Instructions

1. Know the difference between a personal chef and a private chef. The former serves several clients, usually one per day, and provides multiple meals that are stored and frozen for the week. The latter is usually a live-in employee who prepares up to three meals per day.

2. Determine what your weekly budget is for your personal chef. The average price for a meal that feeds a family of four is about $40, not including groceries. Expect to pay about $275 (plus groceries) for a week of meals for two people, $250 for one person. Prices vary depending on the region and level of service that is desired.

3. Decide exactly what you'd like your chef to do. Some stock the fridge with additional meals for the week. Others bring their own pots, pans and utensils while preparing your entre'es on-site.

4. Begin your search online or in your local newspaper. Contact Personal Chefs Network (personalchefsnetwork.com) and Hire a Chef (hireachef.com) for free lists of personal chefs in your area.

5. Be sure that your chef not only meets your culinary requirements but also has a disposition that fits well with you and your family, since he or she will become a regular in your home. And don't hesitate to ask for references.

6. Tell your personal chef what your likes and dislikes are as well as any individual dietary requirements, and specific requests so that he or she can plan your menu accordingly. Have your chef submit menus for your approval, and ask if packaging, labeling and storing your entre'es are all features included in the agreed-upon price.