Television Cooking Shows: Two to Watch

August 21, 8:36 PMChicago Food ExaminerRebecca Wheeler

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Photo courtesy of Jamieoliver.com

I am often asked in my cooking classes which cooking shows I like to watch and which TV chefs I like (and dislike). It’s a no-brainer that I love Top Chef (who doesn’t?),  but the show makes my palms sweat as I know I would crumble under that kind of pressure. Much more relaxing for me is a non-competition show that inspires, educates and entertains.

Either my tastes and criteria for a good show have changed, or the landscape of food TV has changed, because the shows I like are few and far between these days. I enjoy folding laundry to the Barefoot Contessa’s  soothing voice and comforting menus, but it’s Jamie and Rick that really move me to get up and cook, with Jamie at Home  and Mexico One Plate at a Time.

My basis for what makes a great show is really very simple-if I find myself making a grocery list, looking up a recipe, or as was the case recently-literally jumping off the couch to go make something I just saw- then it’s a winner.

These are not your run of the mill shows. Both of these shows are multi-dimensional, that is they are not just stand in the kitchen and make this recipe shows. No tablescapes and changing kitchen décor here-these are serious food shows that still manage to be loads of fun.

Jamie at Home features his magnificent English garden and multiple cooking spaces throughout his home and garden. His demeanor is extremely laid back, but very food-focused. Jamie knows food--he knows flavors, textures, he just gets it. He subtly imparts his wisdom on us in ways other TV chefs do not. He’ll teach you about acid, he’ll teach you about balancing texture, he’ll teach you about what flavors work together. It’s a lot like standing next to a great chef in a restaurant without suffering as a kitchen slave. Earlier this summer, as a glut of strawberries sat in my fridge waiting for me, (I had to buy a flat since it was the last week of strawberries), Jamie’s theme was strawberries. I was so inspired by his simple vanilla rice pudding with fresh strawberry jam  that I bounded into the kitchen and made it immediately. I felt like Supermom that night serving the gooey vanilla goodness bursting with farm freshness to my kids for dessert.

Rick’s show also features his enviable garden (read about my tour of his garden here). His enthusiasm is infectious and entertaining at the same time. Past seasons' featured regions of Mexico, with the show flip-flopping between scenes in Mexico and making the dishes in Rick’s Chicago kitchen. This season is “Fiesta at Rick’s” and is entertaining focused. I hope to be not just Supermom but Superhero to my friends later this fall when I attempt to crank out one of these feasts. After all-this is what cooking is all about, sharing the love with your friends and family.

There are plenty of other cooking shows worth watching. But if you want true inspiration with a hefty dose of learning-these are two to watch. Just don’t forget to invite me to dinner!