Home is where where Gordon is
Kitchen’s Mr Mean is in sizzling form on Gordon’s Ultimate Home Cooking.
Gordon’s Ultimate Home Cooking Season 1 Tuesdays SABC3 (*193) 20:30
Gordon Ramsay admits that he has a filthy mouth. “But it’s different at home,” says the 50-year-old chef. “There was a swear jar and I’d be penniless if I carried on.” So that’s why he’s so much tamer and friendlier on Gordon’s Ultimate Home Cooking (2013- current), which is back on SABC3. Gordon turned his London home into a TV set and invited the cameras in for the ultimate in home cooking. And his family help with the chopping, grilling and baking. “On telly he’s like a strict teacher,” laughs 15-year- old Matilda. “It’s funny because it is so different to how he is at home. He’s just a normal dad.”
NORMAL CAN BE NICE
“This is not a Michelin-star restaurant where you’re paying top dollar,” says the fiery Scot. “This is home cooking. It must be wholesome and tasty – but most importantly, it must be
simple!” Simple enough for children to do too – and that’s why Gordon’s brood with wife Tana (they married in 1996) – Megan (19), twins Holly and Jack (17) and Matilda – make regular appearances, helping “dear old dad” dice and slice his way through recipes.
A PINCH OF CLASS
Gordon has cooked for the who’s who of Hollywood, royalty and anyone else famous in-between. So you can bet your bottom dollar that he isn’t going to be making plain pancakes and warm milk for a snack. But he’s also not making dishes that would scare the average person. “What I love is that this is the kind of food that I grew up eating – it’s basic, plain, easy to do,” smiles Gordon.
Just look at episode 1 (which snuck onto TV in early July without warning) – Gordon made potato cakes, fish fingers and shepherd’s pie. “What is more British that shepherd’s pie? It’s wholesome, filled with great flavours and it’s a quick fix that will always go down well with your guests,” laughs the chef, who wouldn’t serve those dishes in his restaurants around the world. “This! Is the ultimate in home cooking!” beams Gordon.