You’ve recently worked with Lifestyle FOOD on The Dinner Project. What have been some of your personal highlights from the show?
The Dinner Project was so much fun to work on! I think the main highlight was having the chance to get out there and meet some real Aussies in their kitchens, do a little cooking with them, share some tips and a few stories.
Your newest cookbook Dish It Up is full of fresh recipes, but what makes a meal cookbook-worthy for you? What gets your tick of approval?
For me, a cookbook-worthy recipe has to have a special meaning or convey a bit of a story, and that’s what Dish It Up does. It shares some of my favourite recipes and the stories behind them, how they came about, why I like them and what makes them special.
What is one ingredient you can’t get enough of in your home cooking right now?
Butter!
You’ll be cooking up a storm at the Sunday Gourmet Markets this Sunday April 26. Can you give us a hint as to what sort of dishes you’ll be preparing?
I can’t wait for this weekend! Cooking in front of a live audience is always lots of fun. I’ll be cooking up a couple of dishes from Dish It Up – super fresh, packed full of flavour, with a focus on seafood.
What do you love about visiting your local farmers market?
I love the fact that you know the produce you’re getting is in season, local and of the highest quality.
If you could prepare dinner for any five people, who would they be?
I never got to meet my grandfather so he’d be my first choice, Ashton Kutcher, my best mate Tim, Candice Swanepoel and then just someone random because having someone different at the table is always fun!
What has been one of the best dining experiences of your life?
Oh, gosh! Every time I’m eating I’m loving it. One of the most incredible experiences was in New York City when we went to a restaurant called Corton and had 21 courses with paired wines – imagine that!
What innovation in the food industry has caught your eye recently?
This isn’t really an innovation but more of a trend, in that people are trying to pull back on their food and make it more ‘homely’. Sharing-style food, that’s what I love.
What is one piece of cooking advice that you can share with our readers?
Give it a go, try your best and cook for those you love because you know they’ll love it, even if they can be some of your harshest critics!