Bills Great Meal Personal Chef Service in Long Island – Offering healthy cooking for your dinner parties, birthday parties, holiday meals, low fat meals, kosher meals and provide cooking lessons, gift certificates, healthy meals, special dietary needs at your own home kitchen in Suffolk & Nassau County, the Hamptons, Easthampton, Southampton, Sag Harbor, Watermill, Westhampton, Cold Spring Harbor, Northport, Centerport and Mutton town.


Chef Bill McCabe
Personal Chef

Proud Member of American
Personal Chef Association


Fresh Healthy Cauliflower

June 4th, 2022 by Chef Bill

Now is a good time of year to Enjoy Cauliflower!

Good-quality cauliflower will have white or slightly off-white heads that are firm with no space between the curds. The leaves should be fresh and green. There is no quality difference between large and small heads. Avoid cauliflower that is soft or wilting, has ivory to light brown coloring or that has small dark spots on the curds. Keep cold and humid and use as soon as possible.

Below is a recipe my clients enjoy!

Popcorn Cauliflower Recipe

Ingredients
• 1 tsp salt .
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder .
• 1/2 tsp paprika .
• 1/4 tsp onion powder .
• 2 tsps stevia .
• 1/4-1/2 tsp turmeric .
• 1 head of cauliflower, cut head into medium sized florets

Mix dry spices together. Place florets in a bowl and lightly spray with an Extra Virgin Olive Oil Spray. Then toss evenly with spice mixture.

Directions
• Step #1 Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
• Step #2 Combine salt, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, stevia and turmeric.
• Step #3Toss cauliflower with spice mixture, place single layer on a parchment paper lined baking pan.
• Step #4 Bake 30 minutes uncovered.

Happy Eating!

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Enjoy An Apple A Day!

March 27th, 2022 by Chef Bill

To get the most out of apples, wash before eating and leave the skin on — it contains half of the fiber and many of the polyphenols.

1. Apples Are Nutritious
Apples are a good source of fiber and vitamin C. They also contain polyphenols, which may have numerous health benefits.

2. Apples May Be Good for Your Heart
Apples promote heart health in several ways. They’re high in soluble fiber, which helps lower cholesterol. They also have polyphenols, which are linked to lower blood pressure and stroke risk.

3. They’re Linked to a Lower Risk of Diabetes
Eating apples is linked to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes. This is possibly due to their polyphenol antioxidant content.

4. They May Have Prebiotic Effects and Promote Good Gut Bacteria
Apples contain pectin, a type of fiber that acts as a prebiotic. This means it feeds the good bacteria in your gut.

5. Apples Contain Compounds That Can Help Fight Asthma
Apples contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds that may help regulate immune responses and protect against asthma.

Apples are also a rich source of polyphenols. While nutrition labels don’t list these plant compounds, they’re likely responsible for many of the health benefits.

My favorite Apple is a nice Crisp Gala Apple!

Happy Eating!

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Let Healthy Long Island Broccoli Help You Build a Better Body

October 5th, 2021 by Chef Bill

Broccoli may not be at the top of your favorite-foods list, but it should be. From
boosting immunity to strengthening your skeleton and joints to cutting cancer
risk, here are 10 ways this cruciferous veggie sends your health soaring.
Broccoli might not be the most popular vegetable around, but it’s certainly one of the most
nutritious. Considered a superfood for its nutritional value and disease-fighting properties, broccoli Is high in fiber, antioxidants, B vitamins, vitamins A, C, K, and the mineral iron, all of which are essential for a healthy diet. More recently, broccoli has also been praised for its ability to combat osteoarthritis.
Widely recognized as a cancer fighter, broccoli’s health perks stem throughout the body.
Below is a fantastic broccoli recipe that I prepare often and my clients love it!

Broccoli with Red Pepper Flakes and Toasted Garlic

Ingredients
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 6 cups broccoli florets (about 1 head)
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup water
•
Preparation
Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add broccoli, kosher salt, crushed red pepper, and sliced garlic. Sauté 2 minutes. Add 1/4 cup water. Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook for 2 minutes or until broccoli is crisp-tender.

Nutritional Information
Amount per serving

Calories: 53, Calories from fat: 46%Fat: 2.7g, Saturated fat: 0.4g, Monounsaturated fat: 1.7g, Polyunsaturated fat: 0.4g, Protein: 3.3g, Carbohydrate: 6.4g, Fiber: 3.2g, Cholesterol: 0.0mg, Iron: 1mg, Sodium: 147mg, Calcium: 55mg

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New Years Resolution 2020

December 2nd, 2019 by Chef Bill

As we enter the new year with our New Year’s
resolutions for 2020, let’s plan on doing it smart this year. January 1st is a
bad time to start a diet. The weather is coldest now and our attempts to
limit calories usually fall short as our bodies crave carbs and protein to
give us energy.

Instead of going on a diet, save your diet plan for March or April when the temperature starts to moderate. Outdoor exercise is easier AND healthier as we soak
up some vitamin D as well as take advantage of more salads and light
meals.

A common question that people have is “Can diet soda actually cause one to
gain weight?” The answer is a surprising yes! If you’re drinking diet soda
and think you can get away with that order of fries or sweets, you just
end up adding on to your calories. The chemicals used to sweeten the diet soda are
universally thought to be bad for us and they trick the body into bad
reactions that often cause you to gain weight. In addition, much has been and is
continuing to be written about our gut bacteria. Recent research indicates
that gut bacteria reacts poorly to artificial sweeteners in diet soda which
likely impacts insulin, there by leading us to weight gain.

So instead of making a new year’s resolution to diet, make a positive change
in your life and give up diet soda. Replace it with plain sparkling water or
Seltzer with lemon or pomegranate. Your body will thank you for it!

To help you with your weight loss via customized “High Protein – Low Carb Meals”.
Please email Bill @ www.personalchefbill.com

Eat Well..Be Well… Chef Bill

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New Years Resolutions 2019

January 3rd, 2019 by Chef Bill

As we enter the new year with our New Year’s
resolutions, let’s plan on doing it smart this year. January 1st is a
bad time to start a diet. The weather is coldest now and our attempts to
limit calories usually fall short as our bodies crave carbs and protein to
give us energy.

Instead of going on a diet, save your diet plan for March or April when the temperature starts to moderate. Outdoor exercise is easier AND healthier as we soak
up some vitamin D as well as take advantage of more salads and light
meals.

A common question that people have is “Can diet soda actually cause one to
gain weight?” The answer is a surprising yes! If you’re drinking diet soda
and think you can get away with that order of fries or sweets, you just
end up adding on to your calories. The chemicals used to sweeten the diet soda are
universally thought to be bad for us and they trick the body into bad
reactions that often cause you to gain weight. In addition, much has been and is
continuing to be written about our gut bacteria. Recent research indicates
that gut bacteria reacts poorly to artificial sweeteners in diet soda which
likely impacts insulin, there by leading us to weight gain.

So instead of making a new year’s resolution to diet, make a positive change
in your life and give up diet soda. Replace it with plain sparkling water or
Seltzer with lemon or pomegranate. Your body will thank you for it!

Eat Well… Chef Bill

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Healthy Snacking

October 30th, 2018 by Chef Bill

Healthy Fall Snacking:
As fall quietly creeps up on us and summer fades, our eating habits change but it’s not always for the better. The arrival of colder temperatures stirs our bodies to crave more carbs, just like bears and many other animals that are known to over eat and put on pounds to get them through the winter. Although humans have evolved, our metabolism remains rooted in survival techniques that evolved over time. The expression “you can’t fight Mother Nature” comes to mind.

The fall holiday season also brings temptations as we have numerous traditional foods that everyone wants to eat, from the normal excess of thanksgiving to the sweets and sugar binges surrounding Christmas. Follow these tips to try and hold back the worst of the holiday season.

Make sure you keep alternate lower calorie snacks on hand, especially at work where co-workers can quickly change your plans with pastries and candy.

A breakfast of a organic multigrain bread (Dave’s Killer 21 grain organic bread from Costco is outstanding…..as is Dave’s amazing personal tale of addiction and recovery) with almond or peanut butter provides protein and high fiber slow digesting carbs that stick to your ribs and keeps you satisfied longer.

A great snack to bring to work is a hardboiled egg, protein rich and filling.

Try and break at least one bad eating habit you have. If it’s that flavored Starbucks Mocha coffee in the Venti size, make it a short or tall drink instead and cut your calories in half. Better yet, try a plain coffee to save calories and money, it’s a win, win!

Make an effort to get just a little more exercise as the days get shorter and we spend less time outdoors. Take the stairs whenever possible, walk a few blocks more to the next subway or bus stop and get out during the day for at least a little bit of sunshine and fresh air.

While no one wants to diet during the holidays (and would most likely fail if attempted), try these little things to alleviate at some of the effects of poor eating that the holiday season always brings.

Eat Well – Be Well!
Chef Bill

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MELT-IN-YOUR-MOUTH-SALMON

June 19th, 2017 by Chef Bill

MELT-IN-YOUR-MOUTH SALMON
Your Guests will beg for this recipe!

When Bill McCabe, owner of Bills Great Meals, a personal chef service, makes this salmon for his clients, they usually ask for a copy of the recipe. “This is one of the best recipes for salmon that I use because the pecans are a delicious, different compliment to the fish,” says Chef Bill. “My clients love to make this for their friends and they tell me that everyone always asks for the recipe.” Chef Bill cautions to keep an eye on the fish and never let it cook until pink.
“That means the salmon is overdone,” says Chef Bill.

Salmon with Pecan Crunch Coating
4 (6 oz) salmon fillets sprinkled with salt and pepper
2 Tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 Tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ Tablespoons honey
1/4 cup Panko or other breadcrumbs
1/4 cup chopped pecans
2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley
Sprinkle salmon with salt and pepper. Place fillets, skin side down, in a lightly greased baking dish. Combine mustard, butter and honey and brush on fillets. Combine bread crumbs, pecans and parsley and spoon mixture evenly on top of each fillet. Bake at 425 degrees for 10 minutes or until fish flakes easily

Bills Great Meals, a customized in-home healthy chef service and is available for busy families in the Long Island area. Chef Bill McCabe offers ‘palate-specific’ healthy meals cooked from fresh ingredients in private homes. “Most of my clients have me come every other week and cook about 10 to 20 servings of High Protein – Low Carb Meals. If they want to entertain on the weekends, I am happy to schedule small dinner parties for regular clients. It really saves them time and they appreciate that.”

Bill McCabe is a member of the American Personal & Private Chef Association (APPCA) and can be contacted at www.PersonalChefBill.com .

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Dinner Parties

May 12th, 2017 by Chef Bill

Below is a Healthy Menu for a Dinner Party that my staff and I prepared and served recently!

Fresh Vegetable Crudités’ Platter
Baby carrot, cucumber, red and celery served with horseradish dipping sauce.

Shrimptini
Classic, Spiced shrimp hung on the rim of a Martini glass. Garnished with shredded lettuce and spicy cocktail sauce.

Won ton Wrapped Chicken
Chicken marinated with brown sugar, salt, garlic, rice wine vinegar, olive oil, and soy sauce. Sealed in a won ton envelope, and Baked till golden. Accompanied with an Apricot Dipping Sauce.

Strawberry Fields Salad
Gourmet greens, arugula sprouts, strawberries and toasted pine nut’s.
Lightly drizzled with a cranberry, walnut, blue cheese dressing sprinkled with honey toasted almonds.

Pan Seared Chicken Breast with Herb Jus
Skin-on chicken breast, cut airline style*. Seasoned with Salt n pepper and pan seared till golden. Served with a pan sauce made of white wine, garlic, thyme, rosemary, unsalted butter, and chives.

Riced Cauliflower & Friends
Riced Cauliflower tossed with Roasted Asparagus and Shitake Mushrooms

Balsamic – Glazed Filet Mignon
Beef tenderloin steaks seasoned with sea salt and pepper. Broiled till medium rare and drizzled with a balsamic glaze made of garlic, crushed red pepper, wine, low – sodium soy sauce, balsamic vinegar and honey.

Mashed Butternut Squash
Butternut Squash, maple syrup, cinnamon, salt pepper and dash of butter

Apple Berry Buckle
Tart Apples, blend of berries, baked with a crisp topping. Served with a Klondike Bar Wedge.

*Airline chicken breasts are chef-inspired, unique boneless skin-on breasts with the first wing section attached.
“Makes for an Elegant Entrée”

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Purchasing The Right Turkey For Your Holiday Meal

November 16th, 2016 by Chef Bill

Buying the right turkey for Thanksgiving dinner involves a lot more than a quick trip to the supermarket: you have to consider how many people you will be serving, how much time the bird will need to thaw, and even whether you have enough room to store the turkey.

Here’s how to get this most basic part of the holiday right.

Selecting the right turkey is essential to success of your dinner. You’ll want about 3/4 to 1 pound per person, so do the math before shopping. All turkeys in the supermarket would make good choices, as they’re all required to meet USDA standards for quality and safety. However, there are different grades out there to choose from. For your Thanksgiving dinner, you’ll definitely want to choose Grade A. Many turkeys are pre-basted, which is a great choice if you want a turkey that’s guaranteed to be moist and delicious. You will definitely want to make sure that the turkey you choose has a pop up timer. This will ensure that your turkey gets cooked to perfection. You can choose from fresh or frozen turkeys. They’re both good, but there are some benefits to buying a fresh turkey.

For one, there’s no thawing time required. Also a fresh turkey is normally a little more juicer than a frozen one.

Storing Your Turkey
Proper storage is essential to health. A frozen turkey can be safely stored for a long time in the freezer; however a fresh one will only keep for a few days. So, if you choose a fresh turkey for your meal, be sure to purchase it around 2 – 3 days before Thanksgiving to ensure optimum freshness.

If you are using a frozen Turkey you will need to defrost it in the refrigerator (depending upon size) for 3 – 4 days prior to cooking it.

DO NOT DEFROST TURKEY AT ROOM TEMPERATURE

Happy Holidays,
Chef Bill

Long Island Personal Chef

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“High Protein – Low Carbohydrate” Menu

February 8th, 2015 by Chef Bill

Below is a Healthy menu that I will be preparing this week. The meals are all geared towards a high protein – low carbohydrate diet.

Swordfish a with Balsamic Glaze
Rubbed with a blend of sea salt and lemon pepper. Drizzled with a balsamic glaze
Served with Bulgur Wheat tossed with Vegetables
(L=293, D= 485 calories)

Turkey Piccata
Turkey, seasoned whole wheat flour, extra virgin olive oil, dash of butter, garlic, shallot, white wine & capers.
Served with Roasted Vegetables
(L=294, D= 480 calories)

Apricot Chili Glazed Salmon
Salmon glazed with salt, red chili powder and apricot.
Served with Spicy Grilled Zucchini
(L=300, D=500 calories)

Herb Stuffed Chicken Breast
Chicken breast, herb goat cheese, Canadian bacon and hint of chipotle
Served with Healthy Mashed Sweet Potatoes
(L=289, D=498 calories)

Barbeque Roasted Salmon
Salmon marinated with pineapple and lemon juice. Rubbed with low carb sugar, chili powder, cumin, sea salt and cinnamon
Served with Snap Pea, Bell Pepper Sauté
(L=282, D=487 calories)

Cheesy Meat Loaf Minis
Personal sized loafs made of onion, garlic, low carb ketchup parsley, Parmesan, horseradish, Dijon, oregano, pepper, salt, reduced calorie cheddar cheese, lean ground sirloin and egg.
Served with Seasoned Broccoli
(L= 300, D=500 calories)

Grilled Lemon Chicken
Chicken marinated with lemon, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, thyme and rosemary seasoned with lemon pepper.
Served with Grilled asparagus
(L=290, D=480 calories)

Snap Pea & Red Bell Pepper Frittata
Red bell pepper, garlic, crushed red pepper, eggs, snap peas, Parmesan cheese, oregano, salt n pepper
(305 calories)

Canadian bacon Frittata
Eggs, herbs salt n pepper, olive oil, Canadian bacon, Swiss cheese and Broccoli
(326 calories)

Roasted Vegetables with Cheddar Cheese Frittata
Eggs, salt n pepper, cheddar cheese and roasted vegetables
(315 calories)

Happy Eating,
Chef Bill

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