maureen luchejko
food stylist/recipe developer /personal chef/chef instructor
When I was working in the corporate world, I was married with two school-aged kids. I was also attending The French Culinary Institute 3 nights a week. By the end of the day, the last thing I wanted to do was think about dinner. I really could have used some help! Back then, a personal chef was considered a luxury I could not afford. However, when I think of the time spent shopping, prepping, cooking, and cleaning, I probably could have.
So decide what's worth more to you. If you're not slaving after work in the kitchen, you and your family are probably eating unhealthy, processed fast food or expensive and not-so-tasty take-out. Think about coming home to a refrigerator stocked with fresh, healthy homemade meals and a spotless kitchen. Then think how you could be sharing family time at the dinner table instead of feeling frazzled and fed up.
If you're looking to eat healthier, maybe lose a little weight, or simply want to eat better, I can help.
For those unable to cook for themselves or with medical conditions, I will create a nutritious menu based on your needs. I am skilled and well-versed in diabetic, low-carb, ketogenic, gluten-free, vegan, heart-healthy, low fat, and low-sodium. I am a classically-trained chef well-versed in all cuisines.
For 18 years I developed recipes for over 40 Weight Watchers cookbooks. I have more than 20 years of experience developing published recipes for consumer magazines, websites, celebrity chefs, and print ads. I was the project manager and recipe developer for Prevention’s Flat-Belly Diet, Gluten-Free cookbook consisting of 150 recipes. I will create the same delicious recipes for you to enjoy in the convenience of your own home.
how it works
After an initial consultation to discuss your personal tastes, dietary needs, and schedule, I will email a suggested menu a few days before the cook date. Once the menu for the week is finalized, I will shop for groceries the morning I am scheduled to cook. If groceries are on an order/delivery basis, the order will be placed a day or two before the cook date depending on the market's requirements.
The basic meal plan includes one entree and two sides. Desserts and more than two sides are extra. All meals are labeled and stored in your choice of either glass (see photos below) or plastic food storage containers and refrigerated with heating instructions.
Pricing depends on the amount of meals, number of servings, frequency, and location. The fee includes menu planning, grocery shopping, food prep, cooking, storing food, and clean up. I also provide all of my own equipment if necessary. I will discuss pantry items to avoid duplicating groceries. The cost of groceries are not included. Please email for pricing information.
When you consider the expense of dining out or grabbing take-out, nothing beats the convenience of coming home to delicious, personalized, home-cooked meals. Throw away the take-out menus -- or save them for movie night.
The images below are recipes I have developed, double-tested, and photographed for my clients. I will create the same delicious meals for you.
maureen's
simply delicious
personal chef service
Serving Rockland and Orange Counties, Northern New Jersey, and parts of New York City



Entrees and side dishes stored in glass containers ready to heat and eat.
All Recipes and images by Maureen Luchejko


Chicken Milanese with Watercress and Parmesan

Pesto Chicken Sausage & Pepper Kebabs
Lemony Garlic Roasted Chicken

Cider-Braised Brisket

Lemongrass Pork Satay with Spicy Cucumbers

Spicy Sriracha Chicken Wings

Thai Beef and Vegetable Wraps with Ginger Dressing

Stuffed Spaghetti Squash w/Chili Black Beans

Grilled Salmon with Salsa Cruda

Portobello Stuffed Mushrooms with Broccoli Rabe and White Beans

Moroccan Vegetable Stew

Cod Vera Cruz

Chili Con Carne

Italian-Style Meatballs

Spaghetti Bolognese

Tofu Scramble

Skillet Lasagna

Steak Fajitas with Chili Polenta

Steak Pizzaiola

Classic Roast Chicken

Chicken Stroganoff with Poppyseed Noodles.

Roasted Salmon Persillade

Citrus Grilled Spatchcock Chicken with Rosemary and Lime


White Bean and Turkey Sausage Stew
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Shrimp Masala
Hearty Chicken and Dumplings

Picadillo-Stuffed Peppers

Irish Soda Bread






Maple-Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Parsnips, Apples and Thyme



Asparagus Risotto
Red Quinoa with Roasted Tomatoes, Walnuts & Olives
Caesar Salad with Parmesan Croutons
Lemon-Thyme Roasted Beets
Grilled Japanese Eggplant
Classic Minestrone
Garlicky Kale & White Beans



Grilled Antipasto
Dried Fruit Galette
Chocolate-Kahlua Walnut Tart
Brownie Waffles