@pbsnews: Chef Maurice Levene, or “Chef Moe,” as he’s known on TikTok, isn’t your typical culinary creator. With nearly a quarter century in the culinary field and eight years experience as head chef, he’s using his expertise about the art and science of cooking to help his viewers cook good meals, on a budget. Levene launched his TikTok account last year to share cooking tips, but he soon learned some of his followers were struggling to afford basic necessities. “There was one message in particular of someone expressing how they thought the dish was amazing. They couldn’t wait to try it, but they had to wait till next month to buy the ingredients to make the dish,” said Levene. And just like that, the Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania-based chef launched a new budget-conscious series on his channel: How to feed a family with just $5 or $10 dollars. “Instead of just showing how to make the dish. Why don’t we explain why we’re doing this and this for the dish so that we’ll build the confidence in people so they could be able to cook.” Levene walks his viewers through how to shop, prep and prepare a meal, while explaining the techniques chefs use to pair flavors, emulsify sauces and even how to create flavor without seasonings. “They didn’t have certain spices, something that I take for granted, you take for granted and we wouldn’t think how somebody couldn’t have salt and pepper or someone couldn’t have paprika. And that really, that was my eye opening moment that people need help.” According to the Department of Agriculture, food prices have risen 3.2 percent in the last year. An Urban Institute study found, nearly a third of working-age adults living with children reported food insecurity last year. With over 800 thousand followers on TikTok, and growing, Chef Moe hopes his videos can help familes get food on the table and build confidence around the world. “I’m not going to stop World Hunger, but if I can help a few people. I’d be honored to.” @chat_n_chops @deemazein#chef #chefmoe #budgetmeals #groceryprices #highprices #meals #cooking #recipesoftiktok #recipes

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Sunday 07 June 2026 15:15:00 GMT