Food People, Parent Picks: Ted's Favorite Things
You'll always find feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and sun-dried tomatoes in Ted's fridge and pantry.
Food People, Parent Picks: we ask our favorite chefs, food writers, and industry insiders who we interview in our Order Up! Series to share the products, books, and bites they can’t live without.
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If you’ve ever met Ted Pappas, you know he’s the kind of person who can talk about food for hours—the kind of home cook who isn’t just passionate about what’s on the plate, but about the stories, traditions, and memories behind every meal. A proud Greek American, Ted grew up in a household where food was everything, from family gatherings centered around slow-roasted lamb to the simple joy of a perfectly made Greek village salad. He’s also a self-taught cook who leans on YouTube for inspiration, never shying away from trying something new in the kitchen.
When he’s not cooking, you’ll find Ted in his woodworking shop, handcrafting beautiful cutting boards and charcuterie boards—because for him, the art of making something with your hands, whether it’s food or wood, is deeply satisfying. After our Order Up! Interview with Ted earlier this week, we followed up with Ted to talk about his go-to kitchen tools, pantry must-haves, and the one dish that always brings him comfort.
🫒 If we opened your fridge right now, what’s something we'd always find?
Feta cheese and Kalamata olives - they’re always in my fridge because I use them in everything.
🥘 What’s a go-to meal you make when you’re short on time but still want something delicious?
Pan-seared chicken thighs or chicken breast with a Greek village salad. It’s quick, easy, and full of flavor. I always make extra salad but hold off on dressing half of it so it stays fresh for the next meal.
🥣 What’s a recipe or dish you associate with pure comfort?
My mom’s Pastitsio. The layers of warm, savory meat sauce, bucatini noodles, and creamy béchamel, with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg—it’s like a hug in a dish.
🍽️ What’s one kitchen tool you can’t live without?
My sous-vide. Don’t sleep on getting a decent one! It keeps proteins perfectly cooked without overcooking, and leftovers reheat beautifully without drying out.
⭐ Is there a pantry staple you always have on hand for quick, family-friendly meals?
Sun-dried tomatoes - They add richness to pasta dishes, cream sauces, and so much more.
🧈 What’s your go-to ingredient or shortcut for making meals taste better instantly?
More butter and more salt. Home cooks are often too cautious with seasoning, but a little extra can make a big difference.
🔪 Are there any cooking gadgets or appliances that make life easier for busy parents?
A mandoline slicer. It gives you perfectly uniform slices in seconds, especially if you’re not confident with a knife.
💵 If you could splurge on one kitchen item, what would it be and why?
A KitchenAid stand mixer with all the attachments. I don’t bake much, but I’m starting to explore breadmaking and might even try sourdough this year.
⏲️ What’s the one ingredient or product that makes weeknight dinners so much easier?
Chicken. Whether it’s thighs or breasts, having chicken on hand means I can throw together anything—grilled, pan-seared, in a sandwich, in a pasta. It’s endlessly versatile.
🔥 Do you have a favorite small business, artisan food brand, or ingredient you love to support?
I have two I’d love to mention!
Kefi Life Olive Oil – A Greek woman named Kiki sources this incredible olive oil directly from Greece. My family has olive trees in Greece, so I love supporting her work. @kefilife_ on IG
Brookhaven Market – A family-owned grocery store in the Chicago area. Their deli counter experience is night and day compared to big chains, and I love shopping local. @brookhavenmkt on IG
🎁 What’s your favorite food-related gift to give (or receive)?
A Butter Bell – It keeps butter spreadable at room temperature, which is a game-changer for everything from toast to grilled cheese.
The Porthole Infuser – A stunning, round infusion vessel that lets you create infused oils, cocktails, and more. It’s a beautiful and functional gift that encourages creativity in the kitchen.
📺 What’s a cookbook or food-related book that has really influenced the way you cook?
I don’t have a go-to cookbook, but I’ve learned so much from watching YouTube over the years. If I want to learn how to roll sushi, I watch a video and give it a try. I think there’s been a shift—our parents’ generation had cookbooks, but now, if you’re a visual learner, seeing someone do it makes you feel more confident to try it yourself. [Check out Ted’s YouTube Channel!]
🪵 Favorite non-cooking activity you love to do?
Woodworking—cutting boards and charcuterie boards. A few years ago, I started making them as gifts for friends and family. I even made matching boards for the home cooks on my show. It’s a lot like cooking—taking raw materials and turning them into something beautiful.