Love, laughter, and culinary magic: a recipe for the perfect Valentine's Day! 🍽️💕
This Valentine's Day, get ready to spice up your romance with a dash of culinary adventure, courtesy of the dynamic duo, Chuck Cruz and Hailee Catalano. These chefs have captured the hearts of thousands with their online cooking show, where every Friday night dinner is a feast for the senses.
But who are these culinary lovebirds? Chuck and Hailee met at The Culinary Institute of America, where a late arrival and a cheeky attitude from Chuck caught Hailee's attention. Despite Chuck's self-proclaimed inexperience, they formed an unlikely partnership, bonding over their shared passion for food. Hailee, a high school cooking competition champion, was the culinary expert, while Chuck brought his goofy charm.
As their relationship blossomed, so did their culinary adventures. Working in restaurant kitchens in Chicago and Jersey City, they discovered a unique synergy in the kitchen, effortlessly cooking side by side. Their secret? A shared love for the craft and an unspoken understanding of each other's moves.
Fast forward to today, and Hailee's TikTok fame has brought their cooking to a whole new audience. With nearly two million followers, their videos are a delightful blend of mouth-watering recipes and heartwarming moments, often featuring their dog, Gus.
For this Valentine's Day, Chuck and Hailee share a special recipe that's close to their hearts: Salmon and Citrus Tartare with Potato Chips. This dish is a playful twist on the classic surf and turf, perfect for a romantic evening. The tartare, adorned with blood oranges and guajillo chile oil, is a vibrant celebration of love and flavor.
But here's where it gets personal... Their first Valentine's Day as culinary students was spent at Burger King, which, surprisingly, was decked out for the occasion! This humble beginning is a testament to their shared love for food, no matter the setting.
As they dream of opening a restaurant together, Chuck and Hailee cherish the joy of cooking and creating memories. Their journey is a reminder that love and food go hand in hand, and sometimes, the simplest moments can be the most romantic.
A word from the chefs: "It's about finding joy in the kitchen and sharing it with the person you love. That's what makes every meal special." - Chuck and Hailee
Ingredients:
Guajillo Oil:
- 1 cup olive oil
- 5 guajillos, prepared and toasted
- 2 tsp annatto powder
- 1-inch ginger, peeled and sliced
- 2 orange peels, shaved
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
- 1 tsp coriander seeds
Tartare:
- 1 small shallot, minced
- 1 blood orange, diced
- Lemon juice
- 1 finger chile, minced
- Fresh chives
- Castelvetrano olives
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Fish sauce
- High-quality salmon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Flake salt
- Potato chips for serving
Instructions:
- Prepare the guajillo oil by infusing the olive oil with the prepared guajillos, annatto powder, ginger, orange peels, peppercorns, and coriander seeds.
- For the tartare, combine the shallot, blood orange, lemon juice, chile, chives, olives, olive oil, and fish sauce. Gently mix in the diced salmon and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve the tartare with a drizzle of guajillo oil, a sprinkle of flake salt, and some crunchy potato chips on the side.
And this is the part most people miss... Chuck and Hailee's journey is a reminder that love can be found in the most unexpected places, even in a fast-food restaurant on Valentine's Day. So, embrace the joy of cooking and sharing it with your loved ones, and who knows, you might just create your own culinary love story!
What's your take on Chuck and Hailee's romantic culinary journey? Do you think cooking together is a recipe for love? Let us know in the comments below! 🥰🍽️
