The Underground Chefs Kitchen, Bribie (2026)

15/01/2026

Did you know that Mushrooms can boost their Vitamin D after a short burst of sunlight... (and yes, it’s real) ☀️🍄

I'm sharing a simple health fact I learnt this week from our nutritionist, Linda Kilworth — and it surprised me:

Mushrooms can boost their Vitamin D after a short burst of sunlight.
This is backed by the Australian Mushroom Growers Association, and there’s also a quick explainer video from FOODiQ.

The 15-minute method:

- Place mushrooms on a plate gills-up

- Put them in midday sunlight for ~15 minutes

- Pop them back in the fridge and cook as normal

If you’ve never heard this before, you’re not alone — but it’s an easy, free trick that’s worth trying, especially for anyone thinking about bone and muscle health as we age.

Read my Blog + trusted links here: https://www.undergroundchef.com.au/cook-learn/the-15-minute-vitamin-d-trick-hiding-in-your-mushroom-basket
FOODiQ video: https://youtu.be/stq8UX0eYn4?si=aa5hFIMWXaHfe9kT

It’s easy, free, and takes less time than making a cup of tea. If you try it, come back and tell me — I love practical tips that actualy work
Chef Ian

14/01/2026

If your pantry is full but your food still feels like it’s missing something… you’re not alone.

One of the most common reasons home cooking lacks that “restaurant” flavour is surprisingly simple:
- tired herbs and spices.

They might not be “off”, but if they’ve been sitting for years, they’ve often lost the aroma and lift that makes food taste alive.

Chef Ian’s new blog shows you how to fix it fast:
✅ the smell-test
✅ what to keep / what to replace
✅ the easiest way to refresh your flavour (without buying a whole spice rack)

➡️ Read the blog here:
https://www.undergroundchef.com.au/cook-learn/why-your-herbs-amp-spices-might-be-letting-your-cooking-down

Then try this Week Pantry Challenge: refresh ONE spice and use it two ways this week.

05/01/2026

It’s a New Year — and instead of a big, unrealistic resolution, let’s start with one small change that actually sticks.

Have you ever bought an ingredient for one recipe… used it once… then found it six months later hiding in the back of the pantry? 🙋‍♂️

You’re not alone.

This week’s New Year Pantry Challenge (Week 1) is simple:

👉 Choose ONE ingredient in your pantry and use it in two different ways this week.

That’s it. No pantry purge. No overwhelm. Just a smarter way of thinking about ingredients.

I’ve written a short blog to explain why this happens and how this one shift can reduce clutter, save money, and make cooking feel easier:

➡️ Read Week 1 here: https://www.undergroundchef.com.au/cook-learn/rethinking-the-pantry

If you’d like to join in, comment below:
✅ What ingredient did you choose?
✅ How did you use it twice?

Let’s cook smarter, not harder. 👌
Happy New Year!
Chef Ian

19/12/2025

🎄 Christmas Day Without the Chaos

Before you start cooking this Christmas, pause.

Professional chefs don’t cook everything on the day — they prepare ahead, control temperature, manage food safety and even plan the waste.

I’ve put together a complete Christmas guide covering:
✔ What to prep early
✔ Seafood & prawn handling
✔ Ice, heat & outdoor cooking
✔ Food safety & leftovers
✔ Waste (your neighbours will thank you)

If you want Christmas Day to feel calm, enjoyable and organised — this one’s for you.

👉 Read the full guide here: https://www.undergroundchef.com.au/cook-learn/christmas-day-without-the-chaos

Before we wrap up, a quick note to let you know we’ll be taking a short break over the Christmas period. Our last day will be Tuesday 23rd December, and we’ll be back in the kitchen and ready to go from Monday 5th January.

Thank you for being part of our community this year. Wishing you and your loved ones a safe, relaxed and delicious Christmas — and we’ll see you in the New Year, refreshed and ready for more great cooking ahead.

Warm wishes,
Chef Ian 🎄👨‍🍳

18/12/2025

Our latest Masterclass, tailored specifically for Chefs Table Members, highlights a mouth-watering Confit of Duck Leg with Plum Sauce, served on Asian Master Stock.
This sophisticated, restaurant-quality dish can be readily prepared at home by following our clear instructions and choosing high-quality ingredients from our Pantry.
We would like to express our appreciation to Robyn and Leanne, our wine specialists, for recommending a Ballandean Estate 2025 Novello to accompany this dish.
If you are motivated to refine your culinary techniques and create exceptional, restaurant-quality meals in your own home, we encourage you to join the Chefs Table, our prestigious VIP level of Membership. Join the Underground now
www.undergroundchef.com.au

16/12/2025

We are pleased to announce the launch of our latest recipe tonight: American Style Chicken Wings with Smokey Bourbon BBQ Sauce. An online tutorial is available to our valued Kitchen Confidence and Chefs Table Members. Are you interested in acquiring the skills to create this and numerous other dishes? Join the Underground Chef for a monthly membership fee of only $15, sign up here www.undergroundchef.com.au

12/12/2025

🌩️ Lost Power? Here’s How to Save Your Food (and Your Sanity)

The storm a couple of weeks ago shook all of us, and many are still recovering. We, like you, lost power for a few days and a lot of food with it. As hard as that is, food safety doesn’t bend — even during tough times.

This isn’t about looking back - it’s about sharing some solid, practical tips should you or your loved ones ever face a situation like this again. Many people simply don’t know the safest steps to take, and having the right information can make a tough time a little easier. I hope this helps.

I have written a full guide on what to do with your food, fridge & freezer the moment the power goes out — including:

✔️ What foods are safe
✔️ What MUST be thrown out
✔️ How to pack an esky properly
✔️ The “finger pressure” test
✔️ Why you should never refreeze thawed food
✔️ And why a small generator is worth every dollar

Read the full blog here 👉 https://www.undergroundchef.com.au/cook-learn/when-the-power-goes-out-what-to-do-with-your-food-in-the-fridge-amp-freezer
If in doubt, chuck it out.
Stay well!
Chef Ian

09/12/2025

🎄 What’s NEW in the Pantry: Keep It Fresh Food Vacuum Sealer
Your secret weapon for a stress-free, waste-free Christmas.

If there’s ever a time of year when the fridge is overflowing and leftovers multiply faster than Santa’s elves… it’s Christmas.
That’s where one of Chef Ian’s favourite kitchen tools quietly becomes a hero — the Keep It Fresh Food Vacuum Sealer.

No fuss. No fancy chef tricks. Just simple, clever tech that helps you:

✨ Extend shelf life of meats, cheeses, veggies & baked goodies
✨ Lock in flavour (hello marinades that actually absorb!)
✨ Reduce waste — every dollar counts at Christmas
✨ Save freezer space with neatly stacked, airtight packs
✨ Prep ahead so you’re not stuck in the kitchen on the big day

This is the tool we use every single week in the Underground Chef kitchen — for portioning, freezing, marinating, and keeping ingredients fresher for longer. And right now, when your fridge is working overtime, it’s an absolute game-changer.

Hot tip from Chef Ian:
Vacuum-seal portions of ham, desserts, cookies, or even chopped veggies before Christmas so you’ve always got something ready to go. It also keeps those special leftovers fresher for Boxing Day picnics.

If keeping food fresh, reducing waste, and reclaiming time sounds like your kind of Christmas…
👉 Check it out in the Underground Chef Pantry and see why it’s one of our most-used tools this season. https://www.undergroundchef.com.au/shop/p/keep-it-fresh-food-vacuum-sealer-

08/12/2025

What a day at the Toorbul Community & District Markets! 🌤️🛍️

A huge thank you to everyone who stopped by our stand on Saturday. What an absolutely stunning day — light breeze, sunshine, and a whole lot of wonderful people. Honestly, it reminded us why we love getting out into the community.

Our gourmet gift packs were a real hit (you’ve got great taste, Toorbul!), and plenty of you discovered your own special pantry treasures to take home and savour. If you missed us — don’t worry! We deliver Australia-wide. You can still treat yourself or someone special with our Chef’s Gift Collection and all the other gourmet delights we showcased on the day.
https://www.undergroundchef.com.au/shop/the-pantry/chefs-gift-collection

If you haven’t already, don’t forget to join us over at Underground Chef — pick up a few masterclasses and learn how to make the most of the goodies you purchased. Cooking smarter, not fancier, starts with a couple of simple chef-led tricks.
https://www.undergroundchef.com.au/join-the-underground

🌿 For the brave souls who tried our Matcha Lupin Bliss Balls… and loved them.
You asked — the recipe is here in the description!
https://www.undergroundchef.com.au/shop/p/the-green-goodness-pack-gf-vegan

And if you’re new to lupin, here’s the quick chef’s rundown:
• Gluten-free
• High in protein
• High in fibre
• Low in carbs
• A seriously under-appreciated ingredient that deserves a spot in your kitchen

Blend it into your regular flours and recipes or use it on its own — it’s an easy way to boost nutrition and keep that healthy balance we’re all craving.

Matched with antioxidant-rich Matcha and finished with a little Christmas sparkle, these bite-sized beauties make a guilt-free treat your family and friends will absolutely love. 💚✨

Thanks again, Toorbul — you made our weekend.
See you at the next market! 🥂
— Chef Ian & Karyn, Underground Chef

05/12/2025

NEW! Chef’s Gift Selection — gourmet gifts, handpicked by Chef Ian

Looking for something a little different this Christmas?
We’ve created a beautiful range of unique, chef-curated gourmet gifts — perfect for the flavour lovers, home cooks, entertainers, and “hard to buy for” foodies in your life.

Each gift in our Chef’s Gift Selection is personally chosen by Chef Ian — featuring artisan pantry favourites, small-batch goodies, flavour boosters, and premium ingredients you won’t find in everyday hampers.
These aren’t just gifts… they’re taste adventures waiting to happen.

Why they’re special:

- Handpicked by Chef Ian
- Packed with small-batch, artisan products
- Unique flavour combinations you won’t find anywhere else
- Perfect for hosts, home cooks, and Christmas gifting
- Designed to help you cook smarter, not fancier

And the best part?
- You can see them in person tomorrow!

FIND US AT THE TOORBUL CHRISTMAS MARKETS!
When: This Saturday, 6 December
Time: 8am – 12pm
Where: Esplanade, Toorbul (north of main boat ramp)
What’s On: Christmas goodies, 101.5FM live broadcast, sausage sizzle & more

Come say hello, explore our new gift range, grab a few treats for Christmas entertaining — or let Chef Ian help you choose the perfect gourmet present.

We’d love to see you there!
Let’s make this Christmas extra delicious.

Can’t wait — or want a little sneak preview?

Browse the full Chef’s Gift Selection online anytime.
And yes — we deliver Australia wide!
https://www.undergroundchef.com.au/shop/the-pantry/chefs-gift-collection

04/12/2025

So with 20 days to go before Christmas Day I thought I would post this question. What is your biggest concern regarding your food choices for the big day?
Is it the turkey/ham/seafood? What sides should I serve? Dessert choice traditional vs modern?
Let me know what is worrying you and I will offer my professional advice.
Christmas Day catering should not be stressful, with the correct planning it can be an enjoyable experience.
Regards,
Chef Ian 👨‍🍳

02/12/2025

🥭 WHAT’S IN SEASON: MANGO 🥭
And we’ve paired it with something pretty special…

Introducing this month’s Cook’s Collective recipe:
Vietnamese Prawn & Mango Salad

Sweet Australian mangoes are at their peak right now, and Chef Ian shows you how to turn them into a fresh, light and perfectly balanced summer salad.

Think:
✨ Juicy prawns
✨ Sweet mango strips
✨ Fresh herbs
✨ Crisp veggies
✨ Soft vermicelli
✨ Tangy lime + Vietnamese dressing
✨ All ready in minutes!

In the tutorial, Ian also shares his favourite way to cut a mango — clean cheeks every time using nothing but a spoon.

Perfect for hot weather, quick lunches, entertaining or a beautiful light dinner.

👉 Get the full recipe + video here:
https://youtu.be/03TD1LW2sFo

If you’d love more fresh, simple, seasonal recipes like this, come join us at Underground Chef. The Cook’s Collective is completely FREE — and you’ll get new recipes, tutorials and chef-smart tips. https://www.undergroundchef.com.au/join-the-underground

Cook smarter, not fancier 💛

The Underground Chefs Kitchen

15/01/2026

14/01/2026

05/01/2026

19/12/2025

18/12/2025

16/12/2025

12/12/2025

09/12/2025

08/12/2025

05/12/2025

04/12/2025

02/12/2025

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