When Carla Hall appears, a joyful, meaningful, and sweet conversation is always served around the table. The vivacious and welcoming chef knows how to balance approachable ideas for home chefs yet has an impeccable palate that stands up to the best in the culinary world. During a recent conversation with Chef Carla, she offers some simple, yet poignant advice that will elevate anyone’s holiday baking.
From her first appearances on Top Chef to her time on The View to her recent appearances on various Food Network programs, Carla Hall captivates her audience. From a quick laugh that peppers the conversation to expert commentary that gets people thinking, the talented and creative chef engages food enthusiasts.
Continuing her partnership with Quaker Oats, Carla gracious spent some time answering questions for FoodSided. Over the years, I have had the privilege of chatting with chef and every time I learn something new. The lesson might be subtle or grand. In either case, the impact on my approach to food, recipes, and eating enjoyment is felt long after the zoom call ends.
Since holiday baking often blends traditional foods and trends, it can be hard for the home cook to find the thread between those two items. When asked how she balances those two concepts, Carla’s advice was simple, what is the end game.
Carla shared, “start with, what is the end game. Then, you can bring in either texture that keeps the integrity of the dish. For example, my recipe for chocolate peppermint bark brings in oats, quinoa, and flax seeds. The flavor is still there and the other items add texture. It is understanding the end game and what it looks like”
That food concept is key to adapting and evolving recipes. Cooks can find what they love about a particular dish yet keep it fresh and new. The same idea works when grandma’s recipe might not be present to follow. As long as the flavor hits that sense memory, people can appreciate the dish.
In many ways, food is more than just eating satisfaction. It is about hitting a particular memory or creating a specific response. During the holiday season, capturing that festive feeling is front and center on the table.
Even though many people are focused on the sweet side of holiday celebrations, Carla appreciates incorporating savory flavors, too. She provided the following example.
“Right now, I’m working on a baking book and I keep reminding myself that it is not just a sweets book. Baking is also about savory. For example, I’m doing these cheddar oats crackers. You can put turkey, ham, or even pimento cheese on them. It is about balance. You are working with the techniques of baking but using the savory flavors.”
Looking beyond the categories of sweet or savory can apply to ingredients as well. For Chef Carla, she appreciates the versatility that pantry staples offer. For example, Quaker Oats has and continues to be a mainstay in many of her recipes.”
Chef Carla said, “One of my favorite ingredients, because of its versatility is Quaker Oats. I can use it with peas and carrots in an oats risotto. I can use that same ingredient in cookies or in my peppermint bark recipe.”
“Also, I have been trying to diversity my grains. As a judge on cooking shows, I get a lot of white flour. I am replacing that white flour with whole wheat pastry flour which is not as heavy. Also, there is golden wheat flower, which is a little lighter. These types of ingredients can offer more flavor and different tastes than cane sugar and white flour.”
Speaking of cooking shows, Chef Carla has seen a lot over the years. When asked how tasting those dishes have influenced her perspective, she shared, “the bakers are often pushing the creative limits. These challenges make them think outside of the box. For example, I never thought about a carrot cake recipe and swapping carrots for parsnips.”
“I am constantly being inspired by these bakers. By being part of it, they are allowing me to grow and so something that is out of the box. It is a definite win win.”
That inspiration and influence is not limited to just the professionals. As seen in this recent season of Holiday Baking Championship, a home baker earned the Food Network title.
Chef Carla explained, “when others see someone on Holiday Baking Championship or other food television shows doing well, they can be inspired to do it, too. I have had people stop me on the street and tell me what they do in their own kitchen. It is what makes these shows special. We want to inspire all cooks.”
Whether it is a showpiece baking recipe that is the centerpiece of a holiday table or a mid-week recipe that gets rave reviews from the family, every cook can find a way to hone their craft in the kitchen. As Carla has said for years, Quaker Oats is a brand that she has loved and trusted for decades. It can become everyone’s versatile, integral ingredient that inspires people to bake, cook, and foster a love of food and cooking.