Your Chef: Karen A. Trippett

Welcome to the Culinary Notions Ltd website!

I am happy to be providing a “Personal Chef Service” for State College and surrounding areas.

Why is this a wonderful service? When I am doing your planning, shopping, cooking and cleanup, you have:

  • More time because you have meals that reheat in minutes for your home or office.

  • Less stress because you can relax and eat without the work.

  • More variety in your diet because I have access to an unlimited number of recipes.

  • Less work because you don't have to plan, shop, cook or clean... just enjoy your food and put a few dishes in the dishwasher.

  • Money you'd otherwise spend in restaurants or in grocery stores on impulse purchases, special spices and food you intend to cook but don't.

  • More fun and excitement because I know your tastes and am constantly looking for things that I think you'll enjoy.

What does Culinary Notions do for you?

  • Evaluation: Initially I perform an evaluation to determine your culinary likes, dislikes, interests, restrictions, desires and needs. With each visit I learn more about your food interests.

  • Scheduling: I visit your home once or twice a month. Prior to that day, I compose a menu that includes a variety of foods designed to be eaten over the course of two weeks. All items are initially left in your refrigerator. After a day or two, you may move some items to your freezer to increase their storage life.

  • Menu Design: A typical menu includes a breakfast / brunch item, a healthy anytime snack item, numerous entree items that can be eaten for lunch or dinner, numerous vegetables and sides and a desert item.

  • Quantities: Menu items are prepared in logical quantities of 4 to 8 servings depending on the characteristics of the item and the vessel needed for preparing it.

  • Prior To Service Day: I check local stores to see what is in season, fresh and available so that I can design a timely menu and avoid many last minute substitutions. I compose a menu, recipes, a shopping list and an action plan. I load cooking equipment and pantry items into my car.

  • Day of Service: I shop for groceries and bring food items, tools and supplies to your home. I cook the items on your menu, cool them, store them in your refrigerator and clean up the cookware and utensils.

  • A Few Days Later: I will assess any menu items that I am unfamiliar with. I will email you with a reminder to finish any time-sensitive items as well as comments and suggestions that I may have.

What do I Cook?

  • Your preferences and needs determine what I cook, but once I learn these guidelines the options are limitless.

  • Some of my favorite ingredients are fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, olive oil, garlic cloves, sausage, crushed red pepper, basil, cheese, pasta, dark chocolate, nuts, wild rice, wheat berries, etc.

  • Cooking methods I prefer are grilling, baking, sauteeing, steaming and broiling. I use a food processor and bring a gas grill when weather permits.


What do you need to provide?

  • Space in your refrigerator and clean counters to work on.

  • Close parking is another help because when I arrive my car is packed and I need to move everything into your kitchen and back out again.

  • The basic kitchen items are appreciated. I have most items, but if you have large stainless mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, a large microwaveable bowl, a colander, aluminum half-sheet trays, etc. it is appreciated.

  • The Food / Material Allowance I require is $200.00 a session because I can usually work with this value. Totals fluctuate but I can average out to this amount with some menu planning. This is separate from my service fee.

  • My Service Fee is $250 per visit within the State College area. This covers the cost of my labor for planning, shopping, delivery, cooking and cleanup. Presently, it is taking me about 20 hours to provide a service, 8 hours preparation and 12 hours on the day of service.

How do we get started?

If you are interested it talking to me about my service and how I can help meet your needs, please call or email me. I look forward to hearing from you!


CONTACT INFORMATION:

Email: KAT@CulinaryNotions.com

Phone: (814) 933 - 8883