Last but certainly not least



Jamie Oliver in Jamie's Great Britian

Already this is the final blog of Addicted to 24kitchen, and it’s about the Naked Chef! Jamie Oliver is one of the world's most famous and popular chefs. Over the years, he has put several books, TV shows, restaurants and community projects to his name. This sympathetic British chef cooks delicious food for the whole family, and the themes of his programs range from the inventive use of leftovers to wonderful culinary trips.

 

On 24kitchen he presents Jamie’s Great Britain; in this program television chef Jamie travels through Great Britain in search of inspiration for his recipes and looks into the traditions and cultures that make British food so exciting. During his trip, Jamie drives a moving pub to make his way through the different regions of Great Britain. He discovers that many dishes, which are said to be typically British, appear not to be British at all. These dishes are a result of different influences due to invasions, discoveries and immigration. All over the world Jamie Oliver is loved for his inspirational approach to cooking, enthusiasm for quality food and his dynamic personality. While reflecting all these features, in Jamie’s Great Britain he shows us that England has much more to offer than mere fish and chips.

Bourgondic Johnny



John Gerdsen

This week’s blog will take us to another part of the world as we discuss yet another chef from the program ‘Grenzeloos Koken’. John Gerdsen is the chef I’m talking about, and he can be described as someone who really enjoys life. John’s life motto is “I make something out of nothing", and that also goes for cooking. When you work with good products, even with the simplest of ingredients, you can make something really tasty. The French classical cuisine fits him like a glove as consuming these dishes is a part of his lifestyle; his most vivid memory is at the French Riviera, eating large plates of Fruits de Mer which eventually became one of his signature dishes.

Furthermore, besides his culinary knowledge and skills, his inspiring enthusiasm for presenting cooking shows is a real asset to 24kitchen. Chef John is in fact also very humorous, as before he starts cooking he puts on his headband; hygienic, but also hilarious especially since every time he says: "Now Johnny is quickly going to put on his headband." Moreover, I like the way in which he ties the program together with his semi-sarcastic, but characteristic remarks like: “How good does this look” and “How richly can a man live”. At the end of his program he announces that his headband can go off again, whips his hair loose and presents the dish to his viewers.

The Free Range Cook

Annabel Langbein in The Free Range Cook

From the Australian Donna Hay, we are moving on to discuss yet another non-Dutch chef on 24kitchen, Annabel Langbein. Situated in New Zealand, Annabel presents The Free Range Cook; here she goes in search of delicious, fresh ingredients in the surrounding environment of her house at the foot of the New Zealand Alps. Against the spectacular backgrounds of the beautiful landscape, Annabel shows us how she uses these ingredients to prepare delightful dishes with little effort.

Annabel is a cheerful lady and knows how to make something yummy out of anything. The beautiful surroundings and her positive attitude are the perfect combination for a unique cooking show. Sometimes I get annoyed by her accent (she lisps a little) and cheesy stories. Nonetheless, The Free Range Cook has a high entertainment value and her recipes are also good to recreate. Since she varies well between easy and more difficult dishes, the show provides something for everyone. After a day on the road searching for fresh ingredients, Annabel pops into the kitchen and invites her friends over. Together they feast on her tasty dishes; I guess life is good in New Zealand!

Donna's way



Donna Hay in Fast, Fresh, Simple

Donna Hay, an Australian chef who is world-famous for several bestsellers, is the star of this week’s blog. In "Fast, Fresh, Simple" she shows us her tips and tricks, to help us prepare meals which taste just as good as they look. Donna’s recipes are perfect for people who like to cook, but not too complicated. Often Donna uses a trick to speed up the preparation; this is ideal if you have little time, but still want to serve something tasty. Furthermore, her recipes are descent (just like herself) and because she often makes oven dishes, you can prepare the food well in advance.

In my opinion the program Fast, Fresh, Simple is particularly intended for independent women with busy lives, who still want to cook something healthy and enjoyable. Personally, I have got more affection for Rudolph van Veen (or any of the other chefs I like). Donna means well, nonetheless her attitude and the way she presents just don’t appeal to me. Moreover, I think she needs to spice things up a bit and use a little more humour. Regardless of her delicious recipes and creations, I’d rather watch any of 24kitchen’s other chefs.

Double the pleasure..



Nadia Zerouali & MerijnTol

In this blog I will be reviewing another segment of ‘Grenzeloos Koken’. This week the journey takes us to North Africa where we will have a look in the Arabic kitchen. However, unlike other shows there will not be one, but two chefs doing the honours. The more, the merrier you would say... Nadia Zerouali and Merijn Tol share a passion for the Arabic kitchen and try to convey this on 24kitchen. Nevertheless, when these ladies cook together they even take turns stirring the same pot. This causes great confusion, not only on my part me but also to themselves.

Grenzeloos Koken

Numerous times they ask each other if it’s their turn to flip the meat or whether a certain ingredient is already added, followed by a little chat concluding how well they are cooking together. Sometimes it even comes to a narrow escape; when one of the two wants to add salt to an already seasoned dish and is stopped at the very last second. The Arabic meals they create will undoubtedly be delicious, but these two chatterboxes cannot tempt me to start cooking myself.

The cheerful chef

Bianca Janssen

Bianca Janssen presents "Verstip"; fresh ingredients, surprising preparations and some cooking secrets are the formula for this show. After the program, even the biggest bungler can plunge into the kitchen and start cooking. In only a couple of minutes Bianca shows you how to create a surprising fishmeal, carrot cake or an Asian salad with only a few ingredients.

Even though the program is really short (approximately two and a half minutes), she manages to leave her stamp on it. With her lilting accent and cheerful appearance she succeeds to makes a happy picture of the show. Although I find it all very enjoyable, I can imagine that some people are put off by her accent and the way she badly uses the emphasis on most of the words. Nonetheless, all in all I can say that the strength of this show lies in its simplicity and Bianca’s extremely joyful presentation. Thus, I guess who, after about one hundred re-runs, still doesn’t know how to make a carrot cake is doomed to ordering takeaway food... or simply watch the video again below and keep on trying!

Italian Authenticity

Giovanni Caminita

Giovanni Caminita, probably the most humorous chef on 24kitchen, is starring in this week’s blog. He can be seen in the program "Grenzeloos Koken", which takes you on a journey and shows you different culinary recipes from all over the world. In order to see Giovanni at work we will have to stop in Italy since this is his home country.



Despite of him speaking deficiently Dutch, he is the perfect host: with his humour, self-mockery but especially his passion for, and knowledge of Italian food he definitely keeps me glued to the tube. As goes for the cooking, Giovanni keeps it plain and simple which is right up my alley. Although his dishes are easy to make, with the use of basil, mozzarella and tomatoes they are a real slice of Italian authenticity. All in all I can say that thanks to his humour and authenticity, Giovanni Caminita has made it to my list of favourite chefs on 24kitchen. I would like to conclude this blog with Giovanni’s life motto: “Enjoy your day and your meal, even when your partner’s pasta is not al dente!”