What began as father-and-son cooking lessons during the height of the pandemic, became an online sensation known as Phil’s Table, a home cooking show featuring Phil Alexander and his son ’Lil Phil, as the adorable host. The two—both cheery, food-loving extroverts—teach simple recipes in a way that’s wholesome and fun.
“I want to be a chef,” says ’Lil Phil. “My Dad teaches me and gives me recipes to try every day.”
It all started last Father’s Day after 7-year-old ‘Lil Phil bought a charcoal grill with his own money. Big Phil, a trained cook and restaurant owner, started posting online photos and videos of the two cooking together. In the videos, Big Phil gives step-by-step instructions while ‘Lil Phil follows along and whips up everything from pancakes to pork ribs. It was a way for ‘Lil Phil to connect with others online during quarantine while learning life lessons from dad.
“There are so many teachable moments you can have in the kitchen,” says Big Phil. “Everything from problem-solving to mathematics, science and even learning how to have patience.”
Their videos quickly drew thousands of viewers and caught the attention of The Kelly Clarkson Show. In December, the Phils appeared on a nationally-televised segment showing how to cook chocolate waffles.
These days, the Phils post regular videos and are cooking up plans for a pop-up burger shop. As for parents looking to bond with the kiddos in the kitchen, Big Phil gives this advice: cook with patience and love.
“As a dad, your child is looking at you to see how you react,” Big Phil says. “If you show patience and love and know that the key is to have fun you’re going to have a much better experience.”
Phil’s Table Mac & Cheese
1 lb elbow macaroni
1/3 cup (6 tbsp) unsalted butter
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups whole milk
1 1/2 cups cream
3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups shredded Colby jack cheese
2 cups shredded gruyere cheese
1 tsp powdered mustard
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 1/2 tsp white pepper
Salt to taste
Topping
1/2 cup shredded fontina cheese
1 1/2 cups panko crumbs
1/4 cup melted butter
1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat the oven to 350 F. Lightly grease a large baking dish and set aside. Combine shredded cheeses in a large bowl. Set aside. Cook pasta al dente. Salt your water. Drain, and place in a large bowl. Set aside to cool while preparing cheese sauce.
Melt butter in a deep saucepan. Whisk in flour over medium heat and continue whisking for about one minute until bubbly and lightly golden. Gradually whisk in the milk and cream until smooth. Continue whisking until it starts to bubble again. Cook for three minutes. Whisk in garlic powder, powdered mustard, white pepper, and salt. Add 3 cups of shredded cheese and whisk until smooth. Add another 2 cups of shredded cheese and continue whisking until thick, creamy, and smooth.
Combine pasta with cheese sauce until pasta is fully covered. Pour half of the mac and cheese into the prepared baking dish. Top with the last 2 cups of cheese and then the remaining mac and cheese. In a small bowl, combine the fontina cheese, panko crumbs, melted butter and paprika. Sprinkle over the top and bake until bubbly and golden brown, about 30 minutes. Serve immediately. Healthy Alternative: Swap the pasta for 2 lbs of steamed cauliflower for a lower carb option.