{By Contributing Writer Jeanne Muchnick}
I’m in love with my freezer.
Shocking…I know…. usually I open it and ten things fall out (many of them frozen pizzas). But since I’m writing a story for Westchester Magazine on personal chefs (see the December issue when it’s out in late November), I tried the services of Jennifer Urda of The Runcible Spoon Personal Chef Service. She came. She cooked. She conquered. Not only did she stock up my freezer (and fridge) with goodies, but she won my heart (and my stomach).
It’s an indulgence—if you want to use that word —worth trying.
Seriously. It’s not much more than you’re probably already spending. For the money I plop down for prepared meals every month, I’ve now got five dinners (and plenty of sides) customized to my needs.
How it works: Jennifer sends you a form to fill out your personal likes and dislikes. She then meets with you, reviews your preferences (and those of your family), surveys your kitchen, fridge and freezer so she knows what she’s working with and then — once you set a date for her to cook – comes in and weaves her magic.
She brings pots and pans; she brings containers (I now have lids that fit!); and she brings the groceries from a grocery run she does that morning. EVERYthing is fresh and everything is prepared according to the way you want – for honestly about what you’d spend in take out and pick up. Plus, there’s security in knowing there’s always something — healthy and delicious! – in the freezer.
Among the things she made for me: roasted pear butternut squash soup with crumbled Stilton; crab cakes with red chili mayonnaise, red wine braised short ribs, Peruvian-style chicken with green sauce and basil shrimp with feta and orzo.
Salivating yet?
My sides included roasted brussel sprouts with a country mustard glaze, green beans with caramelized shallots and mashed sweet potatoes with smoked paprika. And she surprised me with a homemade key lime pie that was out of this world delicious.
And yes, she also does parties. Pretty much anything you want, she can do (and has a host of help she brings in for large events). Cost is about $85 an hour for preparation (expect 3-4 hours) plus groceries.
{IntoxiKate Tip!}
For the ultimate in pampering, Jennifer will whip up gourmet home-style meals for the four-legged members of your family.
{Jennifer Urda, The Runcible Spoon Personal Chef Service, 917-648-7013, MyHousechef.com}
