Top chefs who have recipe for success
These letters are in response to an editorial by Julie Eley asking readers to name their favourite cooking programmes and chefs. After a random draw, Alison Beaumont of New Plymouth wins the six-month subscription to TV Guide.
My preferred cooking programme is also combined with a travel guide. James Martin is so entertaining and also funny. I just love the way he randomly cooks on the most basic of barbecues on the roadside, a beach or a river bank, often with stunning views. It is quite different to the average cooking show. I would dearly love to have him back.
Alison Beaumont (New Plymouth)
I watch a number of the cooking shows but my favourite will always be the shows Mary Berry did. Her recipes were easy (or she made them seem that way) and also tasty. She was always a lady but one with a merry twinkle in her eye.
Jenny Gigg (Porirua)
I learned heaps from Delia Smith back in the year dot in England and have her books too. Paul Hollywood was really interesting and enjoyable, especially his bread making and when he visited different places. Jamie Oliver is great so I had to buy some of his books too. Having watched Rick Stein in beautiful Cornwall many times, and India, meant even more books. I’m really hoping his latest Simple Suppers will be televised.
Carol Houghton (Nelson)
My favourite memories are of Julia Child, and I am really not that old, but I used to sit there and wonder what she was on about. Next was Delia Smith. I used to think she was perfection personified the way she spoke and seemed to create all things perfectly. I also love Pru Leith with her wonderful taste in clothes. I wouldn’t dare wear them but she looks superb in them and her massive array of necklaces. But I have to indeed honour our New Zealand cook, Alison Holst. She is simply the mother of the nation with her beautiful demeanour including encouraging people with those dulcet tones of hers. I am so sad she can’t grace our screens now.