For you guys who are not in the UK I just thought I’d tell you about a fantastic TV competition we have called ‘Masterchef’.

The competition is open to amateur wannabe chefs who would like to change their lives and make a career in the kitchen. Contestants enter from all over the United Kingdom and of course because they’re amateurs they come from all walks of life, there are hairdressers, real estate agents, pub landlords and guys who work in the City. After the selection process 132 people become the chosen few, and ‘They’re off’. The show (competition) lasts for 8 weeks and the contestants are put through their paces big time.

It really is a rollercoaster ride of emotions, you get stress, comedy, nail biting tension and at times you’re almost on the edge of your seat. They’re all great guys but during the course of the competition you do get your own personal favorite, the one you want to win, and boy oh boy if they get knocked out you really feel for them.

They have to invent dishes and survive as part of a team in a fast professional kitchen. For me it’s one of the best bits because the pressure is definitely on and if you’re easily offended you sometimes have to cover your ears because there’s no punches pulled in this section.

Finally they have to impress the judges by creating a dish to show they have the necessary skill, flair and potential to be a great chef.

The final of the present series ended yesterday and Wow what an emotional time, and I must say ‘Well done’ to all the guys who took part and allowed themselves to be put through the kitchen mincer.

The winner was a really nice guy who kept his cool and showed his talents consistently through the competition. So many congratulations to Dhruv Baker Masterchef.

Keep cooking,

Matt

I hope you’re all having a great day. Have you planned this evening’s dinner? Something special, maybe a dish you’ve never tried before? Go on…You’ll never know ‘til you try

Speaking of Dinner: If you’re in the UK don’t forget to sign up for the Smooth Radio and Woman Magazine ‘Starlight Supper’ which will be held on Saturday February 27th. The idea is to have as many people as possible throughout the UK having fun with their own Dinner Party all at the same time, and of course raising money for charity. Every penny each Dinner Party raises will go to the ‘Smooth Appeal’ which supports Breast Cancer Care, Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie’s Big Build and Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People. In the North West of England you’ll be raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support, which is the Radio’s chosen charity of the year.

Go to Smooth Radio and sign up now to hold your own private Starlight Supper and Smooth Radio will supply you with all you need to create your very own Starlight Supper evening.

They will help you to make it a huge success. You get everything from invites, place-cards, sample menus as well as suggested recipes right through to best ideas from their superstar chefs. You will also get donation envelopes. After all this is what the evenings’ all about.

They’ll even supply you with the ideal soundtrack for your supper party; absolutely no need to keep switching CD’s or fight over the mp3 player. Just take your own radio into your dining room and Tune in to Smooth Radio from 8pm which will give you four hours of your most popular music, non-stop with Andy Peebles. There won’t be any commercial distractions, absolutely no news bulletins, just simply great music and of course mentions to listeners up and down the country who will be hosting their very own Starlight Supper. If you’d like some extra entertainment for your friends, you’ll even be able to join in with the after dinner party game. You’ll get your own quiz sheets all supplied in your ‘Starlight Supper’ packs.

Go have fun and raise some money in support of the cancer charities.

‘till next time,

Matt.

Boy Oh Boy it’s Pancake Day, and Wow do I love pancakes.

Do your family a favor and whip out the ol’e frying pan, pretend you’re on a production line and churn out loads of panackes.

Just in case you’ve forgotten how to make them watch the video of a UK top chef.

Have you had any disasters with your pancakes?

Let me know and there’ll be a free gift for the best one, or worst one whichever way you look at it.

Keep Cooking,

Matt.