Mary Berry: Cook & Share

Dame Mary Berry on her new series showcasing recipes for get-togethers

2022-09-03 -

Wednesday, 8pm, BBC2 Cookery

Dame Mary Berry celebrates the joy of sharing food. In her new six-part series, the cookery maestro travels across the UK to share her own recipes at family gatherings and events. For the opener, Dame Mary is working behind the scenes at an Indian wedding, hoping to wow guests with her avocado, beetroot and prawn stack, roasting-tin spiced chicken, and chocolatetruffle dessert.

QWhy did you want to make a series about food for sharing?

AI’m not good at enjoying food on my own and I’ve always loved to share. I like the interaction after having cooked food. For someone to say they appreciate it adds to the conversation.

QHow did you choose the recipes for the show?

AThey’re not too complicated – they’re achievable and delicious! The food is relaxed and informal. It’s about passing it around with no special dishes needed and not much pomp and ceremony. It’s about gathering people.

QThe first episode looks at special occasions, doesn’t it?

AYes, I got a look behind the scenes at an Indian wedding and helped the catering crew with hundreds of guests. The groom arrived on a white horse and the bride was in a magnificent red dress with impossibly high heels – the next time I saw her after the ceremony, she was barefoot, understandably! It was incredible and so vibrant.

QYou travel around the country meeting people. What were your highlights?

AI loved the scalloping trip on the Jurassic Coast [in

Dorset]. And at Edgbaston Stadium, I met the head chef, Scott. I admired how he recruits his team from the college in Birmingham and sees the potential in young cooks.

QYou also visit your mother’s native Scotland. What was that like?

AIt was lovely seeing my granddaughter Abby and her friends at the Edinburgh Marathon. Everyone was drinking energy drinks and eating rocky road and feeling proud of themselves!