Chef Melanie Melanie
Chef At Home In WauwatosaGet to know me better
Discover my elevated plant-based cuisine, where creativity and passion take you on a global culinary journey full of unforgettable flavors.
Melanie grew up watching her grandmother make pies in a Kansas farmhouse kitchen and eating street food at European farmers' markets. She honed her knowledge of healthy cooking through receiving her Certificate in Plant Based Nutrition from Cornell University. She started a pop-up business that grew so popular, she opened a restaurant in 2017. Working behind the scenes made her realize how much she missed direct contact with her guests, and so after selling the business in 2021, she began her private chef career. She now works directly with families, creating meals to support clients looking to improve their health with dishes like coconut chickpea curry or raw cinnamon rolls made with walnut flour. She also helps clients host unforgettable dinner parties with platters laden with cashew brie and rainbow salad, joining them for a toast at the end of the evening by raising a glass to celebrate good food and good company.
More about me
For me, cooking is...
A way to connect with people and lead them to discover the magic of flavorful, plant-based cuisine.
I learned to cook at...
My grandparents' house and abroad in Asia and Europe.
A cooking secret...
I utilize spices which not only give the food flavor, but also nourish the body and soul.
My menus
Rainbow Kale Salad: Creamy Caesar Dressing and a rainbow of vegetable toppings: Roasted Beets, Carrots, Cucumber, Tomato, Red Onion, Golden Raisins and Croutons
Whole Roasted Cauliflower: Tender Cauliflower smothered in Katsu Curry Sauce and Pickled Vegetables, served with Chapati
Corn Tamales: Handcrafted Tamales wrapped in Corn Husks, Pico de Gallo
Bruschetta: Pea and Mint Bruschetta, topped with Microgreens, side of Chutney
Brazilian Moqueca: A light Coconut Tomato Stew full of flavor and texture, including Plantains, Tofu, Bell Peppers, and Hearts of Palm. Served with Rice and Cilantro, Cassava, and Lime for topping
Southern Fare: Pecan-crusted Tofu over a bed of Sweet Potato Mash, side of Lemon Broccolini and Fruit Chutney
Pots de Creme: Dark Chocolate Mousse topped with Shaved Orange Peel
Carrot Cake: Your traditional Favorite Cake, veganized. Studded with Raisins and Pecans, and frosted in Cream Cheese Buttercream
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Bruschetta: Fresh Tomatoes, Artisanal Cashew Almond Mozzarella, Basil, Olive Oil, Flaky Sea Salt
Garden Galette: Asparagus and Fennel in Puffy Pastry with Queso and Lemon Zest
Lettuce Wraps: Roasted Sticky Tofu with Herbs and Crisp Cabbage Slaw, Soy Glaze
Mezze Platter: Roasted Eggplant, Zucchini and Tomatoes, Grape Leaves, Olives, and Zatziki Sauce
Vegetable Paella: Saffron-infused Bomba Rice with Artichokes, Peas, Bell Pepper, and topped with handcrafted Seitan Chorizo
Golden Chickpea Stew: Coconut-based Soup topped with Dates, Almonds, and filled with nourishing spices
Stone Fruit with Almond Creme: Seasonal Stone Fruit on a bed of Coconut Almond Cream, topped with Herbs and Flowers from the Garden
Berry Trifle: Vanilla Cake and Cream, layered with fresh Berries and Lemon Zest
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Cream of Mushroom Soup: Velvety Soup topped with Rosemary Croutons and Chives
Cashew Brie Board: Artisanal Rosemary Cashew Brie and Sharable Sides, perfect for stimulating conversation. Nuts, Fruit, Crackers, Olives, and Jam
Citrus Salad: Supremed Grapefruit and Oranges with fresh Lettuce, Pickled Onions and Green Olives for a fresh bite
Shaved Brussel Sprout and Kale Salad: Topped with Salted Almonds and Shallot Dressing
Mushroom Wellington: Mixed Mushrooms, Carrot, Celery, Onion, and Garlic dressed with Thyme, wrapped in Puff Pastry and served with Gravy. Side of Green Beans Almondine
Savory Lasagna: Butternut Squash, Kale, and Onion Lasagna with Creamy Bechamel. Side Salad with French Dijon Vinegrette
Apple Crumble: Oat-topped, Cinnamon-spiked Apples, served with a side of Vanilla Coconut Ice Cream
Classic Chocolate Cake: Moist Cake with Vanilla Buttercream, drizzled with Raspberry Coulis
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Cauliflower Velouté with Truffle Oil and Chive: A creamy cauliflower velouté soup, made with a blend of cauliflower, leeks, and cashew cream, drizzled with aromatic truffle oil. Served with a garnish of finely chopped chives
Caramelized Onion and Mushroom Tartlets with Thyme: Mini puff pastry tartlets filled with sweet caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, and fresh thyme. Baked to golden perfection, these bite-sized delights are a warm and savory start to the meal
Artichoke and Asparagus Tart with Dijon Mustard and Herbs: A flaky puff pastry tart filled with a creamy mixture of marinated artichoke hearts, asparagus, and a hint of Dijon mustard. Topped with thyme and rosemary, then baked to golden perfection
Salade Lyonnaise with Smoked Tofu Lardons and Dijon Vinaigrette: A vegan twist on the classic Salade Lyonnaise, featuring a bed of baby greens topped with crispy smoked tofu lardons, roasted fingerling potatoes, and tangy Dijon vinaigrette
Seitan Bourguignon with Root Vegetables and Red Wine Reduction: A plant-based take on the classic Boeuf Bourguignon, featuring tender seitan pieces slow-cooked in a rich red wine reduction with carrots, pearl onions, and mushrooms
Ratatouille Confit Byaldi with Herb-infused Tomato Sauce: A refined version of the classic Ratatouille, featuring thinly sliced zucchini, eggplant, and tomatoes, arranged beautifully over an herb-infused tomato sauce
Vegan Chocolate Mousse with Aquafaba and Raspberry Coulis: A rich and airy chocolate mousse made with dark chocolate, topped with a tart raspberry coulis for a touch of acidity. Served with fresh raspberries and a sprig of mint for a refreshing finish
Vanilla Bean Crêpes with Berries and Coconut Whipped Cream: Thin, delicate crêpes made with a hint of vanilla bean, filled with a mixture of fresh berries and a dollop of coconut whipped cream. Lightly dusted with powdered sugar
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Bruschetta with Heirloom Tomatoes, Basil, and Balsamic Glaze: Grilled sourdough slices rubbed with garlic and topped with a medley of diced heirloom tomatoes, fresh basil, and extra virgin olive oil. Finished with a drizzle of balsamic glaze
Carpaccio di Zucchine with Lemon and Pine Nut Dressing: Thinly sliced zucchini carpaccio drizzled with a tangy lemon and pine nut dressing. Topped with capers, cherry tomatoes, and fresh mint for a refreshing start to the meal
Wild Mushroom and Spinach Risotto: Creamy arborio rice cooked to perfection with a medley of wild mushrooms, baby spinach, white wine, and vegetable broth
Pappardelle with Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Sauce: Wide ribbons of pappardelle pasta tossed in a velvety roasted red pepper sauce, blended with cashews for creaminess, garlic, and a hint of smoked paprika. Garnished with fresh basil
Eggplant Parmigiana with Cashew Mozzarella and Fresh Basil: Layers of thinly sliced, breaded, and baked eggplant with rich tomato marinara sauce, homemade cashew mozzarella, and basil leaves. Baked until golden and bubbly, served with a side roasted potat
Vegan Osso Buco with Saffron Risotto: A plant-based twist on the classic Italian dish, featuring tender braised king oyster mushrooms in a rich tomato and red wine sauce with carrots, celery, and fresh herbs. Served over a creamy saffron risotto
Tiramisu Trifle: A vegan twist on the classic Italian dessert, made with layers of almond mascarpone cream and espresso-soaked ladyfingers. Lightly dusted with cocoa powder and topped with dark chocolate shavings for a decadent finish
Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Tart with Sea Salt: A rich and decadent chocolate tart made with a creamy dark chocolate and hazelnut filling, set in a crispy almond flour crust. Topped with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and crushed toasted hazelnuts
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Butternut Squash and Apple Soup with Sage Croutons: A silky, roasted butternut squash soup with a hint of tartness from green apples, spiced with a touch of nutmeg and cinnamon. Finished with a drizzle of sage-infused olive oil and crispy sage croutons
Roasted Beet Carpaccio with Walnut Pesto and Arugula: Thinly sliced, roasted beets served carpaccio-style with a dollop of walnut pesto, peppery arugula, and a drizzle of balsamic reduction. Finished with flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper
Warm Brussels Sprout and Pear Salad with Candied Pecans and Pomegranate Vinaigrette: Shaved Brussels sprouts lightly sautéed with garlic and tossed with thinly sliced Bartlett pears, candied pecans, and a tangy pomegranate vinaigrette
Creamy Cauliflower and Leek Soup with Smoked Paprika Oil: A velvety cauliflower and leek soup, blended until smooth, with a hint of garlic and a touch of coconut milk for creaminess. Topped with a swirl of smoked paprika oil for a subtle smoky depth
Wild Mushroom Risotto with Truffle Oil and Crispy Leeks: A creamy risotto made with a blend of wild mushrooms enriched with a splash of white wine. Finished with a drizzle of truffle oil and garnished with crispy fried leeks for texture
Stuffed Acorn Squash with Quinoa, Cranberries, and Kale: Roasted acorn squash halves filled with a savory stuffing of quinoa, sautéed kale, dried cranberries, and toasted pumpkin seeds. Flavored with shallots, garlic, and comforting herbs
Spiced Pumpkin Tart with Maple Cashew Cream: A delicate spiced pumpkin tart with a buttery, crumbly crust made from almond flour and dates. Filled with a creamy pumpkin custard spiced with cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Served with a dollop of cream
Apple Galette with Almond Frangipane and Maple Glaze: A rustic apple galette with a flaky, buttery crust, filled with a layer of almond frangipane and thinly sliced Honeycrisp apples. Brushed with a maple glaze and baked until golden brown, served warm
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Stuffed Grape Leaves: Tender grape leaves filled with a savory mixture of quinoa, pine nuts, raisins, and fresh herbs, simmered in a tangy tomato sauce
Grilled Artichoke with Lemon-Garlic Aioli: Tender grilled artichoke halves drizzled with olive oil, served with a tangy lemon-garlic aioli made from vegan mayo, fresh lemon juice, and minced garlic. Garnished with a sprinkle of sea salt and fresh parsley
Roasted Red Pepper and Almond Soup Description: A creamy, velvety soup made from roasted red peppers and almonds, blended with vegetable broth and finished with a touch of smoked paprika. Garnished with a swirl of almond cream and fresh basil leaves
Roasted Beet and Citrus Salad: A vibrant salad featuring roasted beets, orange segments, and arugula, tossed in a light balsamic vinaigrette. Topped with toasted walnuts, pomegranate seeds, and a sprinkle of vegan feta for balance
Moroccan-Spiced Stuffed Eggplant Description: Roasted eggplant halves filled with a spiced chickpea and quinoa mixture, featuring cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and fresh herbs. Topped with a pomegranate molasses glaze and served with a side of couscous
Spinach and Mushroom Moussaka: A rich and savory moussaka made with layers of sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and thinly sliced potatoes, topped with a creamy vegan béchamel sauce infused with nutmeg. Baked until golden and served with a refreshing green salad
Layers of thin, flaky phyllo dough filled with a blend of chopped pistachios and walnuts, baked until crispy and golden, then drizzled with a fragrant orange blossom syrup. Garnished with a sprinkle of crushed pistachios and a hint of cinnamon
Lemon Olive Oil Cake with Lavender Syrup: A moist and fragrant lemon olive oil cake, made with almond flour and a hint of vanilla. Drizzled with a delicate lavender syrup and garnished with fresh lemon zest and a sprinkle of powdered sugar
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Arepas with Avocado and Black Bean Purée: Crispy golden arepas filled with a creamy avocado and lime purée, topped with black bean spread and pickled red onions. Garnished with fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of smoked sea salt
Ceviche de Palmitos: This dish uses heart of palm to mimic the texture of traditional ceviche. It's marinated in lime juice, and mixed with diced tomatoes, red onions, cilantro, avocado, and a hint of jalapeño. Served with plantain chips
Sopa de Calabaza con Coco: A rich, creamy soup made from roasted butternut squash blended with coconut milk, infused with a touch of cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika. Garnished with toasted pumpkin seeds and a swirl of spiced coconut cream
Ensalada de Nopalitos: A refreshing salad made with tender strips of nopal (cactus), cherry tomatoes, red onion, radish, and fresh cilantro. Dressed with lime juice, olive oil, and a touch of sea salt, and topped with toasted pumpkin seeds
Mole Poblano with Jackfruit and Sweet Potato: A complex, savory mole sauce made from a blend of dried chiles, nuts, spices, and chocolate, served over tender jackfruit and roasted sweet potatoes. Garnished with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro
Ropa Vieja with Shredded Mushrooms: A vegan take on the Cuban classic, featuring shredded king oyster mushrooms cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce with bell peppers, onions, garlic, and green olives. Served with coconut rice and a side of black beans
Vegan Flan de Coco: A luscious, creamy coconut flan made with coconut milk and a touch of vanilla, baked until perfectly set. Served with a caramel sauce made from coconut sugar and garnished with a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes and fresh berries
Coconut Tres Leches Cake: A vegan twist on the classic tres leches cake, made with a fluffy vanilla sponge soaked in a mixture of coconut milk, almond milk, and oat milk. Topped with whipped coconut cream and garnished with toasted coconut
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