Chefs Justin Timineri and Bridget Baxley Help Consumers Savor the Flavors of Florida
In partnership with: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Before the COVID-19 shutdown hit in mid-March of 2020, chefs Justin Timineri and Bridget Baxley – culinary ambassadors for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – were traveling the country, rubbing elbows with food makers, sports teams and the general public to share their passion for Florida food. When those face-to-face events screeched to a halt, the chefs realized they would need to adapt.
Two weeks into quarantine, they began using their cell phones to shoot how-to videos, showcasing recipes on the “Fresh From Florida” website, along with new ones they created at home. From Panko Crusted Florida Avocado Fingers to Florida Spiny Lobster Tomato Mac and Cheese, they whipped up comfort food with a local twist for their fans. “Now we’re doing one or two recipes a week, and we’ve kind of moved back into the test kitchen a little bit, practicing all of the COVID safety requirements, but still doing homestyle videos in our kitchens,” Baxley says. “And it’s been really fun.”
Connecting in New Ways
Interacting with Florida growers and spreading awareness about their products will continue, whether in person or through online formats, according to Timineri. “We’re tuned in to them,” he says. “When a Florida farmer or rancher or fisherman wants to know what we do or wants us to work with them, we’re always there to help.”
The chefs are also giving small- and medium-size farms a boost by featuring the growers’ shelf-stable products in some of the video recipes.
Encouraging consumers to shop, cook and eat healthy with fresh Florida ingredients is a top priority for Timineri and Baxley, who regularly use social media platforms to keep followers engaged. The culinary team recently launched the “Fresh From Florida” Club, which features, among other things, a monthly email newsletter with new recipes and cooking tips the chefs use in their own kitchens.
See more: Get a Taste of Florida With Chef Justin Timineri
Another club perk is direct access to Timineri and Baxley via the Ask the Chef option on the website.
In the future, they plan to host recipe contests and post the winning entries online.
“More than really any time in our lives, I think people are craving a human connection,” Baxley says. “We’re just trying to figure out new ways to stay in touch with them.”
Having Fun, Eating Healthy
The virus-induced shutdown caused some people to slack off on exercise and nutrition, making the “Fresh From Florida” healthy-eating mission even more important. Another goal of the “Fresh From Florida” team is to show how to use what you already have in your pantry rather than make an extra trip to the store. “If you don’t have chicken but you have shrimp, feel free to replace that,” Baxley says. “Recipes are always good, but we would rather you use them as a guide rather than saying, ‘I have to have this yellow squash’ or ‘I need to choose another recipe.’ Cooking seasonally is always our message, but you still have some creative liberties in the kitchen.”
Some video viewers have even been inspired to step out of their food comfort zones. “It gets me super excited that the thought of someone who hates broccoli looks at a stir-fry dish and says, ‘I could try that,’” Baxley says.
The chefs also emphasize family-friendly recipes and the enjoyment that cooking together can bring. Timineri’s 7-year-old son, Deklen, often makes an appearance in his dad’s videos.
“Being in the kitchen as a family is just so important,” Timineri says. “It not only feeds our bellies; it feeds our souls.”
To sign up for the new “Fresh From Florida” Club, go to followfreshfromflorida.com/register.
See more: Chef Justin Timineri Offers a Culinary Tour of Florida
About the Chefs
Chef Justin Timineri is a certified executive chef, author, award-winner, teacher and television personality who serves as the state chef and culinary ambassador. He won the Food Network Challenge Great American Seafood Cook-Off in New Orleans and worked internationally at the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
Chef Bridget Baxley serves as chef and culinary ambassador for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, delighting audiences with creative recipes that feature beloved Florida ingredients at events like the Orlando Food and Wine Festival, PMA Fresh Summit and Boston Seafood Expo.