The Just a Taste Podcast with Kelly Senyei (Kelly Senyei)

Meet Loren Brill, the founder and of Sweet Loren's, the number one natural cookie dough brand in the US. Loren is a powerhouse female entrepreneur breaking barriers and baking cookies across America.

• How she took control of her health and became her own advocate in health
• The journey Loren took from concept to store shelves
• How Loren went from a single product to new and innovative product lines based on customer feedback
• The biggest hurdle Loren has had to overcome to build a cookie dough empire

For more details about this episode, visit: www.justataste.com/loren-brill-sweet-lorens-just-a-taste-podcast

Welcome to The Just a Taste Podcast hosted by Kelly Senyei! Grab a seat at her table, where she’s talking food, entrepreneurship, parenting and more. Kelly’s goal is to introduce you to inspiring people who have helped shape the world’s food scene, from chefs and authors to restaurateurs and inventors. Subscribe now so you don't miss an episode!

Meet the woman leading the apron revolution! Ellen Bennett, founder and CEO of culinary workwear brand Hedley & Bennett, gives new meaning to fashion inside (and outside) of the kitchen. In this episode, Ellen and Kelly chat about:

• What inspired Ellen to create the ultimate kitchen uniform for chefs and home cooks alike that marries fashion with function
• How Ellen went from a living room operation to global production of culinary workwear
• Where Ellen draws inspiration from when it comes to style and function, from her heritage to her extensive network of talented chefs
• How Ellen has pivoted her business resources to create face masks for frontline workers
• Ellen’s biggest learning from dealing with our new normal

For more details about this episode, visit: www.justataste.com/ellen-bennett-just-a-taste-podcast/

Meet Glenn Milley, an Emmy-nominated producer who has worked on The Rachael Ray Show, Hallmark Channel’s Home & Family, and currently Red Table Talk, a Web-based show starring Will Smith and his family. In this episode, Glenn and Kelly chat about:

• The role of a producer in the culinary field and what it takes to produce a successful cooking show
• The Milley’s Thanksgiving menu, including Rachael Ray’s tips for holiday meals
• How television production has changed during the current world environment
• How Glenn manifests, keeps track and achieves his goals of any size

For more details about this episode, visit:
www.justataste.com/Glenn-Milley-producer-just-a-taste-podcast

Meet Vivian Chan, a culinary producer at Food Network, as well as host of Viv's Tips and the Simmer Down with Viv podcast. In this episode, Vivian and Kelly chat about:

• What inspired Vivian to pursue a career in food media after working in restaurants
• Vivian's experience working under famed chef Anita Lo, and how she navigated the often male-dominated restaurant scene
• A day in the life of a Food Network culinary producer
• Vivian's hopes (and fears!) of becoming a new mom in just a few short weeks

For more details about this episode, visit: https://www.justataste.com/vivian-chan-vivs-tips/

Meet Cortney LaCorte, also known as The Cheese Gal! Cortney is the founder and owner of the popular Nashville-based company, Cheese Gal, which serves up awe-inspiring charcuterie boards for some of the biggest country music stars in the business (hello, Shania Twain and Tim McGraw!). 

Born out of a small Nashville kitchen, and with a quick expansion into a brick-and-mortar storefront, Cortney realized that cheese boards have an importance that extends far beyond the delicious nourishment of our bodies, but also our relationships and spirits.

Cortney is a cheese board expert and mom of two who has grown her passion for all things cheese and entertaining into a company beloved by so many.

In this episode, Cortney and Kelly chat about:

• How Cortney made the jump from a single customer on Instagram to a bustling company 
• How to impress guests with your own ultimate cheese board using Cortney’s tips and tricks 
• The professional way to cut each type of cheese, where to source the perfect wood boards and what filler items to use to add a wow factor
• How Cortney handles the ever-present “mom guilt’ of balancing work life and mom life
• The all-time favorite cheese for one of her regular customers, Tim McGraw!

Follow Cortney here! https://www.instagram.com/cheesegal/

Snag Kelly's brand new The Secret Ingredient Cookbook here! 

https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Ingredient-Cookbook-Family-Friendly-Surprisingly/dp/0358353971/

For full episode details, head to:

https://www.justataste.com/expert-tips-on-how-to-make-a-charcuterie-board/

Kevin Curry, who you most likely know as the culinary mastermind behind FitMenCook, is a household name in the world of meal prep and nutrition. His brand includes a website, apps, a cookbook, a line of spices and teas, and next on the horizon, meal prep kits.

Kevin was inspired to change his lifestyle through diet and nutrition, and in doing so, he not only transformed his physical self but built a community of millions who followed suit.  

In this episode, Kevin and I chat about: 

• How he built an explosive online and product-based brand
• The immediate changes you can make now if you’re ready for a lifestyle shift
• Where to start with meal prepping, whether you’re a newbie or a veteran
• How to change your mentality from “cheat meal” to “treat meal”
• How to maintain a healthy relationship with food

Whether you’re looking to switch up your diet or are just looking for some inspirational tips to change your lifestyle, Kevin is here to dish on it all and how he went from the halls of Harvard to launching a health and wellness brand with a devoted following in the millions.

Snag Kelly’s book here! 

https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Ingredient-Cookbook-Family-Friendly-Surprisingly/dp/0358353971/

For full episode details, head to: https://www.justataste.com/kevin-curry-on-building-the-fitmencook-empire

Meet Chelsey White, creator and mastermind of the phenomenally popular Chelsweets blog, which serves up sweets for every occasion to millions of fans around the globe.

Unlike a lot of professional bakers, Chelsey didn’t grow up in the kitchen with Mom or Grandma, or have a treasure trove of family recipes. In fact, Chelsey had absolutely no background in baking before she audaciously decided to bake a coworker a birthday cake from scratch, and the rest is sweet, sweet history. 

Chelsey has transformed her love of baking into an online community of millions, who tune in every week to watch her create confections of all flavors, shapes and sizes. She’s been featured by Buzzfeed, The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, Cosmopolitan and many more.

In this episode, Chelsey and Kelly chat about:

• The life-changing day when Chelsey decided to leave her corporate finance job to pursue baking full time
• The self-taught ways Chelsey has perfected both her baking and media practice through trial and error
• The #1 piece of equipment Chelsey can’t live without
• Insider tips for perfecting your own Rice Krispies treats and buttercream animal cakes
• How to chase your dreams, both personally and professionally

For full blog notes, check out: https://www.justataste.com/from-cpa-to-cake-queen-chelsey-whites-journey-to-sweet-success

Follow Chelsey here: https://www.instagram.com/chelsweets/

Meet Kelvin Fernandez, an executive chef, Forbes Magazine 30 Under 30 chef, and private chef to A-list celebrities, including A-Rod and J.Lo. In this episode, Kelvin and Kelly chat about:

• What inspired Kelvin to pursue a career in food, dating back to a chance encounter in high school
• How Kelvin took his classic French training and went back to his Latin roots to define his culinary niche
• What makes Kelvin's prize-winning arepas so special and how they led him to the winner's circle on Food Network's Beat Bobby Flay
• How Kelvin approaches cooking for A-list clients and the most memorable dish he made for A-Rod and J. Lo.

For more details about this episode, visit:  https://www.justataste.com/kelvin-fernandez-celebrity-private-chef/

Meet the Queen of Zoodles! Founder of Inspiralized, entrepreneur, New York Times best-selling author, mom and product inventor Ali Maffucci is dishing on all things spiralizing. In this episode, Ali and Kelly chat about:

• What inspired Ali to make the jump from corporate America to launching her culinary brand and pursuing it full time
• The one thing Ali would have done differently when it came to developing her product, The Inspiralizer
• What differentiates The Inspiralizer from all other spiralizing products give to her product a competitive edge
• How Ali balances building her business and being a mother of two, with tips for dealing with mom guilt

For more details about this episode, visit: www.justataste.com/ali-maffucci-just-a-taste-podcast/

Meet Candace Nelson, founder of Sprinkles Cupcakes, the original cupcake bakery. The queen of all things sweet is also a judge and producer on Netflix’s Sugar Rush, host of the Live To Eat podcast and a New York Times best-selling author. In this episode, Candace and Kelly chat about:

• How growing up in Southeast Asia impacted Candace’s love for baking and defined her palate
• The biggest hurdle Candace faced making a career shift from investment banking to the hospitality industry
• The invention and evolution of the Sprinkles Cupcake ATM
• How Candace made the jump from sweet to savory with the launch of her new restaurant, Pizzana
• What Candace is serving up for Thanksgiving, including her new online course, the Pie Pop-Up, where you’ll learn the ins and outs of making the best pie of your life (Bonus: Enter JustATaste for $50 off!)

For more details about this episode, visit:
https://www.justataste.com/candace-nelson-sprinkles-cupcakes

Meet Nik Sharma, founder of A Brown Table blog, as well as a two-time cookbook author, and contributor to The New York Times, The San Francisco Chronicle and Serious Eats. In this episode, Nik and Kelly chat about:

• How Nik used his background in molecular biology to transition into a career in food
• How growing up in Bombay, India has influenced Nik's love of cooking
• Nik's newly released cookbook, The Flavor Equation, which focuses on the science of food and how we interact with it
• How Nik approaches food waste through a scientific lens
• What Nik serves at his Thanksgiving table including his sweet potato pie with a secret ingredient

For more details about this episode, visit:
https://www.justataste.com/nik-sharma-a-brown-table-just-a-taste-podcast/

Meet Melanie Moss, the Founder and pastry mastermind behind Mini Melanie, an award winning bakery in New York known most famous for their delicious cake truffles. Her desserts have been featured in the 2016 New York City Michelin Guide, in addition to being crowned a 2018 Chopped Champion. In this episode, Melanie and Kelly chat about:

• What exactly a cake truffle is, and how their unique treat was developed
• How Mini Melanie pivoted to in-store shopping to an e-commerce bakering shipping nation-wide
• The process to develop their Deep Dish Cookie Cakes due to the pandemic
• Her experience starting with an incubator kitchen to launch her business

For more details about this episode, visit: https://www.justataste.com/melanie-moss-mini-melanie-just-a-taste-podcast/

As the Culinary Director-at-Large of FOOD & WINE, Justin Chapple has his finger on the pulse of the food world. Tune in to hear the multi-talented chef, food writer, TV host, and cookbook author dish on everything from culinary trends to cooking fatigue and every topic in between. In this episode, Justin and Kelly chat about:

• What ingredients and techniques Justin predicts will be trending in the months ahead
• Justin's #1 tip for how to avoid cooking fatigue in your home kitchen
• The simple gadgets with creative uses that you can rely on to improve your culinary skills
• The one recipe Justin hasn't been able to master ... yet!

For more details about this episode, visit: www.justataste.com/justin-chapple-just-a-taste-podcast/

Meet Mary and Brian Heffernan, the masterminds behind the wildly popular Five Marys Farms empire! While known for its best-in-class meats, Five Marys Farms has expanded into so much more, including a cookbook, an ebook about parenting their four daughters and an academy for budding entrepreneurs. In this episode, The Heffernans and Kelly chat about:

• What inspired Mary and Brian to trade city life for farm life and the biggest impact it has had on their family
• Common misconceptions about living on a farm and working in agriculture
• Their favorite recipes from the new Five Marys Farms Ranch Raised cookbook
• The three main traits Brian and Mary strive to instill in their four daughters
• What inspired the launch of the M5 Entrepreneurs Academy and how their business has shifted in the current world environment

For more details about this episode, visit:
https://www.justataste.com/just-a-taste-podcast-five-marys-farms/

Join Just a Taste Podcast host Kelly Senyei in her first solo episode as she answers reader-submitted questions on every topic from road-trip snacks and favorite kitchen gadgets to the business of blogging and whether or not she's ready and meal-prepped for baby #3. In this episode, Kelly shares:

• Her family's most cherished heirloom recipe, which was originally shared by her great-grandmother, Momoo, in the early 1900s
• Her favorite part of running Just a Taste (Spoiler: It's not the blogging!) and how she approaches the development and growth of the brand
• What she has and has not done in advance of welcoming her third baby boy in just a few short weeks
• Bonus: How you can enter to win this episode's giveaway for a KitchenAid 5-Quart Stand Mixer in the color of your choice!

For more details about this episode, visit: www.justataste.com/episode-4-kelly-senyei-just-a-taste-podcast/

Meet Rebecca Jay Forman, registered dietitian, nutrition consultant, and Director of Nutrition for Joy Bauer, and Health and Nutrition expert for NBC's TODAY show. Rebecca dishes up all things food and nutrition. In this episode, Rebecca and Kelly chat about:

• How Rebecca got into the field of nutrition and media
• What Rebecca's health ethos is, and why no diet is one size fits all
• The biggest nutrition myth... dispelled - and her ethos for healthy eating
• Rebecca's top tip for getting your children to eat healthier at mealtimes

For more details about this episode, visit: www.justataste.com/rebecca-jay-forman-director-of-nutrition-just-a-taste-podcast

Brian Malarkey first made a name for himself on Bravo’s Top Chef, but the boisterous TV personality, host, and soon-to-be food product innovator has delivered big on the restaurant scene as the mastermind behind 15 concepts and 35 different establishments across the US.

A master of both casual and fine dining, Brian has been at the helm of countless uniquely curated restaurant experiences, and he’s remained steadfast in his mission: Take care of people. 

The ability to open and sustain successful restaurant concepts has been tested more than ever this past year, and Brian is here to dish on the good, the bad and the wildly surprising elements of seeing an idea from conceptualization to brick-and-mortar and beyond. 

In this episode Brian and Kelly chat about:

• How Brian got started in the restaurant industry and his three non-negotiables for opening and operating a successful restaurant
• Brian’s zero-failure rate and how he has even successfully navigated the global health crisis
• How Brian raised more than $100k in relief efforts for his employees through online efforts
• Brian’s unique connection with professional skateboarder and entrepreneur, Tony Hawk
• The true heart and simplicity behind hospitality that can be applied anytime, anywhere 

For full blog notes, check out:  https://www.justataste.com/brian-malarkey-just-a-taste-podcast

Follow Brian here: https://www.instagram.com/brianmalarkey/

Meet Amanda Rettke, the culinary guru behind I Am Baker, where she serves up star-studded sweets with a side of sass. Amanda is an award-winning blogger, entrepreneur, best-selling author and mom of five. In this episode, Amanda and Kelly chat about:

• What inspired Amanda to quit her corporate job and go "all-in" as a food blogger
• How Amanda has amassed a following of more than 18 million people on Facebook and what it takes to reach her level of success
• How the food blogging industry has changed since Amanda launched I Am Baker in 2010
• What inspired Amanda to build her brand-new retreat center, Five Ponds, and how the current world environment has shifted her business strategy

For more details about this episode, visit: https://www.justataste.com/amanda-rettke-i-am-baker-just-a-taste-podcast/

Ever wondered what the job of a food stylist entails? 

How do they get the dishes you see on TV and in magazines to be so picture-perfect? I’ve got two of the best food stylists in the business dishing out their expert tips and secrets for how to style food like a pro.

In today’s episode of The Just a Taste Podcast, Kelly is chatting with food stylists Kate Buckens and Tiffany Scheligh. These two talented women were the masterminds behind the styling in Kelly’s forthcoming cookbook, The Secret Ingredient Cookbook.

Tiffany is a New York City-based self-proclaimed culinary nerd who worked in kitchens under Christina Tosi, Daniel Boulud and Alex Guarnaschelli before jumping into the food styling world. You may recognize her or her work from Food Network's Chopped, HBO's Succession, and AMC's Dietland.

Kate is a food stylist living and working in New York City and has more than 10 years of experience in the food world. She began her food career by working front of house at restaurants in New Orleans, San Francisco and New York.

In this two-part episode, Kelly, Tiffany and Kate chat about:

• The perceived versus actual job description of a food stylist 
• The food styling myths that have been around for ages
• The intense logistical planning that goes into a cookbook photo shoot
• How Kate transitioned from her business background to food styling
• Her top three food styling tools she can’t live without … and you shouldn’t either!

If you’re ready to style your plate like a pro, this episode is for you!

For full episode details, check out: https://www.food-styling-tips-and-secrets-kate-buckens-and-tiffany-schleigh/

To PRE ORDER Kelly’s upcoming The Secret Ingredient Cookbook, click here! 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0358353971/

Meet Jake Cohen, author of the forthcoming Jew-ish cookbook. Jake is a professionally trained chef who has worked in some of New York's most renowned restaurants and top-tier test kitchens. In this episode, Jake and Kelly chat about:

• Jake's journey from working in Michelin-starred kitchens to magazine test kitchens
• Jake's most and least favorite elements of being food critic at Time Out New York
• Jake's top predictions for 2021 food trends (Hint: Plant-based!)
• Jake's three secrets to matzo ball perfection

For more details about this episode, visit:
https://www.justataste.com/jake-cohen-just-a-taste-podcast/ 

Meet Jaclyn London! Jaclyn is Head of Nutrition and Wellness at WW (formerly Weight Watchers) and author of Dressing on the Side (and Other Diet Myths Debunked): 11 Science-Based Ways to Eat More, Stress Less, and Feel Great about Your Body.

Jaclyn helps the millions of Americans who are confused, overwhelmed, and feeling totally helpless in taking ownership of making better food and health choices. 

In this episode of The Just a Taste Podcast, Jaclyn and Kelly chat about: 

• Simple food strategies and practical applications for food solutions that actually work
• The truth behind fad diets, detoxes and celebrity-endorsed supplements
• How to have a healthy relationship with food and nutrition
• Ways to reverse the guilt on days of “not eating well” by introducing flexibility into your diet and lifestyle

Ready for a more balanced approach to diet and nutrition? Tune in to today’s episode for Jaclyn’s expert tips on healthy eating!

For full episode details, head to: https://www.justataste.com/jaclyn-londons-expert-tips-on-healthy-eating/

As the son of Thai and Chinese immigrants, Jet Tila‘s culinary journey has spanned the globe. The chef, restaurateur, cookbook author, and Food Network chef and judge is dishing on everything from the current restaurant landscape to the greatest meal he ever ate. In this episode, Jet and Kelly chat about:

• How he carved his culinary path from working in his family’s Thai market to discovering his own niche in the restaurant industry
• What impact the current world environment has had on restaurants and what we can expect to come in the months and years ahead
• What five tools you need to have a successful restaurant
• What it takes to break not one, but six Guinness World Records

For more details about this episode, visit: www.justataste.com/jet-tila-just-a-taste-podcast/

Star-approved popcorn with wine pairing suggestions? Say no more!

My guest on The Just a Taste Podcast today is Kirbee Miller, the Nashville-based founder of Kinimi Kitchen and creator of the popular gourmet popcorn line KiNiMi Pop. 

Kirbee took the humble corn kernel from a simple snack all the way to the Grammys, landing a coveted spot in this year’s Grammy swag bag. Her beloved line of gourmet popcorn comes in three unique flavors, including Cajun, Cinnamon Twist and Rosemary-Garlic. 

In this episode Kirbee and I chat about:

• Why you don’t have to choose a box for your life - YOU get to choose what it looks like
• Kirbee’s suggested wine pairings with each flavor of her gourmet popcorn
• Her emotional “why” behind her brand (this brought me to tears!)
• What it means to be ready for your next big opportunity 
• How to hold both grief and gratitude

Whether you’re a food entrepreneur trying to make it big or a mom struggling to know she’s making a difference, this episode will make your heart soar.

For full episode details, head to: https://www.justataste.com/kirbee-miller-on-star-approved-popcorn-and-the-intersection-of-grief-and-gratitude/

Chef Richard Ingraham knows what it takes to fuel some of the biggest sports stars in the world. Not only is he the private chef of former NBA superstar Dwyane Wade, he has also been responsible for planning the diets of dozens of other professional basketball, football and baseball athletes across the country. In this episode, Richard and Kelly chat about:

• What meals keep the stars fit, toned and healthy while still satisfying their cravings
• The small, imaginative tweaks you can make to recipes to achieve indulgent-like taste without added fat, calories or sodium
• How Dwyane Wade inspired the creation of Richard’s famous Flash Sauce and its many uses in the kitchen
• The role food plays in helping bring people of all backgrounds together around one communal table

For more details about this episode, visit: www.justataste.com/chef-richard-ingraham-just-a-taste-podcast/

Meet master pizza maker, Daniele Uditi! He's the head chef at Pizzana in Los Angeles and a master of all things dough, sauce and cheese. In this episode, Daniele and Kelly chat about:

• What inspired Daniele’s legendary “slow dough” and how he perfected with a 65-year-old starter
• How Daniele has defined the neo-Neopolitan pizza style at Pizzana
• Daniele’s reaction to the first slice of pizza he ever ate in the United States
• How Daniele transforms classic Italian pasta dishes into pizza toppings
• Daniele’s reinvention of pineapple on pizza, inspired by tacos al pastor 

For more details about this episode, visit:

https://www.justataste.com/just-a-taste-podcast-daniele-uditi-pizzana/

Meet Kate Casey! Kate is host of one of the highest-rated reality TV podcasts on Apple, Reality Life with Kate Casey, where she interviews directors, producers and reality stars from the world of unscripted television. 

Kate provides the comic relief we all need while simultaneously encouraging us to jump on our dreams. I instantly fell in love with her fresh approach to dissecting and digging deep into all things reality TV (my nightly obsession!).

In this episode of The Just a Taste Podcast, Kate and Kelly chat about:

• Kate’s unlikely shift from a career in politics to a reality tv podcast host
• The unique quality Kate has possessed since childhood that makes her an unrivaled interviewer
• Kate’s top three recommendations for undiscovered, yet wildy amazing reality shows 
• Her go-to, weeknight meals for her family

Tune in to today’s episode for the best new shows you didn’t know you were missing!

And for full episode details, head to: https://www.justataste.com/podcast-guru-kate-caseys-tip-to-become-an-unrivaled-interviewer/

The Secret Ingredient Cookbook is now available wherever books are sold! 

Eight years in the making, Kelly is finally able to share her debut cookbook with you! What started with a secret ingredient in her world-famous chocolate chip cookies has now transformed into a collection of 125 recipes, each of which stars a tasty twist in the form of affordable, everyday ingredients used in creative new ways. 

In honor of the big day, Kelly is bringing just a taste from the book into this episode by sharing one of the introductory chapters: My Not-So-Secret Kitchen Secrets.

Tune in to learn how to: 

• Quickly and safely secure your cutting board before cooking
• Thinly slice meat with a simple trick
• Efficiently wash herbs using an everyday household gadget 
• Choose between when and when not to use a serrated knife
• Freeze fresh herbs to make meal prep quick and easy
• Plus so many more hacks and secret kitchen tips! 

Tune in to today’s episode and grab your copy of The Secret Ingredient Cookbook to get re-inspired in the kitchen!

For full details, head to: https://www.justataste.com/my-top-10-kitchen-secrets/

Purchase Kelly’s cookbook here: https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Ingredient-Cookbook-Family-Friendly-Surprisingly/dp/0358353971/

Meet Ming Tsai, James Beard Award-winning chef, restaurateur, TV host, cookbook author, and most recently, founder of MingsBings, a veggie-filled umami-packed patty. In this episode, Ming and Kelly chat about:

• How Ming went from Mechanical Engineering to hospitality
• Why bringing your passion into career is the secret ingredient to success
• What the biggest misconception about running a restaurant is
• The family that you create working in a restaurant, and how the pandemic has impacted restaurants and their staff
• How the pandemic has flipped the restaurant industry on its head
• The Lee Initiative, which is supporting restaurant staff nationwide
• All about MingsBings, from what a "bing" is, to what inspired Ming to create these veggie-filled pockets

For more details about this episode, visit:
https://www.justataste.com/ming-tsai-blue-dragon/

Meet Tieghan Gerard, a New York Times best selling author, and Founder of Half Baked Harvest, an award-winning recipe blog, known for their inventive dishes and stunning photography. In this episode, Tieghan and Kelly chat about:

• What makes Half Baked Harvest stand out in the food blogging world.
• Tieghan's top advice for aspiring bloggers.
• Where the name "Half Baked Harvest" came from.
• The impact that the pandemic had on HBH, and how Tieghan adapted to better suit her readers.
• Tieghan's two top tips for creating dishes without a recipe

For more details about this episode, visit:
www.justataste.com/Tieghan-Gerard-half-baked-harvest-just-a-taste-podcast