How to make dishes from top local chefs - at home

For all of those who are eating Kraft Dinner and ramen noodles a little too much during this period of isolation, some Thompson-Okanagan restaurateurs have stepped up to help you seem like a pro-chef. 

From recipes to short cooking tutorials to take-home DIY kits, many eateries have shared some of their top tips for having the restaurant experience at home. Light some candles and enjoy a romantic dinner for one, two, four or however many people you’re stuck at home with.

Eatsamore is a popular food truck in Kamloops specializing in Italian food and tasty treats. Owner Nicole Basile shows you step-by-step how to make squash gnocchi that is sure to make you feel like you’re vacationing in Europe. Plus, you can get your daily dose of adorable fluff at the start.

 

 

 

 

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As promised; here is the cooking video that we said we would share with you. We were just going to make it for a friend, but then we thought why not share it with everyone!?! So here is a #howto make your own roasted squash #gnocchi #athome. Natalie would like everyone to know a few things before you watch this video. 1) it’s the first cooking video we’ve made, and it wasn’t easy. This five and a half minute clip took us an hour film to because it also cause a “domestic” (as Natalie likes to call any type of #loversquarrel) in the process which really slowed things down, as we learnt that she also really does not like taking directorial cues. 2) She’d also like you to know that because she was instructed to talk less than normal (in the name of trying to keep the video as short as possible), and only talk about pertinent information. This obviously didn’t sit well with her either and just made her nervous. ??‍?? 3) We’re aware of these things now and find them funny, so we promise if we do any more of these videos, they will only get better from here. 4) Please go easy on the comments/feedback. In case you didn’t know, Natalie is more sensitive than most, #delicateflower! Aaaaaand last but not least; 5) in the roasted squash and egg mixture she shows you, there’s actually two eggs in there, not one like she says in the video!! Otherwise, we hope you enjoy this tutorial that you can try at home. And yes, we know that gnocchi is traditionally made with potatoes, however this is our #spudless version. Don’t @ us. ?? Have fun with it, and pair it with any sauce you like! And please feel free to DM us with any questions. If you’ve got the time, why not check out the @wheelerinthemorning podcast while you make it ??‍????. #happycooking #thisisourhousekitchen #marcusthecat #eatsamore #homecooking #DIY #homemadepasta #cookinglesson #kamloops #kamloopsfoodtruck

A post shared by Eats Amore (@eatsamore) on Apr 19, 2020 at 11:49am PDT

Another Thompson-Okanagan chef created a cheesier version of the classic Italian dish. Chef Roger Gillespie from Hester Creek Estate Winery created a YouTube video showing you how to make a ricotta gnocchi dish.

Need a reason to get out of bed when all the days blend together? Chef Rod Butters has shared his famous pancake recipe which is sure to get you off to a good start. He has cooked at high-end establishments across the country, so you know these flapjacks are worth trying.

If you’re looking to zest up your side dish game, try these beer bread muffins, shared by Taste of the Okanagan. These bread bites are yeast-free, so you don't even need to worry about tracking the elusive ingredient down.

 

 

 

 

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Since everyone seems to be on a baking kick and yeast is a little hard to come by, I thought I'd share this easy recipe for Beer Bread (or in this case Beer Muffins). NO YEAST REQUIRED! . CHEESY BEER MUFFINS . INGREDIENTS . 1 head garlic 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/2 cup butter milk (Whole milk works too) 1/2 cup Amber or Pale Ale 2 large eggs 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 2 cup freshly grated aged cheddar (don’t use preshredded) 2 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 tablespoon sugar 2 tablespoons TASTE OF THE OKANAGAN MAGIC SEASONING . INSTRUCTIONS . Preheat oven to 425°F . Cut the tip off the head of garlic, exposing the cloves. Place on a small sheet of tinfoil and drizzle with olive oil. Wrap tinfoil to form a tight packet and roast for 30 minutes, or until cloves are soft and amber coloured. Set aside to cool. . Lower oven to 350°F. . In a large bowl wish together milk, beer & eggs. Add the butter and whisk. Squeeze the head of garlic until the cloves have all come out. Add to bowl and whisk until all the cloves are broken up and well combined. Add the cheese and stir. . Sprinkle the flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and TASTE OF THE OKANAGAN MAGIC SEASONING into the bowl; gently stir, being careful not to over mix. . Brush a muffin tin with melted butter, or spray with cooking spray. . Spoon batter into muffin tins until about 2/3 full. . Place in oven. Lower temperature to 325°F and bake for 20-25 minutes. . #cookingathome #noyeastbread . Don't forget FREE LOCAL DELIVERY // We are now offering 15% off everything AND free local delivery (*West Kelowna to Vernon) on all orders over $25. . Place your order online at www.tasteoftheokanagan.com and select local delivery at checkout and we'll drop it off right at your door. . Also FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $100 if you're outside the Okanagan.

A post shared by Taste Of The Okanagan (@tasteoftheokanagan) on Apr 15, 2020 at 9:17am PDT

If you enjoying challenging yourself with new dishes, check out some of the free online cooking classes from Start Fresh Kitchen. Various chefs will teach you how to make dishes like tortellini, Spanish prawns, mussels, crepes and desserts. Click here to check out the videos.

For those of you who may just be easing into the world of cooking for yourself, a take-home kit could be the way to go. Bold Pizzeria in Kamloops is offering a pizza making kit with fresh dough, sauces, cheese and plenty of topping choices.

If you're feeling a Mexican night, have a taco fiesta. Senor Froggy has family taco kits, so you can have all the fun without any of the prep.

Are there any other Thompson-Okanagan eateries that are sharing some great recipes or make-it-yourself options? Let us know in the comments. 

To contact a reporter for this story, email Jenna Wheeler or call (250) 819-6089 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above. 

News from © iNFOnews, 2020

• • COVID-19
  • Jenna Wheeler
  • Kamloops news
  • KMAPR2020