Start with simple,
good food

Cook’s Collective is your introduction to Underground Chef. Discover seasonal ideas, simple techniques, and everyday inspiration to help you cook with more ease and confidence.

Start Exploring

You stay in control

Cook’s Collective is designed to be easy to dip into whenever it suits you. There’s no schedule to keep up with and no pressure to do everything. Explore what’s useful, return anytime, and cook in a way that feels natural.

Seasonal cook-along videos using what’s available

Simple recipes and guides you can revisit anytime

Short videos focused on everyday techniques

Ongoing inspiration to build kitchen confidence

A relaxed place to learn without pressure

Recipes and ideas to try

Explore written recipes, simple guides, and everyday ideas you can read, save, and return to whenever you need a little inspiration.

Your Culinary Arsenal: Equipment, Gadgets, Knives & Pantry Staples

February 5, 2026

Let’s Talk Knives with Chef Ian — European vs Asian Knives (And Why You Need Both)

European chef’s knife vs Santoku isn’t a battle — it’s a partnership. Learn what each knife does best, when to use which, and the simple tips that make prep easier.

Mastering the Basics

February 5, 2026

Kitchen Basics 101: Perfect Steamed Rice (Every Time)

Perfect steamed rice, every time: rinse properly, use the first-knuckle water trick, simmer with the lid on, then rest for fluffy, separate grains.

Mastering the Basics

February 5, 2026

Kitchen Basics 101 - Cutting Onions with Chef Ian

A sharp knife and a steady hand — that’s all you need to turn simple onions into a beautiful dish.

Mastering The Basics

February 5, 2026

Silky, Classic & Foolproof – Mastering the Béchamel Sauce

A perfect Béchamel is one of those quiet culinary triumphs — a sauce that feels luxurious but comes from just three simple ingredients. It’s all about balance, control, and patience.

Simple videos to cook along

Follow simple videos that show techniques, ideas, and small improvements you can use straight away in your own kitchen, with confidence.

Start with simple,good food

You stay in control

Recipes and ideas to try

Microplane Premium Zester Grater

How Do You Season a Wok

Keep It Fresh Food Vacuum Sealer

Chef-Tested Rolling Knife Sharpener

Meet the Ninja Foodi 11-in-1 6L Multi Cooker

Underground Chef Bib Apron

Let’s Talk Knives with Chef Ian — European vs Asian Knives (And Why You Need Both)

Kitchen Basics 101: Perfect Steamed Rice (Every Time)

Kitchen Basics 101 - Cutting Onions with Chef Ian

Silky, Classic & Foolproof – Mastering the Béchamel Sauce

Simple videos to cook along

Underground Chef - Kitchen 101 - Kitchen 101: How to Boil the Perfect Egg (No Guesswork)‍

Underground Chef - Kitchen 101: What's in the Fridge?‍

Underground Chef - Kitchen 101 – What to Do with Excess Fresh Herbs‍

Underground Chef - Kitchen 101 - Chef Ian’s Practical Guide to Perfect Poached Eggs (Every Time)‍

Underground Chef - Lets Talk Pantry - The What (is inside), Why (is was created) and How (to use it).‍

Underground Chef - Kitchen 101: Sharp or Dull? Why a Sharp Knife Is Safer in the Kitchen‍

Underground Chef - Kitchen 101: How to Make Scrambled Eggs‍

Underground Chef - What's In Season: Queen Garnet Plums‍

Underground Chef - What's In the Pantry: Lupins for Life Toasted Protein Flakes ‍

Underground Chef - Kitchen Basics - Perfect Boiled Rice

Underground Chef - Kitchen Basics - Perfect Steamed Rice

Underground Chef - What’s In Season: Fresh Figs

Underground Chef - What’s In Season: Doughnut Peaches

Underground Chef - A Granite Belt Foodie Stop You Don’t Skip: Sam’s Farm Fresh in Cottonvale

Underground Chef - What’s in Season: Mango and a Vietnamese Prawn & Mango Salad

Underground Chef - What's in Season: Sweet Corn with Miso Butter

Underground Chef - What's in Season: Asparagus

Underground Chef - What's New in the Pantry - The Keep It Fresh Food Vacuum Sealer Kit

Underground Chef - What's New in the Kitchen - Underground Chef Bib Apron

Underground Chef - What's in the Pantry: Lamb Shanks

Underground Chef - Kitchen Basics: Cutting Onions 101

Underground Chef - What's New in Kitchen Tools - Let’s Talk Knives - European vs Asian Knives (And Why You Need Both)

Underground Chef - Making Mum's Aussie Version of Okonomiyaki - with Chef Ian

Underground Chef - What's New in Kitchen Tools - Meet the Ninja Foodi 11-in-1 Multi Cooker - The Little Workhorse That Does It All

Underground Chef - What's New in Kitchen Tools - Chef-Tested Rolling Knife Sharpener in Action

Underground Chef - Beef Stock Tutorial by Chef Ian

Underground Chef - Kitchen Basics - Chicken Stock Tutorial with Chef Ian

Underground Chef - Kitchen Basics - Fish Stock Tutorial with Chef Ian

Underground Chef - Kitchen Basics - Vegetable Stock Tutorial by Chef Ian

Underground Chef - Kitchen Basics - Making Veloute with Chef Ian

Underground Chef - Kitchen Basics - Making Bechamel Sauce with Chef Ian

Start with simple,
good food

Underground Chef - Kitchen 101 - Kitchen 101: How to Boil the Perfect Egg (No Guesswork)
‍

Underground Chef - Kitchen 101: What's in the Fridge?
‍

Underground Chef - Kitchen 101 – What to Do with Excess Fresh Herbs
‍

Underground Chef - Kitchen 101 - Chef Ian’s Practical Guide to Perfect Poached Eggs (Every Time)
‍

Underground Chef - Lets Talk Pantry - The What (is inside), Why (is was created) and How (to use it).
‍

Underground Chef - Kitchen 101: Sharp or Dull? Why a Sharp Knife Is Safer in the Kitchen
‍

Underground Chef - Kitchen 101: How to Make Scrambled Eggs
‍

Underground Chef - What's In Season: Queen Garnet Plums
‍

Underground Chef - What's In the Pantry: Lupins for Life Toasted Protein Flakes
‍