Go from "I don't know where to begin" to running a profitable personal chef business so you have control over your own hours and income.
Learn More aboutthe Meal Prep Business Course
* * * Chef Shirts * * *
You don't have to be tied to a sweaty, thick chef's coat!
Ladies Button Down
They come in all colors to fit your brand. I love that it can be washed a hundred times and still retain the color. Ethical sourcing of materials is just a bonus from Chef Works.
Men's Chef Coat
Love the material of this one and without the bagginess of many chef coats. The cooling vents on each side make it a year round wearable.
Ladies Chef Coat
The ladies' version of the Chef Works coat works just as well as a button down. It really depends on how much coverage you like and what makes you feel good.
Men's Button Down
Here's the universal cool vent shirt in a men's version, not as many color choices, but still a solid option for comfort.
* * * Meal Prep Containers * * *
Yes, the lids come in a variety of colors to match your client's kitchen.
Suggest the hands-off approach of sending your client the link so it arrives
in their kitchen just in time for your cook session.
7-cup Pyrex
These 7-cup Pyrex bowls are great for prep ahead meals. I'll cook up a large risotto, then spoon it into four bowls so they're ready to heat and serve for individual lunch or dinner on the go.
2-cup Pyrex
I may have 52 of these 2-cup Pyrex bowls that hold mostly salad items. In summer, I'll prep each bowl with a different item like black beans, crumbled feta, chopped tomato, shredded lettuce, sliced olives or cilantro then for dinner, open up each one and set it on the dinner table for a salad buffet.
1-cup Pyrex
These 1-cup Pyrex storage containers are the perfect size for salad dressings or garnish. They also pack up well in kids' lunchboxes.
insulated grocery bag
This is the best quality insulated tote I've ever had. I bring it to parties, picnics, and haul groceries in it. Those lightweight grocery bags don't last long, but I anticipate this heavy duty one lasting at least ten years.
* * * Minimal Setup * * *
These are my highly recommended brands
knife guards
Of course I bring my own freshly sharpened knives to cook sessions. To transport them safely, I place them in these knife guards. If you're traveling anywhere with a kitchen knife, this is the minimalist way. I mean, who doesn't travel with knives, right?!
vegetable peeler
I admit, I am in love with the OXO brand. They seem to truly test their products and understand the consumer. This OXO peeler is excellent for peeling potatoes, cucumbers, and making lemon twists.
multi-purpose grater
This six-sided Cuisipro grater is like a Swiss army knife. I can zest lemons, grate cheese, mince ginger, and mandolin slice zucchini.
citrus juice press
You'll find yourself using this juice press more often than you think. There is a large (orange) press, medium (lemon), and small (lime). I find the sizes silly. Just get the lemon size and call it good for all three citrus fruits. If you drink cocktails at all, bonus.
* * * The Equipment Box * * *
My exact equipment box (fits in one bin)
immersion blender
You may notice this Breville immersion blender attached to my hand during half the cook session. I use it to puree marinara, vegetable soups, salad dressings, and pesto. It's way less cleanup than a food processor.
vegetable peeler
I admit, I am in love with the OXO brand. They seem to truly test their products and understand the consumer. This OXO peeler is excellent for peeling potatoes, cucumbers, and making lemon twists.
mini whisk
I love this OXO mini whisk! I use it for simple sauces on a daily basis. So cute. I've had the same one for about five years and currently shows no signs of wear.
multi-purpose grater
This six-sided Cuisipro grater is like a Swiss army knife. I can zest lemons, grate cheese, mince ginger, and mandolin slice zucchini.
knife guards
Of course I bring my own freshly sharpened knives to cook sessions. To transport them safely, I place them in these knife guards. If you're traveling anywhere with a kitchen knife, this is the minimalist way. I mean, who doesn't travel with knives, right?!
citrus juice press
You'll find yourself using this juice press more often than you think. There is a large (orange) press, medium (lemon), and small (lime). I find the sizes silly. Just get the lemon size and call it good for all three citrus fruits. If you drink cocktails at all, bonus.
mini tongs
These Tovolo mini tongs are the best! This was another one of those items I started using in someone's client, then found out how useful they were. It's the item I didn't know I needed until I had it!
meat thermometer
I have found that I do love the probe thermometer with a cord. The probe goes into the meat while the cord and brain of the thermometer can be outside the oven. Genius.
fine mesh sieve
This is my second favorite kitchen tool after the immersion blender. Behold, the OXO fine mesh sieve for rinsing rice and quinoa plus draining pasta and sauces. I've tested out numerous models and learned to never buy an off-brand sieve. Cheap sieves fail by rusting, the handle breaking, or having weird edges that catch food particles, making cleaning difficult.
meat cutting board
For cutting meat, I prefer this white plastic cutting board. The white color easily shows off any deep nicks or food stains so I know when it's time to replace. It's also dishwasher safe, bonus.
can opener
I tried out several crappy models before appreciating this OXO can opener. I added the can opener to my equipment box when I began to encounter those crazy Swiss-style can openers that I can't figure out!
masher
This Tovolo silicone masher is the brain behind guacamole mashing, refried beans, and of course, mashed potatoes. I love all things silicone, so easy to clean. The Tovolo brand is known for its fun colors.
vegetable cutting board
I always carry a bamboo cutting board for vegetables. I love how this one can be personalized! I'm already planning on who to gift it to next.
labeling Sharpies
For labeling Pyrex containers, I place a strip of masking tape on the top and fill out the label with a fine-point black Sharpie. The fine point makes for a more legible of name of the dish and date.
all-purpose spoon
Tovolo makes such quality products that this spoon will last years and quickly become your favorite all-purpose utensil as well. There's on in my equipment box and one in my kitchen drawer.
measuring spoons
Rather than those annoying measuring spoons on a ring, these OXO measuring spoons snap together, so one can be used without having to watch the entire group. Great invention!
non-abrasive sponges
Abrasive sponges can scratch expensive appliance surfaces, so it's important to bring along non-abrasive sponges like these from Scotch-Brite.
container labeling tape
Your container labels need to be sticky enough to adhere to the food container, but not so sticky the client is annoyed with your choice of tape. Scotch is my preferred brand as the cheaper brands do not stick to containers and instead get lost in the frig.
Go from "I don't know where to begin" to running a profitable personal chef business so you have control over your own hours and income.
Learn More aboutthe Meal Prep Business Course
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