We’re all looking forward to planned and impromptu events where we’re hosting our friends and family or being invited to someone else’s home. Although we have all navigated a lot of uncertainty, we have all found our comfort zones when it comes to getting back to the lives that we lived prior to the pandemic. We took sometime to chat with Claire Robinson who is a TV Personality on Food Network, a cookbook author and chef. We wanted to find out how we can get back into preparing for a number of meals that we’ll be cooking whether we know weeks in advance or need to do so in a flash!
ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you fall in love with food and realize that you wanted to make it your career?
CHEF CLAIRE ROBINSON: My French-speaking grandmother was a major influence on my love for food, a joy that was passed on through many generations in my family. After graduating from college, I worked multiple jobs in media and sports marketing. But, I realized I would never love another career the way I loved cooking, so I decided to pursue my dream and attend the French Culinary Institute in New York City.
AM: Tell us about your culinary background.
CHEF CR: I graduated from the French Culinary Institute in November 2005. Along with being an accomplished private chef, I also spent time working on culinary production teams for several cooking series, including Food Network’s Easy Entertaining With Michael Chiarello and PBS’s Everyday Baking for Everyday Food. In 2009, I launched my own Food Network show, 5 Ingredient Fix, as well as a cookbook by the same name. In April 2010, I also joined Food Network’s primetime lineup as the host of Food Network Challenge.
AM: With many of us getting vaccines and beginning to re-enter into entertaining with friends and family, what ingredients should we have on hand for summer get-together?
CHEF CR: For me, the best dishes feature carefully selected foods with distinct flavors that make for easy and straightforward cooking. Having a good base of versatile ingredients is key so you’re not stuck in the kitchen the whole time. For the summer, that means fixings like fresh, seasonal fruit and veggies – such as from local farmer’s markets – and a variety of protein options so people can cater to their likes. Then you’ll also need the staples like premium butter and cheeses to bring any dish from standby to standout. My go-to brand is Kerrygold, which is made from Irish grass-fed cows and has a rich, creamy flavor.
AM: What are 3 go-to dished that you like to include for a planned event that you’re hosting?
CR: Everyone wants to be grilling in the warmer weather, and who doesn’t love the classics? I revamped a summer staple, a grilled chicken sandwich, by adding a Hawaiian twist. They’re super simple to put together, and the sweet pineapple mixed with the savory barbecue sauce screams summer. My secret to making this dish stand out even more is to place one Kerrygold Savory Cheddar Cheese slice on top of each chicken breast and cook until melted. This unique, full-flavored cheddar, with a slightly sweet profile and a smooth finish, hits all the right notes for a rich, Irish cheese. Finally, spread some Kerrygold Irish Butter with Olive Oil on your buns, grill those for a few minutes and you’re all set. Top with grilled pineapple rings, red onion, lettuce and extra barbecue sauce on the side.
Another tried-and-true seasonal dish is grilled corn on the cob. The unique add to this recipe is infusing your butter with chili and topping off with toasted pumpkin seeds. After you’ve grilled your corn, you’ll take softened, premium Kerrygold Irish Butter with Olive Oil – which was recently ranked “Best Butter” in the 2021 PEOPLE Magazine Food Awards – and whisk that with your favorite hot sauce.
For a crowd-pleasing starter, kick-off the meal with a summer cobb salad. Romaine lettuce, avocado, tomatoes, eggs and more are tossed with quality, creamy Kerrygold Mild Shredded Cheddar Cheese and served with ranch dressing.
AM: If you’re attending an event hosted by a friend or family member that has a planned menu, what do you suggest that a guest could bring?
CHEF CR: I’d recommend a fresh summer dessert, such as a strawberry layer cake, or a classic, yet easy to pull together, appetizer like a cheese and charcuterie board.
AM: Many are returning to the Hamptons or the Shore to stay at beach homes. If you’re hosting a weekend or series of days, what is the best way to approach creating dishes for family meals?
CHEF CR: It’s impossible to please everyone, so when entertaining big groups, I keep things classic and simple. I like using ingredients that can be used for several different meals, that way I cut down my grocery store runs. Customization is also key when planning for multiple days – I always buy a mix of protein options, such as chicken, steak, burgers, portobello for the veggie lovers or more, and I stock up on a variety of cheeses and fresh veggies and fruit. I’ve found that allowing your guests to build their own meals means they can choose what they like, and you can enjoy the party, too! For example, if you’re making that Hawaiian chicken sandwich I mentioned, leave out your other protein options and lots of extra pineapple, tomatoes, cheese and sauce, that way people can add or take away what they like. I know I’ll be loading up my sandwich with extra Kerrygold cheese!
AM: For an impromptu gathering you’re hosting, what are dishes that are quick and easy, but look like you spent a lot of time for arriving guests?
CHEF CR: For an easy wow factor, bring a variety of colors into each dish presentation. Whether that’s tropical fruit for salad toppings and cocktails or an array of hues for your specialty cheeseboard, a little color will go a long way for your next gathering.
Sandwiches are one of the easiest meals to whip together. An easy presentation tip for those is to stack them. I always do that at the very last moment, though – letting them cool on their own so things don’t melt and stick together too much. The trickiest part of sandwiches can be getting the cheese to melt perfectly. It definitely takes some perfecting, so if I’m in a rush, I’ll use shredded cheeses, like Kerrygold’s Savory or Mild shredded cheddars, to ensure an even melt where I don’t overcook my protein. Plus, with Kerrygold, I know I’m getting the same rich and creamy flavor in their shreds that I do in their slices and specialty cheeses.
AM: What are some tips that you have that can help us get ready when it’s time to prep for entertaining?
CHEF CR: Using a butter with olive oil is perfect when grilling— it saves a step because you’re able to put the butter straight on the grill since it can stand a higher heat point than regular butter! I was ecstatic when Kerrygold came out with this product earlier this year, because now I can use my favorite butter brand for all occasions. Whether for at-home cooks or professional chefs, butter is the easiest way to add more flavor to any dish.
Another easy trick is to use the ingredients in all your meals as your tablescape and décor. If you’re using fresh tomatoes, grab a handful of them and put them in a bowl on the table, and there you go! Now you have extra ingredients out if you run out and it adds a pop of color to the space.
AM: What tips do you have to build the perfect charcuterie board?
CHEF CR: Start with the cheese, using a variety of Kerrygold premium specialty cheeses with sweet and sharp notes – like Dubliner, Skellig and Cashel Blue. For a fun twist, cut them into different shapes to add pops of color that make the board look as delicious as it tastes. Next, add in a couple of quality meats, like prosciutto or salami. Pair them with crackers, bread, nuts and some mustard, jam or honey. Finally, add a fruit that you already have on hand. And voila!
AM: We’ve seen you on Food Network and always love hearing your take on dishes being made, do you have any special projects coming up that we should keep an eye out for?
CHEF CR: Thank you! Check out my newest show, Real Time, streaming with Discovery+, where I show you how easy it is to rival takeout and be your own chef as I lift the veil behind cooking shows and cook every dish in Real Time!
