THE CHOPPING BLOCK – CHEF PROFILES
Carrie Bradley
Favorite class to teach:
Indian/Mid Eastern Cuisine – love working with all the spices!
Training/education:
Kendall College
Cooking since:
2002(professionally)
Favorite childhood food experience:
The first time I ever had fresh ground black pepper on salad. I still remember the amazing flavor compared to anything I had ever tasted before.
What made you want to become a chef?
I've always loved baking and cooking. When I worked in business for a couple of years after graduating college, I realized it was nearly impossible for me to sit behind a desk all day. I began baking part time, which inspired me to go to culinary school.
What is your signature dish?
My favorite thing to make is a big bowl of fresh made guacamole and homemade tortilla chips!
What are the 5 ingredients you can't live without?
Garlic, olive oil, mayo, bacon (so hard to narrow it down to 5!)
What do you love about cooking?
Starting with a few simple ingredients and seeing the outcome.
When you're creating a new recipe, what influences and inspires you?
Whatever I find fresh at the farmer's market.
What advice would you give a new cook?
Season, taste, practice! Don't get discouraged. Some of the best dishes happen by mistake.
What are you doing when you're not cooking?
Going to concerts, playing golf, hanging out with friends, watching Food Network.
Describe your perfect evening.
Grillin' and chillin' with friends!
If you had friends in from out of town, where would you take them to eat?
Any of the local neighborhood places. I love the low key, ‘Mom and Pop' restaurants.
Where are you from?
Alabama
What was your favorite vacation?
The beach! Sun, fun and fresh seafood!
What are your hobbies?
Music, Golf, Sudoku
What is your favorite band?
I love all music…but, if I must choose only one I would have to say Indigo Girls
What is your favorite sports team?
University of Alabama Football!
If you could have dinner with one person, who would it be?
My Grandparents that are no longer with me.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Double Stuff Oreos (with a big glass of ice cold milk, of course!)