Kitchen control with Kelly Perdew
It came as no surprise to viewers around the world when Kelly Perdew heard the words, “You’re hired!” from Donald Trump on “The Apprentice 2.” Already recognized as an innovative leader in the business world, winning the competition seemed a natural step in his remarkable life. Kelly is a West Point graduate who completed U.S. Army Ranger and Airborne training, and holds multiple college degrees. His new book, “Take Command: 10 Leadership Principles I Learned in the Military and Put to Work for Donald Trump,” is available wherever books are sold. For more details: www.kellyperdew.com
Q. Give us a behind-the-scenes look at a meal during “The Apprentice” competition.
A. Believe it or not, we had to prepare most of our own meals. Both Chris and Maria were great cooks. They came up with some really interesting and delicious dishes with the ingredients available in the suite.
Q. How as the food at West Point?
A. I can definitely recommend the Barbecue Ribs McBurton at West Point. Delicious! I cannot recommend the biscuits and gravy for breakfast. The sausage in the gravy was reminiscent of Super Ball chunks.
Q. Any “power” foods/snacks that you regularly enjoy? Any food superstitions?
A. Apples, oranges and peanuts are favorites. Unfortunately, I also love Doritos. I can eat them with anything at any time. I think I’m addicted. I don’t know if it’s a superstition, but wild rice always makes me a little queasy. It looks like bugs crawling around. And I don’t eat bugs after what we had to do in U.S. Army Ranger School.
Chicken Cordon Blue (Bachelor Style)
4 boneless/skinless chicken breasts
1 can of mushroom soup
4 slices Monterey Jack cheese
4 slices of cooked ham
8 toothpicks
Preheat oven to 375 F. Pound the breasts to get them flat and thin. Lay one slice of cheese and one slice of ham on top of each breast. Roll the breast up so that the cheese and ham are on the inside. Use two toothpicks to keep the roll together. Place chicken in casserole dish. Pour undiluted mushroom soup over the chicken. Add fresh ground black pepper if desired. Bake for 40-50 minutes. Remove toothpicks and serve. Serve with Caesar salad, pasta with Alfredo sauce and toasted garlic bread.