Chef Jeff Woodward Website

Chef Jeff Woodward

Private Chef

Jeff Woodward is a Private Chef and the Owner of The Rogue Chef based in Branson, Missouri. With over 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry, he has cooked for esteemed clients including The Harlem Globetrotters, Peyton Manning, Mark Wahlberg, and Justin Timberlake. He has taught Culinary courses on becoming a Private Chef at College of the Ozarks. Through The Rogue Chef, he publishes recipes and a Food & Hospitality Blog weekly on his webpage. He also created his own line of specialty salts, rubs, and other food products.

Education

  • Culinary Arts Degree with a Certification in Baking, Ozark Technical College
  • Associate's Degree, Southwestern Illinois College

Professional Achievements

  • Won the Branson Tri-Lakes News Reader's Choice Award 2023 for Best Catering
  • Featured as a Chef Demonstrator 2 years in a row for The Women's Show in Springfield, MO
  • Featured as the Hollister Chamber of Commerce Spotlight Chef, published in Tri-Lakes News
  • Chef Jeff's food has appeared in a feature on KY3 Television
  • He publishes a recipe weekly in the Branson Globe newspaper and monthly in Lost on the Lake Magazine
  • Featured as a Chef in Discover Home and Style Magazine

Certifications & Organizations

  • American Culinary Federation
  • ServSafe Certification
  • Branson Chamber of Commerce
  • Hollister Chamber of Commerce
  • Table Rock Lake Chamber of Commerce
  • BNI (Business Network International)

Favorite Piece of Advice

Try new recipes and techniques in the kitchen. Don't be afraid to fail. Sometimes it works out and sometimes it doesn't, but you'll always learn in the process.

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Forum Comments (20)

Best tips for how to cut onions without crying
Unfortunately, I have yet to find anything that will stop me from crying while cutting onions. Some things I have tried include cutting after soaking them in water, chewing gum, nose guards, goggles/safety glasses, and even setting up a cutting station in the walk-in freezer of a restaurant. I personally believe it has to do with the person themselves. Some people are more likely to be affected by onions than others. On the plus side, it lets you have a good cry if needed!
What's the fastest way to defrost meat?
The fastest way to defrost meat would be in the microwave; however, I don't recommend it. It can burn or dry out the edges of the meat. If you have to use the microwave, use the DEFROST option and be sure to only put it in for a specific amount of time. Take it out and check on it frequently.

Rather than using the microwave, I recommend either 1) putting the meat in a pot and heating it on the stove, or 2) putting it in the sink and letting warm (not hot) water run over it. Take the time to thaw meat correctly, rather than using the microwave. Your taste buds will thank you.
Seasoned but Healthy chicken thighs
I would recommend using fresh sea salt and pepper. You can also use a Honey Garlic Seasoning for flavor.
Is Dubai chocolate any good?
It is HEAVENLY. While it seems like a fad that might come and go, it is absolutely wonderful, and I am going to try to enjoy every minute of its popularity. It is made from pistachios, and the flavor is beyond expectations. The only word of caution might be to eat rationally, as too much of this can cause a tummy ache. Please go ENJOY this wonderful flavor in everything.
How can you tell if there is white mold on bread?
Most of the time, you can tell by smell or feel. Mold will have a distinctive smell, and flour will have a different feel.

Keeping as much air out of the storage container as possible will help keep the bread fresh and mold-free.
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Q&A Comments (15)

How do I store leftover waffles?
You can refrigerate waffles by cooling them completely and storing them in an airtight container or bag. Label them with the date and keep them in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. For freezing, cool waffles, stack them with parchment paper in between, seal them tightly, label them with the date, and store them in the freezer for 1-2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or reheat frozen in a toaster or oven when ready to eat.
Do you have any tips for cooking chicken and waffles?
For crafting chicken and waffles, start with a homemade Belgian waffle. While numerous waffle batter recipes are available, my preference for the chicken involves using either chicken tenders or thighs coated in a thin breading. Begin by seasoning flour with salt and pepper, then dip the chicken in a mixture of beaten eggs with a splash of water, followed by coating with panko breadcrumbs. Deep-fry the chicken in peanut oil for a flavorful touch, although canola oil is a suitable alternative. The chicken can be either pan-fried or deep-fried. For a delectable syrup, combine maple syrup with whiskey and flambe to reduce the whiskey, intensifying its flavor within the syrup. This whiskey-infused syrup pairs wonderfully with the chicken and waffles.
How can I make a beer batter?
To prepare a beer batter, combine regular all-purpose flour with a touch of rice flour, a small amount of baking soda, and an egg. Opt for a dark amber beer, like Guinness but slightly lighter, for a flavorful batter. Ensure the batter achieves a pourable consistency, avoiding excessive thickness.
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Co-authored Articles (311)

How to Creatively Prepare Spam: 20 Exciting Options

Transform the legendary canned meat, Spam, into anything from a hearty breakfast to a savory dinnerSpam is a classic treat made of ground pork that's known around the world for its iconic blue label and endless versatili...

What Food Am I Quiz

Pizza. French fries. Tacos. Brownies. There are a lot of delicious, mouthwatering foods in the world that are made with tasty, unique ingredients. But if you had to be a food, which one would you be? Are you dazzling a...

Telling Signs a Pineapple Has Gone Bad

A guide to checking the freshness of a pineapple (and how to store it)Sweet. Juicy. Bright. What’s not to love about pineapple? But before you sink your teeth into this delicious fruit, it’s important to check whethe...

12 Tricks to Open a Jar That Won’t Open

Pop the lid off a stuck jar with these helpful hacksIt’s super frustrating when you can’t open a jar and get to what’s inside, and we’ve all been there. Whether the lid is stuck on your pickles or you can’t get...

How to Use a Dash Egg Cooker for Amazing Eggs Every Time

Make hard-boiled eggs, poached eggs, or even an omelet The Dash Egg Cooker is a super convenient appliance that can help you get perfectly-cooked eggs without the hassle and the guesswork. But what exactly is the right ...

5 Signs That Your Corn on the Cob Has Gone Bad

Learn signs of spoilage like sticky, slimy, or moldy cornCorn on the cob is a vegetable that many people associate with summer. Whether it’s simply charred from the grill, shucked into a southwestern pasta salad, or sl...

6 Signs Heavy Cream Has Gone Bad (& How Long It's Good For)

Plus, storage tips to help heavy cream stay fresh for longerHeavy cream (also called heavy whipping cream) is a staple in many delicious desserts, pastries, dishes, and drinks. However, if you haven’t gotten around to ...

5 Warning Signs That Pork Has Gone Bad

Plus, storage tips to help your meat last longerSo, you’re in the mood for pork chops, but you’re not sure if the meat you bought last week is still good. Luckily, you’ve come to the right place! There are 5 leadin...

5 Signs a Lemon Has Gone Bad + Best Storage Tips

Plus, what to do with a lemon that’s gone badLike all fruits, lemons can rot and go bad with time. If you’ve had some store-bought or home-grown lemons for a while and aren’t sure if they’re still good to use, we...

How to

Carve Turkey Breast

In order to get the most meat off of a turkey breast, you need to use the proper carving technique to cleanly cut the breast meat off the bone. The right knife is as important as making the right cuts. Make sure to separ...

How to

Make Fresh Cranberry Juice

Making your own cranberry juice is fun and saves you money, since homemade juice is typically cheaper than store-bought juice. All you need is some cranberries, water, and your favorite sweetener. You might like cranberr...

Has Your Cucumber Gone Bad? Here’s What Signs to Look For

Plus, the best ways to keep cucumbers fresh longerCucumbers are a summertime classic! From crunchy cucumber salad to fresh cucumbers dipped in ranch, there’s nothing better than this vegetable. But how do you know if y...

Guess the Food Quiz

Pasta. Tacos. Cheeseburgers. What do these three things have in common? They’re delicious foods! But, if put on the spot, can you tell them apart? Can you guess any food? Well, we’re here to test your foodie knowled...

4 Easy Ways to Thaw Cool Whip to Perfection

In a pinch? Our 4 foolproof thawing methods have your backFluffy, delicious, and…frozen? Darn it! Cool Whip is a delicious topping perfect for adding something special to your desserts, but nothing is more frustrating ...

How to Eat a Tamale: Step-by-Step Instructions

Plus, the best sauces and side dish pairings for the Mexican stapleTamales are a traditional Mexican dish consisting of corn husks or plantain leaves stuffed with tasty fillings like meats, cheeses, vegetables, or chiles...

How to Tell If a Tomato Has Gone Bad (And How to Keep Them Fresh)

Plus, get tips on how to grow and eat juicy tomatoesTomatoes are delicious when they're ripe and vibrant in color, but they can go bad pretty quickly if left at room temperature. It’s usually easy to tell if a tomato h...

How to Simmer in Cooking: A Beginner Culinary Guide

Plus, learn exactly what heat to use to simmer on a stoveSimmering is an essential technique that every cook needs to master. It isn’t difficult to learn, but it does take a little practice. Recipes will often mention ...

How to Know if Blueberries Are Bad (And How to Store Them Right)

Plus, learn how long blueberries are good for in the fridge or freezerBlueberries are nature’s candy, jam-packed with sweetness, vitamins, and antioxidants. Whether you prefer them in a yogurt bowl, as jam, or all by t...

How to

Cook Amaranth Grain

Amaranth isn’t technically a grain—it’s a seed, like quinoa, known as a “pseudograin”—but it cooks like a grain and provides many of the same great health benefits. Packed with protein and other nutrients, am...

Does Tofu Go Bad? Signs of Spoilage to Look Out For

Chef Jeff Woodward explains how to tell if tofu is bad, plus how long it lasts in the fridge and freezerTofu is a delicious plant-based protein source. But can it go bad like meat does? And if so, how can you tell that y...
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