tad markley
photo credit // ross forman
Tad Markley offers Valentine's Day tips for meals and sweet treats
Chicago, IL -
Flowers and chocolate always make a good Valentine's Day gift, and millions of each are delivered every Feb. 14.
But what if you want to go above and beyond for that special someone, not just spring for the customary roses and/or boxed chocolates with mystery fillings? Cooking a Valentine's Day dinner is, of course, super special and a homemade dessert is, well, the frosting on the cake for a perfect holiday.
And if you're not too skilled in the kitchen?
No worries, said Tad Markley, 27, who lives in Lakeview and is the Executive Chef for Conn's Catering.
"Try and think of simple ideas that you and your significant other could work on together," Markley said. "Don't overstep your boundaries, though, and end up with a mess. Focus on recipes that you're familiar with and you could work on with a partner.
"Work with a mentor or someone who knows their way around the kitchen. They'll be able to show you some great tips and shortcuts. Find a friend in the industry, or ask a family member.
"The way to someone's heart is through their stomach. So think of meals that you know you'll both enjoy and aren't too difficult or time-consuming to prepare."
Markley has lived in Chicago for the past eight years after growing up near Peoria, and has been partnered for four years.
"I've always had a passion for cooking," Markley said. "My dad taught me a lot (about cooking) growing up, and my first job was (as) a busboy in a small restaurant. I enjoyed the environment and decided to pursue culinary school."
Markley now cooks all types of cuisines, yet his favorites are Latin American dishes. "I also really enjoy baking and love experimenting with new desserts," he said.
Markley said the kitchen is his sporting field of play, where he has the ability to produce different types of food to feed friends, family, or clients. "Through the kitchen I can fully channel my craft to express my creativity and passion," he said.
What's a key to conquering the kitchen?
Timing, preparation, and organization, he said.
"I can take a step back and analyze what needs to be done, create an attack plan, execute and deliver in a timely matter," Markley said. "I'm always looking for inspiration to better myself," as a chef.
"I love working close with wedding couples to create the perfect menu for their big day, and then preparing everything perfectly to make their event special."
But with the good comes the bad, and for Markley, that is: cleaning, which he admittedly dreads.
When asked for cooking tips, Markley said, "Don't be afraid to add ingredients here and there to the recipes you're following." Such as, bacon.
For Valentine's Day, Markley said a meal should be "flavorful, but light, not too fatty or greasy." For instance, baked fish, roasted rack of lamb, served with some colorful, fresh roasted or steamed veggies.
For dessert, Markley said, "Make it cute and personal by writing his/her name on the plate with chocolate, or making something heart shaped."
A few years ago, Markley showed his partner how to make ravioli from scratch – and that was their Valentine's Day adventure. "It was a cute chance to get a little messy, but spend quality time together and make something we both really enjoyed," he said. "We stuffed them with lobster meat ... it was delicious."
Markley added, "My partner makes a great chicken dish, (which) he makes (for) me from time to time. But we enjoy cooking together most of the time."
Fun Fact:
Markley was gifted a sewing machine over the holidays, and said he's "looking forward to being able to express my creativity in other art forms ... maybe someday I'll be making custom chef gear."
Easy Treat To Make: Recipe for Mini Chocolate Cake with raspberry frosting and raspberry sauce
1 box of chocolate cake mix
1 can of vanilla frosting
1 tablespoon of raspberry extract
5 drops of red food coloring
1 bag of frozen raspberries
1 cup of granulated sugar
1 pint of fresh raspberries for garnish
1 small heart-shaped box of chocolates, perhaps Russell Stover brand, or if you happen to have a heart-shaped cookie-cutter around
Prepare and bake the cake in two bread pans.
Let cool to room temperature and slice in half horizontally (a piece of floss will help you out here).
Whisk together the frosting, extract, and food coloring.
Meanwhile, cook your frozen raspberries and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat for about 15 minutes.
Use your small box of chocolates or cookie-cutter to cut the heart shapes out of the cake.
Begin assembly by layering each layer of cake with frosting.
Garnish with the raspberry sauce and fresh raspberries.
Eat, enjoy
But what if you want to go above and beyond for that special someone, not just spring for the customary roses and/or boxed chocolates with mystery fillings? Cooking a Valentine's Day dinner is, of course, super special and a homemade dessert is, well, the frosting on the cake for a perfect holiday.
And if you're not too skilled in the kitchen?
No worries, said Tad Markley, 27, who lives in Lakeview and is the Executive Chef for Conn's Catering.
"Try and think of simple ideas that you and your significant other could work on together," Markley said. "Don't overstep your boundaries, though, and end up with a mess. Focus on recipes that you're familiar with and you could work on with a partner.
"Work with a mentor or someone who knows their way around the kitchen. They'll be able to show you some great tips and shortcuts. Find a friend in the industry, or ask a family member.
"The way to someone's heart is through their stomach. So think of meals that you know you'll both enjoy and aren't too difficult or time-consuming to prepare."
Markley has lived in Chicago for the past eight years after growing up near Peoria, and has been partnered for four years.
"I've always had a passion for cooking," Markley said. "My dad taught me a lot (about cooking) growing up, and my first job was (as) a busboy in a small restaurant. I enjoyed the environment and decided to pursue culinary school."
Markley now cooks all types of cuisines, yet his favorites are Latin American dishes. "I also really enjoy baking and love experimenting with new desserts," he said.
Markley said the kitchen is his sporting field of play, where he has the ability to produce different types of food to feed friends, family, or clients. "Through the kitchen I can fully channel my craft to express my creativity and passion," he said.
What's a key to conquering the kitchen?
Timing, preparation, and organization, he said.
"I can take a step back and analyze what needs to be done, create an attack plan, execute and deliver in a timely matter," Markley said. "I'm always looking for inspiration to better myself," as a chef.
"I love working close with wedding couples to create the perfect menu for their big day, and then preparing everything perfectly to make their event special."
But with the good comes the bad, and for Markley, that is: cleaning, which he admittedly dreads.
When asked for cooking tips, Markley said, "Don't be afraid to add ingredients here and there to the recipes you're following." Such as, bacon.
For Valentine's Day, Markley said a meal should be "flavorful, but light, not too fatty or greasy." For instance, baked fish, roasted rack of lamb, served with some colorful, fresh roasted or steamed veggies.
For dessert, Markley said, "Make it cute and personal by writing his/her name on the plate with chocolate, or making something heart shaped."
A few years ago, Markley showed his partner how to make ravioli from scratch – and that was their Valentine's Day adventure. "It was a cute chance to get a little messy, but spend quality time together and make something we both really enjoyed," he said. "We stuffed them with lobster meat ... it was delicious."
Markley added, "My partner makes a great chicken dish, (which) he makes (for) me from time to time. But we enjoy cooking together most of the time."
Fun Fact:
Markley was gifted a sewing machine over the holidays, and said he's "looking forward to being able to express my creativity in other art forms ... maybe someday I'll be making custom chef gear."
Easy Treat To Make: Recipe for Mini Chocolate Cake with raspberry frosting and raspberry sauce
1 box of chocolate cake mix
1 can of vanilla frosting
1 tablespoon of raspberry extract
5 drops of red food coloring
1 bag of frozen raspberries
1 cup of granulated sugar
1 pint of fresh raspberries for garnish
1 small heart-shaped box of chocolates, perhaps Russell Stover brand, or if you happen to have a heart-shaped cookie-cutter around
Prepare and bake the cake in two bread pans.
Let cool to room temperature and slice in half horizontally (a piece of floss will help you out here).
Whisk together the frosting, extract, and food coloring.
Meanwhile, cook your frozen raspberries and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat for about 15 minutes.
Use your small box of chocolates or cookie-cutter to cut the heart shapes out of the cake.
Begin assembly by layering each layer of cake with frosting.
Garnish with the raspberry sauce and fresh raspberries.
Eat, enjoy
