My Favourite Chefs

Hi everyone,

It's almost time for Christmas and there is still a lot of preparation to do here in the Hough household. But I want to highlight my favourite chefs as I often find they don't get enough credit for the inspiration they give, the joy and delight they bring, and also their willingness to adapt recipes to accommodate allergies, intolerances etc. There is a long list so I've compiled a select few for you.

Monica Galetti:

Monica has inspired me ever since I saw her for the first time on Masterchef: The Professionals. Her attention to detail is flawless and she puts her heart and soul in every dish she creates. Alongside her husband, she used to own a restaurant in Central London which I regret now not visiting- timing is everything and I just didn't get the chance. But it was a beautiful place and I heard rave reviews on it. They closed it this year to focus more on time with family and whilst it was a bold move- I give her immense credit for doing it. She's taking the food world by storm whilst being a full time mum. There are some chefs out there (none mentioned here) that don't have time to make time for family. It is hard though. But on the upside, Monica also travels the world with Robert Rinder exploring hotels, the way they work, the food, ambiance, architectural structure and lots more. Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond The Lobby is on BBC I Player. Do check it out. I love how Monica take ingredients that aren't always used and brings out their best qualities in a dish. I often come up with new ideas because she shares such great recipes.

Marcus Wareing:

Marcus is another chef that inspires me from Masterchef: The Professionals. He used bold flavours and never wastes anything especially when it comes to fish and meat (utilise all your tools). His passion for food is evident and it has encouraged me in my cooking. I'm a lot more adventurous with my cooking now than when I was working full time (5 years ago now). He also has such compassion and grace for teaching others how to cook. He has such patience and is always willing to answer questions from chefs. It's good to be a chef that isn't shut off from the colleagues they work with nor the chefs they help on Masterchef etc.

Ree Drummond:

Known as 'The Pioneer Woman' in the US and on the Food Network, Ree Drummond knows how to make hearty meals, last minute meals, meals that can be prepared ahead, meals to create with children and more. I stumbled upon her great skills and love for food about 5-6 years ago and my oh my can she cook! She lives and works on a ranch in Oklahoma which means all her produce is grown and cooked on the ranch. I do love a good old farm shop with the freshest of vegetables and more. She inspires me to make hearty meals especially at this time of year that warm the soul. Just what we need in cold, wet, Essex. Hats off to her for her creativity and tips.

Rosemary Shrager:

Last but not least is the great Rosemary Shrager. Rosemary has been working as a chef, as a presenter and teacher of cookery for over 30 years. I met her about 7 or so years ago at The Cake & Bake Show where she signed her latest cookery book (at the time) for me (I still have it- it's on the bookshelf). She is such a lovely person and like my other favourite chefs above puts her heart and soul into everything she cooks and creates. She's even expanded her business portfolio into the creation of kitchens. Move over Wren Kitchens there's a new sheriff in town! Her designs are incredible yet practical which for me is important as being a food and baking blogger essentials are key! Lots of storage space, storage hacks and amazing colours- trust me Rosemary will give you the kitchen of your dreams. You can find out more by visiting her website:

https://kitchenswithrosemaryshrager.com/

Who has inspired you over the years? Are you creative in the kitchen? Do you have a favourite chef?

Let us know

Lily xxxx