Welcoming Chef Brett Freifeld as TurboChef’s New VP of Culinary

This season, as kitchens come alive with festive energy and holiday menu items take center stage, we’re excited to welcome Chef Brett Freifeld as TurboChef and CookTek’s new Vice President of Culinary. Chef Brett brings a wealth of expertise, creativity, and vision to our team, marking the start of an exciting new chapter for culinary for both of the brands.

With a history of industry expertise from the operator side and as a former TurboChef customer, Chef Brett is eager to elevate the role of TurboChef and CookTek’s cutting-edge cooking technology in commercial kitchens worldwide. “I’m excited to work alongside such a talented culinary sales and marketing team and leverage the incredible resources of the brands,” Chef Brett shared. His focus on shaping the gastronomic future of TurboChef and CookTek will help us continue our mission of revolutionizing the way we cook and simplifying life through innovation in the kitchen.

To celebrate Chef’s arrival and embrace the holiday spirit, we’re showcasing two of his favorite festive recipes he developed that highlight the capabilities of our innovative equipment. These dishes combine traditional flavors with the speed and efficiency of rapid cook and induction technology, making them perfect for the upcoming season!

Jack Daniels Cranberry Relish (Yields 4 cups)

This vibrant and flavorful relish is made on the CookTek Helios Touch Double Hob showcasing its precise heat control. The tartness of the cranberries, paired with the citrusy orange juice and the warming depth of Jack Daniels, creates a perfect side dish for your holiday menu.

Ingredients:

• ¾ c. Jack Daniels
• 1 c. orange juice
• 1 medium shallot, diced
• 24 oz. cranberries
• 1 tsp. ground ginger
• 1½ c. sugar (adjust for sweetness)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place a saucepan on the Helios Touch Double Hob over medium heat.
2. Add the shallots, cranberries, ginger, sugar, orange juice, and Jack Daniels.
3. Stir constantly, allowing the mixture to reduce by half and the cranberries to split.
4. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper. For extra sweetness, add more sugar to taste.

Serve this relish alongside turkey, ham, or any main dish to add a tangy, festive flair—or use it as the perfect topping for a Thanksgiving leftover sandwich menu concept that’s sure to become a customer favorite!

Oyster Dressing (Yields 8 servings)

This rich, savory dish comes together beautifully in the TurboChef i3 rapid cook oven. Using TurboChef’s high-speed cooking technology, this holiday favorite is ready in a fraction of the time without sacrificing quality or flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 c. unsalted butter
• ¾ c. onion, diced
• 12 c. fresh sourdough bread, large diced
• 1½ pints fresh oysters, roughly chopped (reserve liquid)
• 1½ c. celery, diced
• 1 tsp. thyme leaves
• 1 tsp. poultry seasoning
• ½ c. olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté onions in butter using the Helios Touch Double Hob until translucent.
2. In a large bowl, combine bread, oysters, celery, thyme, poultry seasoning, and olive oil. Add the onions and butter, mixing thoroughly.
3. Pack the mixture into a greased hotel pan and preheat the TurboChef i3 oven to 350°F.
4. Cover with parchment paper and bake with the following settings:Top Fan Speed: 60%Bottom Fan Speed: 80%Time: 25 minutes
5. Remove the parchment paper and brown the top with updated settings:Top Fan Speed: 80%Bottom Fan Speed: 80%Time: 5 minutes

The result is a perfectly golden, moist dressing that pairs beautifully with your holiday menu. Thanks to the TurboChef i3 high-speed countertop oven, this classic dish is both fast and flawless.

Chef Brett’s arrival couldn’t come at a better time. As we continue to redefine cooking with high-speed ovens and industry leading induction technology, Chef’s leadership will help develop new culinary techniques and applications for future generations.

This holiday season, we’re reminded of the importance of family, tradition, and innovation—values that our team holds dear. Join us in welcoming Chef Brett to the TurboChef and CookTek family, and let’s look forward to an exciting future filled with culinary breakthroughs.

Happy holidays from all of us at TurboChef and CookTek!