The Culinary Quickies Podcast with Chef Mel The Happy Chef

Are you sick of your own cooking? Is the family complaining about the same old meals being made for dinner? First of all, you're not alone. And secondly, it's not your fault. In this episode of Culinary Quickies listen as Chef Mel tells us how we can pimp up and refresh the everyday dishes that you confidently know how to cook! Get your Culinary Quickies Cookbook + Cheffy Toolbox here.  In this episode you'll learn: - what to do to refresh new flavour for everyday dishes - why building a repertoire of dishes helps weeknight meals - how to season your food for excitement and flavour - why cooking is a form of your personality... and so much more!  Connect with Chef Mel here: IG - @chefmel_happychef FB - @MelAlafaci This podcast is produced by Nikki Voxx from Quintessential Being.

Are you stressed whenever you have a dinner party? Have you been wishing you could entertain with ease? In this episode of Culinary Quickies listen as Chef Mel shares tips for reducing stress while cooking for dinner parties. Get your Culinary Quickies Cookbook + Cheffy Toolbox here.  In this episode you'll learn: - easy and flavourful slow cooking methods - cost effective ways to tantalise your guests taste buds - Chef Mel's favourite cooking techniques and recipes - easy and elegant dinner party dishes.. and so much more!  Connect with Chef Mel here: IG - @chefmel_happychef FB - @MelAlafaci This podcast is produced by Nikki Voxx from Quintessential Being.

Are you wanting to make perfect poached eggs? Have you tried poaching eggs only to end up creating a mess? In this episode of Culinary Quickies listen to learn the common problems with poaching eggs, why it's NOT your fault and how to poach the perfect egg!  Get your Culinary Quickies Cookbook + Cheffy Toolbox here.  In this episode you'll learn: - which eggs are the BEST for poaching - what to do if you don't have farm fresh eggs to get the perfect poach - why you should swap white vinegar for salt when poaching - what role the temperature plays in poaching success... and so much more!  Connect with Chef Mel here: IG - @chefmel_happychef FB - @MelAlafaci  

Is your kitchen pantry in complete disarray? Are you wanting to feel inspired to cook again? When you have a stale, messy and disorganised pantry, some spring cleaning is in order to get your kitchen mojo back. In this episode Chef Mel shares why it's high time to sniff your nuts, oils, flowers and spices! Get your Culinary Quickies Cookbook + Cheffy Toolbox here.  In this episode you'll learn: - why it's not your fault if you've got a stale pantry - how to organise your pantry into categories - how to roast your ground spices to get more personality out of them - what you can do to extend the life of your spices... and so much more!  Connect with Chef Mel here: IG - @chefmel_happychef FB - @MelAlafaci This podcast is produced by Nikki Voxx from Quintessential Being.

Want to know the secrets to cooking light, delicate gnocchi? Have all of your previous attempts at cooking gnocchi been a horrible, stressful mess? In this episode of Culinary Quickies we uncover the mystery that is Nonna's perfect gnocchi and  Get your Culinary Quickies Cookbook + Cheffy Toolbox here.  In this episode you'll learn: - why the variety of potato matters to achieve perfect gnocchi - the easy way to prepare and handle your potatoes - what potato starch does and how to get the most out of it.. and so much more!  Connect with Chef Mel here: IG - @chefmel_happychef FB - @MelAlafaci This podcast is produced by Nikki Voxx from Quintessential Being.

Have you ever done a tray of roast vegetables in your oven, and after 45 minutes, you've opened the oven door and all you've got is a face full of steam and regrets? If yes, then this will change your life. If you want a stress free, exciting way to prepare a lot of vegetables all at once, then listen up!  Get your Culinary Quickies Cookbook + Cheffy Toolbox here.  In this episode you'll learn: - how to get maximum flavour out of your vegetables - what you need to know to be clever AND lazy with your food prep - how to avoid the dreaded, mushy, old people home vegetables - ways to use leftover vegetables... and so much more!  Connect with Chef Mel here: IG - @chefmel_happychef FB - @MelAlafaci This podcast is produced by Nikki Voxx from Quintessential Being.

Have you ever done a spring clean of your wardrobe only to find that your favourite dress or suit just doesn’t fit the way it used to? 😩 That happened to me too — and it was my wake-up call. I realised I’d let food and habits take control, and it left me feeling bloated, tired, and cranky. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to stay stuck there. 🙌 In this brand-new episode, I’ll show you how to take back control and Eat Yourself Sexy with small, powerful shifts that will change how you feel in your body (and your kitchen) forever. 🎯 In this free training, you’ll discover: ✅ Why we are what we eat and how we eat — and how to reset your habits today. ✅ The quick shift to go from bloated, lethargic, and cranky → to healthy, happy, and energetic. ✅ How to rearrange your fridge to support new habits that stick. ✅ The surprising role of meal planning + portion sizes in boosting energy. ✅ How to choose happiness over alcohol (without missing out on the fun). ✨ Quick Win: Start with my FREE Knife Skills Course — because kitchen confidence is the first step to body confidence.  ✨ Next Step: Get 20% OFF my Eat Yourself Sexy Course + Digital Cookbook for a limited time. These resources are packed with recipes and strategies to help you look good, feel good, and glow from the inside out.   Eat Yourself Sexy Course 20% OFF Eat Yourself Sexy digital cookbook 20% OFF Connect with Chef Mel here: IG - @chefmel_happychef FB - @MelAlafaci 💖 Imagine slipping into that outfit again — but this time feeling proud, energised, and confident. That’s the transformation waiting for you. 👉 Grab your discounts and start your journey today.Please email me mel@chefmel.me and let me know if this podcast helped yoPlease share this with anyone who needs my help! Mel

Do you wish you could get perfect pork crackling every time? Pork crackling is one of those delightful things that we love to enjoy, whether it's a family roast or just a weeknight meal... let me take you through some of my tricks and hacks on how to get it perfect every time! Get your Culinary Quickies Cookbook + Cheffy Toolbox here.  In this episode you'll learn: - how to get the most out of your pork - the difference between roasting and braising - what you can do to make your own stock - how to salt the crackling to get it perfect - the important role preparing your pork plays in the perfect crackling... and so much more!  Connect with Chef Mel here: IG - @chefmel_happychef FB - @MelAlafaci This podcast is produced by Nikki Voxx from Quintessential Being.

Is your stir-fry soggy? Do you want crisp, flavour-filled vegetables? In today's Culinary Quickies Podcast episode we are chatting with Ange Anderson about the quick fixes to go from soggy, sticky mess in the pan to sensational, sexy stir-fry! Listen as we point out the common cooking mistakes that are holding you back in the kitchen. Get your Culinary Quickies Cookbook + Cheffy Toolbox here.  In this episode you'll learn: - what you need to do to the meat and pan before starting - why the browning stage of meat is very important - the half-half rule that applies to your stir-fry success - what you need to know about supermarket stir-fry jars... and so much more!  Connect with Chef Mel here: IG - @chefmel_happychef FB - @MelAlafaci This podcast is produced by Nikki Voxx from Quintessential Being.

Is your chicken tasting dull? Are you wishing you could get some great flavour without adding calories? In today's episode we are chatting to the wonderful Dr Hayley O'Neill about how to add flavour and spice to your chicken (or any other meat) -- giving it a culinary spray tan-- without having to use the sugar and preservative filled sauces you find on the supermarkets shelves! Dr Hayley's mission is to break the yo-yo dieting fad and help us become healthier, happier and prouder of who we are. Listen as I share with you my top tricks to get beautifully flavoured chicken every time.  Get your Culinary Quickies Cookbook + Cheffy Toolbox here.  In this episode you'll learn: - how to use the right spices to add healthy flavour to your meals  - what you can do to ensure you have fresh spices all year round - the best cooking method to brown chicken breasts - why it is important to plan your meals to avoid binge eating - what having a plan to go grocery shopping with does ... and so much more!  Connect with Chef Mel here: IG - @chefmel_happychef FB - @MelAlafaci Connect with Dr Hayley O'Neil here: IG - @drhayleyoneill FB Group - @nourishedfoxymama This podcast is produced by Nikki Voxx from Quintessential Being.

In this super quick podcast episode discover the best kitchen hack that will also save you a fortune... getting your stale water crackers, corn chips or biscuits back to FRESH! If you've had a family member leave the package open and your food has gone slightly stale, we here at Culinary Quickies HQ have an amazing hack to get it back to Fake Fresh.  Get your Culinary Quickies Cookbook + Cheffy Toolbox here.    Connect with Chef Mel here: IG - @chefmel_happychef FB - @MelAlafaci This podcast is produced by Nikki Voxx from Quintessential Being.

Are your kitchen knife skills a little lacking? Do you HATE food prep because chopping feels like a disaster? In this super quick podcast episode we take you through easy knife skills so you can go from hack to hero in the kitchen!  Get your Culinary Quickies Cookbook + Cheffy Toolbox here.  In this episode you'll learn: - how to handle your knife in the kitchen - why you only need about 3 knives in your kitchen.. and so much more!  Connect with Chef Mel here: IG - @chefmel_happychef FB - @MelAlafaci This podcast is produced by Nikki Voxx from Quintessential Being.

In this super quick podcast episode discover the skills of getting restaurant quality crispy skinned fish, every time you cook!  Get your Culinary Quickies Cookbook + Cheffy Toolbox here.  In this episode you'll learn: - the best cooking method for crispy skinned fish - how to make sure your fish doesn't stick - why extra virgin olive oil isn't a friend of fish - how to remove the skin of the fish - how to cook fish in an air-fryer... and so much more!  Connect with Chef Mel here: IG - @chefmel_happychef FB - @MelAlafaci This podcast is produced by Nikki Voxx from Quintessential Being.

Episode Description: Do you have grey liquid spewing out of your mince? 😱 Then pull up a pan, because we’re diving into one of my favourite kitchen topics: how to turn grey watery mince into delicious stress-free happy meals. Hint: it’s not your butcher’s fault… it’s all about your cooking method! In this episode, I’ll show you how to master mince and unlock the secrets to delicious, cheffy weeknight meals — from my change your life bolognaise recipe, gourmet moroccan mince...and how to take the stress out of bulk cooking or family meals.  It's your time to take the stress out of cooking, fall in love with your kitchen AND bring precious family moments back into your home.  The kitchen is the heart of the home, and food should be a way of coming together, sharing precious moments and making delicious discoveries together.  No more crankiness, or too many dishes, let's have some fun. 🎧 You’ll learn: 🔥 How to get the most out of your mince 🔥 Why managing your pan’s heat is critical 🔥 What low temperatures really do to your food 🔥 How to take your mince around the world — for endless meal inspo …and plenty more cheffy tips along the way! Want a copy of my awesome Quickies Cookbooks?  My Culinary Quickies Cookbook ebook has a sexy Mysterious Morrocan Mince recipe in it, as well as 80 + of my other signature QUICKIE recipes, grab a digital copy and it will land in your inbox immediately!  Or if you want my Change Your Life Bolognaise Mince recipe then grab the Italian Quickies ebook and it will come straight to your inbox!   Please join my Happy Foodies Group on Facebook...or follow me on Instagram or Youtube as Chef Mel The Happy Chef  Thanks so much for sharing in my journey, I'm so excited you're here! Mel

🍴 What This Podcast Is All About: This is your weekly escape from food frustration — your shortcut to kitchen confidence, cooking inspiration, and simple, cheffy skills that’ll have you saying: “I’ve got this.” I’m Chef Mel – The Happy Chef — and I’ve spent over 25 years teaching everyday foodies how to ditch the dread and fall back in love with cooking. From soggy stir-fries to pale roast veg, mysterious grey mince liquid, and pork crackling that never crackles — I’ve seen it all. And I’m here to fix it all. 💫 What You’ll Get: Fast, practical skills to make you faster and more fabulous in the kitchen Creative food ideas that actually fit into real life A confidence boost when you need it most And yes — I can teach you how to cook just by talking about it. It’s my superpower. Whether you want to cook better for your family, impress your friends, or simply feel less overwhelmed every time you open the fridge… this is your show. So if you're ready to: ✔️ Spark your creativity ✔️ Reignite your kitchen mojo ✔️ And maybe even get a round of applause at dinner… Then let’s get cooking. 🔗 More Ways to Learn with Me: 🎥 Watch my YouTube channel: @chefmel_thehappychef 📚 Grab my Quickies Cookbooks: shop.chefmel.me Subscribe now, leave a review, and join me every week for quick tips, clever tricks, and happy, confident cooking! #CulinaryQuickies #ChefMel #HappyChef #KitchenConfidence #CookWithMel #QuickiesCookbooks