WE’RE NEIL + WHITNEY

HI THERE! NICE TO MEET YOU!

We are Neil and Whitney Ostercamp, The Newlywed Chefs, and we're keeping a fresh outlook on life, love, and food. Love food? Love St. Louis? You're in the right place, my friend! Check out our latest posts below or browse our St. Louis Guides (coming soon!) and find your new favorite restaurant in St. Louis!

Candy Bar Blondies

Originally Posted 2015, Revised 2025

Did you know that in St. Louis when kids go trick-or-treating, they have to tell a joke? Yep, we work for our candy around here. Even the toddlers have some sort of trick they practice (with prompting from their parents, of course) for weeks leading up to the big day. Growing up, I remember my mother literally holding the bowl of treats back from the neighborhood kids until they each told a joke. The goofy jokes are similar to ones you’d normally find on Laffy Taffy wrappers. Example: “What did the sick pumpkin say?” …”I don’t feel so GOURD!” 

Summer Salad

Here’s an easy summer salad recipe that highlights the flavors of the season. You can adjust the proportions based on your preferences but this will give you a place to start. Perfect to bring along to a summer party!

Strawberry Syrup

This post is sponsored by Eckert’s, however, as always, all opinions are our own.

It’s strawberry season here in the Midwest and Eckert’s has the best around! They host an annual Strawberry Festival, and our family enjoyed strawberry picking, carnival rides, and brunch in their Cider Shed. We brought home an abundance of strawberries back home and made the most delicious, simple strawberry syrup this weekend.

Easy Slow Cooker Beef

Easy Slow Cooker Beef

Ah, the bleak Midwinter. Valentine’s Day is over, spring break seems light years away, and we have had snow day after snow day here in St. Louis. One thing to look forward to on cold winter days is a warm and comforting meal. We are working on revamping some of the recipes from our archives and decided this one needed to be revisited. The word “easy” is in the title for a reason. It’s so super simple to make and the beef can be used as an entree, in salads, or tacos. We hope you enjoy this easy recipe!

(30 Minute) Mac & Cheese

Neil’s birthday is always ruined by an ice storm. A January baby is used to this sort of thing growing up in Missouri, so we are always very last-minute and flexible when it comes to his birthday plans. No matter how we celebrate, it’s for certain that mac & cheese will be served at some point during the week.

Harvest Apple Salad

This post is sponsored by Eckert’s, however, as always, all opinions are our own.

It’s apple season at Eckert’s and we are excited to partner with them to bring you a delicious and healthy recipe for the fall. Sweet and crunchy apples pair perfectly with roasted sweet potatoes, salty parmesan cheese, and toasted pine nuts. This salad can be served an appetizer, side, or main dish, and keeps in the fridge for days.