I love watching cookery programmes,especially since i have really got into my cooking and baking.Having said that i have watched cookery programmes as long as i can remember.
I used to love watching 'Ready Steady Cook' back in the day,especially during the Fern Britton years.I also loved the sort of spin off programme 'Can't Cook,Won't Cook'.This was especially good when someone was completely rubbish.I guess i used to identify with them back then.
Some of the chefs i enjoyed back then included-
Ainsley Harriot~For his flamboyant style more than anything else.
Lesley Waters~ For her down to earth approach.Although i have a recollection of her occasionally being a bit harsh to contestants occasionally.Whatever happened to her?.
James Martin~Young and vibrant with new ideas.
Phil Vickery~Who couldn't resist his puddings.(Fern obviously couldn't.At least i think that's what caught her attention).
Kevin Woodford~He had an infectious laugh i seem to recall.Especially when presenting 'Can't Cook,Won't Cook'.He also had a great show in the late 90's called 'Big Kevin,Little Kevin'.He was the little Kevin and the big Kevin was an American called Kevin Belton.They went on a tour of America and Great Britain.Each week they would show something of where they were,featuring both countries.The recipes each week would also come from both countries.
In recent times cookery programmes seem to have exploded and the ones i enjoy the most are-
Nigella~She has some great recipes and tends to keep things nice and simple.Her recent series 'Nigellisima' was excellent although having a larder stocked like hers helps considerably.
Nigel Slater ~I love watching his programmes,even when he uses food that i don't eat.He has a nice relaxed air about him.I have to say though that when he makes a dish in one of his 'Simple Supper ' shows,he often makes a really small portion,then says that makes a fantastic supper.It might do if you want to feel hungry again half an hour later.
I am always impressed by his herb garden.Being able to go outside and just grab the amount of herbs you need must be great.Buying herbs in a shop is very expensive,especially when you only use a few pieces.(Although thanks to Jamie Oliver i have learnt to use basil in many things,even if it is only added to potatoes).I don't have room for a herb garden like Nigels,but i have just brought a herb kitchen garden.It is a little box that came with some compost and four packets of seeds,Basil,Parsley,Chives and Coriander.I can grow them indoors so i am going to give it a go in the new year.I will let you know how i get on.
Jamie Oliver~What can you say?.He is so down to earth and especially plain talking.Although he probably couldn't have got away with some of the things he says if he was still on the BBC."Get it in your gob",for instance.He makes you feel like everything doesn't have to look perfect,it just has to taste good.
I watched his tour around Italy in his split screen VW back in the day,But recently i have been catching up on some of his other programmes on YouTube(Hooray for YouTube). I may review these at some stage.
I bought his 'Jamie's Great Britain' as part of an offer at W.H.Smiths.(It cost me £4.00 as part of a 3 for £12.00 offer.I also got 'The Great British Book of Baking' the book that accompanied the first series of 'The Great British Bake Off'.2 fantastic bargains).
I also Have his 'The Return of The Naked Chef'.Bought for £1.00 in a charity shop recently.Yet another fantastic bargain.I have already had a go at making his 'Chocolate Twister Bread'..
Whilst all these chefs are good there is one chef that stands above all the others,
Mrs Monday Baker~Her 'Chicken and Bacon Lasagna' is one of the best lasagne's you will ever taste(As many friends and family will testify to).She also makes a mean 'Full English Breakfast'.It ranks up there with the breakfast at the local 'Super Sausage'.
On top of all this though is the fact that she is having to put up with my new found addiction to cooking.Apparently everything i make involves chocolate.And she thinks that i am trying to make her in to Ten Ton Tess.
The Monday Baker
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