The Swedish Chef: March 2011

Sunday, March 27, 2011

My first time

Well, this is my first official posting! OK, there was the Amish Sugar Cookie recipe, but that was just a test. I am excited to be on here and hope to be able to share things with all of you, and learn some things as well. Here is a sampling of some of the things I like to cook.

Amish Sugar Cookies

1 c. granulated sugar

1 c. confectioners sugar

1 c. butter

1 c. oil

2 eggs

4 ½ c. flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. cream of tartar

2 tsp. vanilla

Cream butter, sugars, and oil. Add eggs and vanilla. Add dry ingredients, mix well. Place dough in the refrigerator for a few hours. Make walnut-sized balls and place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Press down with a fork, then sprinkle with sugar. Bake at 350º for 10-12 minutes.

Contact The Swedish Chef

Questions? Comments? Submissions? Email me at swedishchefcooks@yahoo.com or call 814-779-5210. I'd love to hear from you!

In-home meals and catering: I can craft a meal, small gathering, or special occasion dinner to your liking. Let me do the work, while you sit back and enjoy!

Cooking lessons and demonstrations for up to 4 people (3 hour minimum): For just $25/hour plus the cost of food, I can show you how to prepare the food you love or the meals you never thought you could make. Let me show you just how easy and enjoyable it can be!

Pricing is for services provided in Warren County. For services that would require travel outside of Warren County, please contact me for specific rate information. Please allow two weeks for preparation and planning.

The Whole Story

Hi! My name is Randall Swanson, but I go by “Randy.” I am so excited to have you visit my website. I am 63 years old, a retired teacher, a father, and grandfather – and I have a passion for cooking. My father was a professional chef. My mother was a housewife, but an extremely great cook. I grew up having a home-cooked meal everyday.

I became interested in cooking as a young boy, watching my father or my mother preparing meals. I think this is what really influenced my love and appreciation for food. Although there were not many cooking programs on television, I remember, as a young boy, watching “The French Chef” with Julia Child. She spawned an interest for me in cooking. I began cooking at an early age, often helping my mother prepare the evening meal. This gave me the confidence to cook for other people. Over the years, I continued to watch as many cooking programs as I could. Many PBS chefs such as Julia Child, Jacques Pepin, and Jeff Smith were influences on me. Graham Kerr was also a major influence. I believe what I learned the most from the television chefs was technique, and it gave me the confidence to prepare various meals on my own.

I have appeared on WPSU-TV (State College, PA) several times giving cooking demonstrations in their “Alphabet” cooking series. Here in Warren, I have entered cooking competitions and have won the grand prize two years, and first prize in several categories. In 2008, one of my recipes was published in the Perkins Restaurant 50th anniversary cookbook. I have also done some small catering projects.

Although I prepare several Swedish recipes passed down from my father, my cuisine is very versatile. I love to modify and customize existing recipes, as well as creating my own versions of classic favorites. I hope that you will enjoy your visit to this website. I will be posting some of my favorite recipes and will try to show techniques through pictures. I would welcome your questions and comments. Let me know if you have made one of my dishes and what the results were. Once again, thank you for visiting and I hope you enjoy!

Tills nästa gang!

The Swedish Chef

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Swedish Chef - Meatballs

Sunday, March 27, 2011

My first time

Amish Sugar Cookies