creative lunch ideas do parents have for back to school?" One of my ideas would be to have your child help prepare from shopping to packaging. Each week have your child pick out something new to add to their lunch repertoire. Maybe tamarind!
I want you to have @GordonRamsay on @KitchenChatTV! #30seconds #KitchenChat
— Alex Bryant (@Official_AlexB_) August 10, 2017
Q: What are the must-have gadgets in your kitchen?
- A lemon squeezer. It’s the best! Squeeze fresh lemon in water each day.
- A garlic press. Garlic has health benefits and adds depth to flavor to so many dishes.
- A zester/grater. You can grate fresh whole nutmeg!
My lil chef wants me to help her cook up some of these #30seconds #PorkSlidersWithAvocadoSpread #smh pic.twitter.com/ZWPlzqtIba
— lobo☮..... (@witteeme) August 10, 2017
Q: What trends are you noticing in the culinary world?
- I went to Summer Fancy Food Show from the Specialty Food Association and non-GMO, gluten free, local and healthy continue to be the trends.
- The home delivery meal kits is now a $5 billion market!
- I love the pink peppercorns from Brazil.
I hope the market is still open! You have inspired me to cook tonight. Thanks for the wonderful tips! #KitchenChat #30Seconds https://t.co/s4zjp5hm75
— Juli Auclair Lipof (@NotSuperMomJuli) August 10, 2017
Q: How can the 30Seconds community connect with you?
Please visit me in my Kitchen Chat kitchen and my Facebook page for recipes and inspiration. Also, Instagram and Twitter. Also please subscribe to my podcast Kitchen Chat on iTunes.
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