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Need some help in the kitchen? Former White House chef Andre Rush knows a thing or two. He worked under four U.S. Presidents - Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Donald Trump.
He has years of experience and he’s happy to share cooking tips for home chefs and mistakes to avoid in the kitchen.
· Every home cook should know how to break down and use a whole chicken - Rush recommends using every bit of this “versatile protein” including bones for stocks, broths or sauces. Knowing how to use the entire chicken can save you money at the grocery store and he says you can turn the bird into a couple of dozen dishes.
· Plan ahead and do your research when cooking for a big group - Even if you’re not feeding the masses at a White House dinner, you still need to plan ahead. He advises considering who your guests are before deciding what and how much you need, as well as prepping the food you can days ahead of time to save you time the day of the dinner.
· The mise-en-place [[MEEZ ahn plahs]] method can be a lifesaver - It’s a French phrase meaning “everything in its place” and it refers to getting your ingredients measured and ready to use before you start.
· Overbuying is one of the most common cooking mistakes - Planning ahead can also help you avoid overbuying, which he sees home cooks do all the time. Before you shop, know how many people will be dining and break down ingredients you need per person, for food and wine, too.
· And the “worst” mistake a home cook can make? - Over-seasoning, according to Rush. “That's the worst, worst, worst possible thing they could possibly do,” the chef explains. “I tell people you can always add to, but you can't take away.”