Derricka Clayton

Personal Chef

Derricka Clayton is a Personal Chef based in Dallas, Texas. As the owner of Chef Derricka, she offers luxury catering, private dining, and personal chef services. Her menus span a range of cuisines, including Southern and Creole, and dietary preferences, including plant-based, vegan, keto, and gluten-free.

Education

Graduated from the Escoffier School of Culinary Arts with High Honors

Professional Achievements

Featured on Food Network and NBC Dallas Fort-Worth Channel 5 Texas Today as a Celebrity Chef
Featured in the Voyage Dallas Magazine in May 2019, Sept 2021 and Oct 2022

Certifications & Organizations

ServSafe Management Certification

Favorite Piece of Advice

Always stay focused on your goals; sometimes dreams do come true.

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Forum Comments (1)

How do you become a private chef?

I improve as a chef by constantly learning and evolving. I read a lot of different cookbooks, I go on to YouTube a lot, I watch a lot of cooking shows like Food Network or Tastemade or any other type of cooking channels or shows. I watch YouTube and see what other people may be doing and allow that to inspire me and just put my spin on it. Same thing with social media. I can go on there and get ideas for certain things and then, again, have a way where I can go into my twist on those things.

I wish I had known more about the business side of things when I first got started as a private chef. I wish I had created business plans and knew more of the logistics and admin side behind it as far as setting up an LLC, how to establish business credit, and other things of that nature. I believe, if I knew more or was a little bit more educated on that back then when I got started, then I may be at a different level or place business-wise than I would be now.

Q&A Comments (2)

Do I need to pre-boil pasta when oven broiling?

Yes, you should boil your pasta for about 3 minutes before broiling it in the oven, ensuring additional cooking during the baking phase.

Where can I draw inspiration when cooking?

One approach involves delving into historical contexts, discovering the unintentional origins of familiar brands, and using that knowledge to generate unique ideas. Another key method is being committed to your culinary education, which is characterized by consistent learning and evolution. This includes extensive reading of diverse cookbooks, regular visits to YouTube for cooking shows, and following channels such as Food Network and Taste Made. Social media platforms like Pinterest and the Lemonade app also serve as valuable sources for gathering ideas. By observing the creative endeavors of others, you can draw inspiration and incorporate a personal touch to craft innovative twists on traditional concepts.

Co-authored Articles (4)

How to

Drink Eggnog

Eggnog is a holiday favorite that can be enjoyed as a festive cocktail or dessert. Its rich and creamy base pairs nicely with sweet pastries and desserts such as gingerbread cookies and plain spice cake. You can make thi...

How to

Oven Broil

Broiling is a fast and easy way to cook food without extra oils or fats. Broiling works by applying a heat source directly above the food. This high heat cooks the food quickly from the top down. After a bit of prep work...

How to

Make a Pasta Bake

Ever wanted to make a delicious baked pasta dish? There are lots of ways of making one, but the most popular recipes involve a tomato-based pasta sauce and lots of cheese. Whichever version you choose to make, it is both...

How to

Season Pork Chops

Pork chops are high quality cuts of meat. To give them the culinary respect they deserve, season them well and cook them minimally. For best results, use chops that are about 3/4-inch thick, with the bone and some fat at...

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Derricka Clayton

Forum Comments (1)

Q&A Comments (2)

Co-authored Articles (4)