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Chef Michael Checks In
Fri., Nov. 30, 2007 12:27 PM PST by Staff
There's no doubt about it: Chef Michael Schulson has the Midas touch when it comes to ordinary ingredients. In Style Network's Pantry Raid, he helps novice cooks whip up incredible gourmet meals from whatever food they already have on hand!
This formidable foodie stopped by to answer your questions about his recipes—and was sporting enough to chat about his life and cooking philosophy, too. Read on for his tips on staging your own Pantry Raid, his take on romantic cooking (sorry, ladies, he's married!) and his must-have ingredients. Then click the links at the end for his notes on Chocolate Chip Cannoli, Baked French Fries, Chai Bubble Tea, Brownie Pecan Pie, Kid-Friendly Kebabs and Chocolate Peanut Butter Pudding. Yum!
First things first: Your fans are dying for a cookbook. Any plans to write one?
For sure! I am beginning to work on it as we speak.
Do you ever hear back from any of the show participants?
I do, I do! They send me emails and tell me how they're learning how to cook, and how much they appreciate me showing them that it doesn't have to be complicated. And as long as they try, that's all that matters; it's not brain surgery, it's just cooking.
Does your wife cook?
No, she can't cook to save her life. And you can write that. That's been written a million times already. She does not get insulted anymore.
Did you woo her with food when you were dating?
Actually, the coolest thing about my wife is that her mother is kitchen-retarded. I was, like, a genius from day one. The concept of a hamburger that's not burnt or a meatloaf that's not completely well-well-well done was foreign to her.
So, does it do any good to whip up a special romantic meal for her?
She appreciates that. There's something special about seeing [someone] in the kitchen cooking a meal that's meant for you. It'll always hit home.
What's your favorite romantic meal to cook?
I usually like to do a raw fish salad first. Kind of a ceviche salad. And I love meat. I like to make stuff that gives you time to be with the other person. I'll take a roast or chicken and put it in the oven on top of fresh vegetables, and then just cook it for an hour and call it a day. When it comes out you have amazing fresh vegetables that have all the flavor of the meat or the chicken or the fish, whatever you cooked, and a great piece of protein.
And meanwhile you've had an hour to be with the one you love.
Exactly! And all you have is one pan to clean up.
You have a one-year-old son. Do you all do family dinners?
We do. We sit down and eat every single night. I'll cook every once in a while or we'll go out to dinner. I think it's awesome getting a kid acclimated at a young age to restaurants. Let the kid make some noise, have some fun. Enjoy yourselves.
Do you appreciate being cooked for?
Being cooked for is my favorite thing. People get intimidated, but it's like I said earlier: No matter who it is, people just appreciate somebody putting in the effort to try and cook. And obviously with the show that's what it's about, learning how to cook, putting in an effort, showing people you're trying and having fun with it. And nobody's gonna knock that.
Not everyone is as adept at finding the gold in their pantry as you are. Any tips on where to start the raid?
Don't think big, think little at first. Go in your refrigerator and find your protein—let's say it's a piece of chicken or fish or meat—take that out. Your pantry is your pantry for a reason. You put the stuff in there, nobody else put it in there. You wouldn't have bought it if you don't like it. So, take that protein and think about a vegetable. Think about a starch. Be creative and have some fun.
What are some key items to keep on hand?
Dried herbs. If you wanna cook Italian one day, take out the parsley, take out the oregano. Make sure you have a lot of spices. Crackers or breadcrumbs are great, 'cause they add texture. A good olive oil—you could make a salad dressing, you could make a marinade, you could sauté something. Canned tomato gives you so many options: It serves in a side dish, you could sauté chicken in there, roast a piece of meat in there, you could make stew. Yogurts are great for dressings, instead of heavy creams or oil, if you want to be a little more healthy.
Your dishes are often on the healthier side. What guidelines do you follow?
I like to stay away from butter and use olive oil instead. Stay away from frying, obviously. Roasting is much healthier, and steaming is healthier. Instead of using cream, use milk. Maybe a little bit of cheese. And be creative, think outside the box. Use fresh herbs and spices. One definite is, if you want your food to have flavor, that doesn't mean it has to have butter and cream or be fried, it just means it needs a little bit of salt.
Given your experience with your wife, your mother-in-law and the novice cooks from Pantry Raid, do you believe that anyone can learn to cook?
I do not believe that anyone can learn to cook; I believe that anyone who wants to can learn to cook. My wife has no desire to learn to cook, so she will never learn to cook. But if she wanted to, she's a brilliant woman, she could. Anyone who puts their mind to it can learn to cook. It's not brain surgery. Everyone knows what an apple tastes like and what tastes good with it, at least in their own mouth.
Confused about a Pantry Raid recipe? Click for Chef Michael's revisions to Chocolate Chip Cannoli, Baked French Fries, Chai Bubble Tea, Brownie Pecan Pie, Kid-Friendly Kebabs and Chocolate Peanut Butter Pudding.
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Now loading...Anonymous Sun, Dec 9, 2007, 7:25 AM
1. Would lkike to know how to email him on a good recipe for cranberry salad for christmas I always make pumpkin pie would like to try something different. Thank You Corrine
renee Sun, Dec 9, 2007, 7:33 AM
2. Hi- I would like to have the reciepes for the 9-10 am Sunday, Dec. 9th episodes. My kids would love the chicken nuggets! And I would love the cucumber/chicken/peanut app from the second episode. Thanks!!! Renee
Sabrina Sun, Dec 9, 2007, 7:52 AM
3. I just wanted to say I love this show! My husband is currently deployed to Iraq and I have a 2 year old and a ten year old at home, I am also a graduate student so time for me is very limited. I was wondering if you could email me some more "kid friendly" recipes that would make cooking not only healthy, but also fun for myself and my kids! Thank you for your time. Sincerely, Sabrina
Anita Sun, Dec 9, 2007, 6:17 PM
4. Hi, I would love to have the recipe for the salad on skewers that was shown on an episode today. The participant was a shoe designer and artist, and she entertained an international group of friends on her balcony. I have a party for 15 people this Wednesday, and that salad (with chicken) would be a great addition!!! No need for juggling salad bowls with your dinner plate! Thanks!
sarah Tue, Dec 11, 2007, 2:06 PM
5. Hey I wanted to say that I really love the show but I was wondering how to make the mac and cheese with goldfish. my mom and I love to cook and we thought it would be a great recipe to cook! Thank you:)
Pam Wed, Dec 12, 2007, 8:10 AM
6. You made salmon with Mandy Moore on the Tyra show a couple of weeks ago, and I would love to have that recipe. I thought it looked really good, and quite easy and quick. Thanks!
Theresa Wed, Jan 30, 2008, 4:49 AM
7. I really enjoy this program (Pantry Raid). Why has it been discontinued? While I didn't hate the show with Ms Hughes, I can relate to every day people being in the 'what's for dinner' quandry.
Paula Thu, Feb 7, 2008, 9:35 PM
8. Pantry Raid was one of the best shows you had. If you have to discontinue something discontinue Kimora, Big Party Plan Off or Istant Beauty Pageant. These shows are worthless. Please put Pantry Raid back on the air. IT WAS GREAT!
Nikki Deary Fri, Feb 22, 2008, 4:25 PM
9. We love watching Chef Michael on Pantry Raid, its a great show to watch and so is he. My 5 year old daughter loves to watch the show, and then the next day or so she is in the kitchen doing her own thing with what she can find and reach. She wants Chef Michael to come to her house.
Elizabeth Convis Wed, Mar 19, 2008, 2:10 PM
10. Love your show. Any suggestion in how to present food to children to make it more appealing. My son has many food allergies and health issues and I am always looking for something new.
Ray Thu, Mar 20, 2008, 1:16 AM
11. I just saw this show for the first time today. Loved it... especially would like recipes for deviled eggs and salad on a stick. Where can I find them. I looked pretty much everywhere here * Does Pantry Chef give out his recipes *
Stephanie Fri, Mar 28, 2008, 3:17 PM
12. Im a newly wed and i was wondering what recipes you could give me that that i can make for my guy who loves meat..lol I think your great at what you do and i like how you always make great food out of people pantrys..I also would like some pasta recipes if you have any of those you could share with me..Thanks for your help..ciao
Janet Levine Fri, Mar 28, 2008, 8:58 PM
13. Love the show. Today you made a risotto with bacon and onions and peas. Can I please get the recipe. It looked too good to pass up.
Tammie Fri, Apr 4, 2008, 11:26 PM
14. I watched your show April, 3, 2008. You made mexican food. I would love to have the recipes. That was the first time I saw your show and the food looked really good.
Tami H. Sun, Apr 6, 2008, 8:58 AM
15. I really like the show and heard on the last episode that the recipe was on the website, I guess that was an oopsy? There is no way to access any recipes. However, I think that would be a nice additive to you website and show. Thanks for being creative in the kitchen **
Debbie Wed, Apr 16, 2008, 2:07 PM
16. I just saw the show for the first time today, April 16 and would love to get some of the recipes. Are they going to be available on your website. I cook for a family of 6 everynight and love finding new, easy and good things to make for my family. Thanks!
Rebecca Kellis Thu, Apr 17, 2008, 5:14 AM
17. I saw the episode Family style and have been trying to find the recipes and cant. Please send me these recipes. I want to cook this menu for my family.
Maryl Gavazzi Sun, Apr 20, 2008, 1:47 PM
18. I would like the recipe for the deviled eggs on asian soup spoons that was made for an artist who designed shoes for playboy. I love to serve appetizers and am always looking for ways to serve tasty treats but in unusual ways. I bought the spoons...I just need a second look at the recipe and finished product. Thank you in advance.
karen Sheridan Tue, Apr 29, 2008, 8:54 AM
19. What's wrong with the website? I CAN'T GET ANY OF THE RECIPES!! You'll lose me as a viewer. Are the recipes supposed to come to my email or as a response on your website? Either way, I'm not getting them. I'd like the recipes from the day with Fiona--the Asian dinner.
Cheryl Pack Jones Thu, May 29, 2008, 11:28 AM
20. My husband and I love the show! He calls it PANTY RAID! We want new episodes!!!!
Patricia Tue, Sep 9, 2008, 11:23 AM
21. Hello my name is pat i'm actually like 14 but i really love your cooking and i really love cooking and today i even watched your show about you cooking the chicken nuggets so please.................................. can you actually send me kitchen recipe to this email address and please do fulfill this so we can know more about each other and cooking thanks a lot peace.................................
Patricia Tue, Sep 9, 2008, 11:25 AM
22. Hello my name is pat i'm actually like 14 but i really love your cooking and i really love cooking and today i even watched your show about you cooking the chicken nuggets so please.................................. can you actually send me kitchen recipe to this email address and please do fulfill this so we can know more about each other and cooking thanks a lot peace.................................
Christina anthony Sun, Nov 9, 2008, 5:22 PM
23. Can you send me the mac and cheese receipe? it looked fantastic. I so wish you could come to my house to tach me a few receipes.
Maryime Fri, Nov 21, 2008, 11:46 AM
24. Hi, I was watching The View on Nov. 20th, 2008, and you made up different turkey dishes. I was most interested in the turkey soup you did. I went to The View website and found receipts of your other dishes, but not the turkey soup. Do you think I could get the receipt? It would be great for after the big Turkey Day. Thank You, Maryime
Natalea Sat, Aug 8, 2009, 1:53 AM
25. What I love other than the simplicity of you cooking style, is that you often have a theme, which I love to do for my family on weekends eg; 3 course mexican. Hopeing you will consider designing your cook book around that theme or at least a section. Thanks big Pantry Raid fan.