MOTHER LOVE - ‘COOKING REMINDS ME OF MY MAMAN'

RAYMOND BLANC ON HIS DEAR AND INSPIRATIONAL LATE MUM, SINGING WITH THE QUEEN MOTHER AND HIS FOOD OF LOVE FOR VALENTINE’S DAY

- JENNIFER RODGER

With his big appetite for food and life, Raymond Blanc’s Saturday morning cookery show is a joy to watch. Now back for a second series, the 72-year-old chef says viewers should “wear a napkin” for the show, as he serves up more gorgeous dishes and tempts us to get stuck in with gusto.

The self-made and self-taught French chef, who has lived in Britain for 46 years and has an OBE, will he joined by celebrity guests on Simply Raymond Blanc as he shares his enthusiasm for all things food-related.

Here, Raymond tells OK! about being inspired by Maman Blanc, his secrets to a happy Valentine’s Day and his proudest moments…

Hi Raymond. So what’s on the menu in Simply Raymond Blanc?

Viewers – please wear a napkin to this show! That’s because I’m going to serve the most wonderful feast of delicious dishes from my childhood, my travels, my restaurants and, of course, from my home. It’s all about having fun in the kitchen and indulging in the sheer pleasure of cooking… and eating. I truly hope this series inspires viewers to head for the kitchen and throw themselves into cooking fabulous meals for family and friends, filling the home with the wonderful aromas of cooking. The dishes are gorgeous and pretty easy to make – no fuss. And in every episode I share kitchen secrets, lots of cooking tips and some advice about growing vegetables at home. I’m also joined by my chef friends – I take a seat as they cook for me. And there are lots of recipes from my book, Simply Raymond.

Will you be sharing any of your favourite dishes?