Frequently Asked Questions

How does a personal chef service work?

Call me for a free consultation. We will meet for an in-depth discussion of your food preferences and/or dietary restrictions. I will create a personal menu from our interview. We will schedule your cook dates according to your needs- weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly.

On your cook date I will shop for your groceries, looking for the freshest selections. I will arrive at your home with my equipment and the cooking begins. I will prepare your entrees and side dishes as you requested. They will be packaged and labeled with heating directions. You will come home to a refrigerator and freezer filled with home-cooked meals. Enjoy!

If you are following a diet plan just let me know and I can customize your menu to be in line with your diet of choice and you will have portion control built in!

What is the difference between a Personal Chef and a Private Chef?

A private chef is employed by one individual or family full time, and is often ‘living in’ and preparing up to 3 meals a day. A Personal Chef serves several clients, usually one per day, and provides multiple meals that are custom designed for the client’s particular requests and requirements. These meals are packaged and stored for that the client to eat when they like.

Do you cook in my kitchen?

Yes, I do prepare your meals in the safety of your own kitchen. On our agreed upon cooking date I will bring the fresh ingredients for your meals along with my own pots, pans, and utensils. We will discuss entry and security issues at our initial assessment. At the end of the day I will leave your kitchen clean and full of the aroma of good home cooking!

Do I need to be home while you are there?

You do not need to be there. Most of my clients are at work or busy with their daily activities. We can make arrangements for access to your home and you are free to pursue your activities while I take care of your dinners.

How long will it take?

It generally takes anywhere from 4-6 hours to prepare a full five day’s worth of entrées and the accompanying side dishes. I will have done the planning, research and shopping ahead of time.

Will I need to clean up after you leave?

Not at all! I will leave your refrigerator full, your kitchen clean- I even remove the trash! And I use safe, non-toxic cleaners in my client's homes.  

Do I need a big kitchen to have a personal chef?

No, all we need to prepare your meals is minimal counter space and a working oven and stove-top.

How much freezer space do you need?

It depends on the number of meals you request, and the sizes of the containers. But a certain amount of freezer space is required. If you are able to clear out at least half of the freezer portion of your refrigerator, storage will be no problem. Efficient storage is one of the reasons we prefer to select the appropriate size containers for our clients.

What area does your service cover?

In Your Home Cooking covers Leavenworth county, Johnson county, Eastern Douglas county and Western Wyandotte counties in Kansas. If you aren't sure about whether your town is covered just contact me.

How will my meals be packaged?

Your meals are packaged according to your preferences - family-style, for two, or individually. They will be packed in disposable plastic containers, aluminum pans, Rubbermaid™, Pyrex™ dishes or vacuum sealed bags, depending on the item to be packaged and your preference. Any way we do it, you will breeze through clean up! We will charge you a modest fee prior to your first service to purchase reusable containers for you. You will own these containers. They will be suitable for refrigerator and freezer storage and in some cases may go directly from freezer to oven to table.

How difficult is it to heat meals?

Heating meals is very easy and convenient. We will leave detailed heating instructions for each entree and side dish. Any entrees that have been stored for you in your freezer should be defrosted overnight in your refrigerator prior to heating. In some cases, our chef may leave your dinner in your crock-pot, ready to serve as soon as you get home.

How long will the food last?

Usually five entrees are chosen for each cookdate, four servings each. This will provide 20 individual meals, 10 meals for a couple, or five dinners for a family of four. Depending on how many entrees you order, and how many evenings you eat at home we can determine approximately how long your meals will last. If you travel for business, eat in restaurants during the week, or prepare meals of your own this affect how often you need the service. Service can be scheduled weekly, biweekly, monthly, or occasionally.

Is this food really healthier?

We use the freshest ingredients, no preservatives and cook meals from scratch which eliminates a great deal of the salt, fat, and preservatives that are generally found in prepared or restaurant meals. A single frozen meal can contain a staggering amount of starches, sugars, sodium and preservatives. And you choose if you would like organic foods, more whole grains, super foods, or whatever healthful ingredients you would like included in your meals.

I need a special diet. Can I still use the service?

Absolutely. Whether your dietary needs are to lose weight, maintain health or avoid food allergies a personal chef service can help. I will gladly accommodate your special dietary needs and help you follow doctor or nutritionist recommended plans.

I am familiar with these diets and eating plans:

American Heart Association

Low-fat

Low-salt

Low-carb

Gluten-free and Casien-free

Diabetic / Low glycemic

Weight Watchers

TOPS

South Beach

Somersizing

the Zone

T-factor

Body for Life

Menus can be tailored to your needs. If you have another type of eating plan, please let me know. I can work with dietician and doctor approved plans that you are advised to follow.

This sounds great, but can I afford this?

When you consider the cost of groceries, the time to plan a variety of healthy meals, grocery shopping, cooking and clean up time, you’ll find the pricing to be quite affordable. You and your family can dine in the comfort of your home on healthy food, made just as you requested. Please see the Services and Prices page for more information.

Do you offer any other services?

Yes! See the Services and Prices page for more information:

Meal kits

Cooking classes

Cooking parties

Kitchen organization

I also offer a full line of non-toxic cleaners and natural nutrition and weight loss products that will be delivered directly to your home, saving you time and helping you live healthier. Click here to see how these products can help you create Your Healthy Home.

How do I contact you?

Just email or call! I’d love to discuss how my cooking service can help you enjoy home cooking.

Telephone: 913-558-7240       E-mail: inhomecook@gmail.com