By Dana Prifti, Media Relations Writing Intern

Up and coming chef Kevin Roberts will visit UNH Wednesday, April 12, for a cooking demonstration and tour of the dining halls while the dining halls serve a menu of his easy-to-make, “minimal damage, maximum taste” recipes. Roberts, who has cooked for the stars of “Malcolm in the Middle,” and “The Bernie Mac Show,” rapper Snoop Dogg and the ESPN show “Cold Pizza”, is a self-taught chef whose exciting style and easy recipes have paved the way for him to become one of America’s next top chefs. 

Raised by a single, working mother, Roberts discovered as a young boy that if he wanted something more than a frozen TV dinner, he’d have to make it on his own. Even accidentally catching fire, his years of experimentation and his willingness to try anything have resulted in a new book, “Munchies” and college tour that includes a stop here at UNH. 

Ralph Coughenour, director of Culinary Services at UNH, is interested to see how Roberts joins technique and teaching. “I like to work with chefs in general,” he said. “What he does and what I do are totally different, so it’ll be interesting to see the changes.”

Part of Roberts’ appeal is that his recipes are easy to replicate. His book, “Munchies,” is full of ideas for comfort food that anyone can make. “What he does seems to be fun,” Coughenour said. “He concentrates on teaching.”

Roberts’ menu for the dining hall will include some easy-to-make recipes that are included in his book. Curried chutney burgers, messy Russian sandwiches, Asian Cucumber Salad with a pickled ginger garnish, lemon caper butterfish, balsamic fruit salad and nutella frosted brownies are just some of the items that will be served. 

While Roberts is here at UNH, he’ll do a cooking demonstration with UNH President Ann Weaver Hart in the Piscataqua Room of Holloway Commons from noon to 1 p.m. that is free and open to the UNH community. A book signing, a tour to meet the dining staff and a tour of the dining halls from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. will follow the demo.

For more information on Kevin Roberts, visit his website: www.munchiestv.com