Lisa Faulkner and John Torode’s stress-free seasonal entertaining
Our cover stars Lisa Faulkner and John Torode share with us their top tips for a stress-free festive kitchen
John and Lisa’s Weekend Kitchen
SUNDAY / ITV / 10.30AM
Lisa Faulkner has always been crazy for Christmas, but now the home cook, actor and presenter has even more reason to love it.
‘John asked me to marry him on Christmas Day last year,’ she beams. ‘So that’s going to make Christmas extra special from now on.’
‘I’m feeling quite clever about that,’ grins
TV chef John Torode.
‘Lisa had never looked at rings but she saw one in a jeweller’s in October last year and really liked it. I fudged it and as we left I could see the disappointment on her face, so secretly I went back to buy it. Then I seized the opportunity on
Christmas Day.’
Aw. It’s certainly been an eventful 12 months for the popular couple, who began dating seven years ago, having met on Celebrity Masterchef in 2010, which Lisa won.
‘We’ve packed so much in!’ says Lisa, 47. ‘John proposed, we married in October and in between we were given our own cookery show, filmed three series and are now here talking about our Christmas shows – it’s just bonkers! But so lovely.’
‘I feel very thankful for what we’ve got,’ adds John, 54. ‘We have an amazing relationship that’s full of love for us and our families, and when that radiates around you, things happen.’
The third series of their feelgood hit, ITV’S John and Lisa’s Weekend Kitchen, is currently brightening up our Sunday mornings. This week, they focus on ‘Winter Warmers’, then they’re serving five Christmas and New Year-themed episodes. So, to help get us in the seasonal spirit, the newlyweds join TV Times for an exclusive chat about festive fare and perfect presents…
Is it a dream to be on TV over the Christmas period?
Lisa: It really is.
I’ve done small festive cookery bits on other people’s shows but to have our own programme and be doing it with my husband – it still excites me saying that! – is just a joy. John: To do Christmas specials is a really big deal and hopefully people will appreciate the help.
Why does cooking often feel stressful at this time of year?
Lisa: Christmas is emotional. It might be your first without a loved one, your first as a new parent… people get nervous and put pressure on themselves. But remember, anyone coming to your house loves you and won’t care if things are late or don’t work out. John: We’ve become too concerned that the turkey’s a certain breed or been soaked in yak’s milk for three days – no! The aim of our show isn’t using fancy ingredients, but showing viewers tricks and tips to help them relax as they cook.
Sounds perfect! Tell us more… Lisa: In ‘Party Plates’, I do my late mum’s chicken liver pâté and Grandma’s mince pies, but pimped up with amaretto and sour cherries. John: I love anything with pastry, so I show how to make vol-auvents, and you can add anything you want – cauliflower cheese, Christmas pudding, anything!
Lisa: Then, in ‘Christmas
Day Our Way’,
John gives a masterclass in the perfect turkey and does his legendary stuffing…
John: Which I make in huge batches – apple, sage, bacon, onions, sausage meat – and send as presents to friends who insist on having it! And for ‘Festive Family Favourites’, I do my glazed ham – which you store in a pillowcase in the fridge so it can breathe and not get sticky. Yes, a pillowcase! It’s what we did back in Australia when I was growing up.
How are you planning to spend this Christmas?
Lisa: At home, with all our family and very happily in the kitchen. There’ll be turkey, all the trimmings – cooked vegan-style for ease – and John’s beef Wellington, which I love. John: As a chef, you cook to make people smile, and to see our amazing, blended
family of vegans, vegetarians and carnivores eating together and laughing around the table is magical.
Lisa: We’ll also be getting our wedding video back in December, so I’ve told everyone we can watch it Christmas Day. Now I’m thinking, ‘Maybe they won’t want to..?’ Oh well, John and I are
excited about it!
Do you have a favourite festive tipple? Lisa: Mulled wine. I love red wine but on the show we make a nonalcoholic version that’s still delicious. John: Champagne –
I’m a fizz man.
Anything you’re hoping for from Father Christmas?
Lisa: I don’t want anything. Just all our family coming over, cooking for them and all having a nice time. John: I’d quite like a Porsche 911 Carrera but probably won’t get one. No, I’m not telling you what I’m getting Lisa as she’ll read this, but I’m halfway through the list!
Are you excited about spending your first Christmas together as a married couple?
Lisa: I cannot wait! Our wedding day was special because we had our family and friends around us and because we just look after each other. Christmas is a time to do that again – look after each other. I know it’ll feel extra special now we’re married. John: It’ll be the same in that we’ll have our families around us, but the difference is I’ll wake up next to my wife on Christmas Day!
To do Christmas specials is a really big deal
JOHN TORODE