In the kitchen with Jamie Oliver
He cooks all over the world. Now, he shows us what family meals are like at his house
Photo: David Loftus courtesy of Food Network Canada
No offence to any rock stars or astrophysicists who may be reading this, but Jamie Oliver has got to be the coolest dad on the planet. I mean, come on. The 36-year-old Brit owns three drooled-after restaurants. He’s sold enough of his 14 cookbooks to qualify as the second-most successful author in England (J. K. Rowling, of Harry Potter fame, is number one). Plus, he kind of started a revolution — his mission to make kids’ school lunches healthier started in the UK, and is spreading, one school at a time, through french-fry-laden towns in the United States.
His personal life looks equally brilliant. He rides around on motorcycles and plays drums in Scarlet Division, the band he co-founded when he was 14. He’s married to a gorgeous former model, Jools, and they have four children together: 10-year-old Poppy; nine-year-old Daisy; Petal, who’ll be three in April; and their 1½-year-old brother, Buddy Bear.
Now Oliver has put out a line of pastas, seasonings and jarred sauces that manage to align with his rather particular ideas about cooking, celebrating good quality and natural ingredients.
In spite of all we know of his public works, Today’s Parent really, really wanted to get inside the eating habits of the Oliver household. So we asked — and here’s what he told us.
Please keep reading to find out what Jamie has to say about family life, busy schedules and of course, food>
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What do you think?
DoctorB says ....
Jamie Oliver's pasta sauces are among the saltiest pasta sauces in the UK. The last thing we or our children need is salt. I would have thought that he could have done a better job, especially since he says he is trying to develop healthier food for children. Eating vegetables is the best thing for them, but not if we smother them with salty sauces.
Guest_343585 says ....
I'm looking forward to trying the veggie burger recipe.
mandy
Guest_211541 says ....
I love the sweets but need to watch my consumption. So I avoid them Since I love sushi, I would like the Asian Sticky Rice.
Little Bird says ....
Exploded muffins. That should thrill my Myth Busters addicted son.
Rose Holloway (not verified) says ....
I'll try anything he makes - it's all delicious
Guest_271920 says ....
Mediterranean Chicken Ciabatta sounds wonderful!
samorjj says ....
I want to try the Beef Fajita Salad.
luckiest1 says ....
Jamie's Lovely Chunky Minestrone soup, of course!
totamealion says ....
Blueberry smoothie
drjason says ....
I like the Mediterranean Chicken Ciabatta.
nodingodo says ....
The Asian Sticky Rice sounds really good!
jen1305 says ....
Portable pizza pockets!!! Yum!
Guest_288459 says ....
I would love to try the Basic Spaghetti Sauce; it sounds like a great home-made recipe.
janetm says ....
I will try the Mediterranean Chicken Ciabatta. It looks wonderful.
Guest_342507 says ....
I am going to try some of your dinner recipes as I have twins at home and need more ideas!
firequeen7430 says ....
Gonna try the blueberry smoothie, both kids will love it afterschool.
natcon says ....
I plan to try the Asian sticky rice. It sounds delicious.
SASKMOM says ....
I like the Blueberry Smoothie recipe. What a good idea for a snack for my toddler and I! Quick and easy, readily available ingredients and healthy too!
supersweet66 says ....
I'm going to try the Blueberry smoothie. I never would have thought to add OJ to Blueberries, banana, and yogurt - I've always just done milk! Love Love Love Jamie Oliver. I soooooo need to win this book!
Guest_160105 says ....
I think my son will love the granola coins for snack
Guest_357948 says ....
The bottomless vegetarian pot pie!
Guest_291296 says ....
I am going to try the ''Almost Illegal Chocolate Gingerbread''. My kids will think I am a genius! I also am a huge fan of Jamie Oliver. He's gorgeous, and so enthusiastic and is a world changer. Watching him as he shows us how it's done, gets those creative cooking vibes going. Such fun!
Portia181 (not verified) says ....
Salmon and Spinach is a no fuss receipe keep it simple inthe kitchen..Jamie has done some interesting cooking shows my favourite being when he goes to Italy and travels around..
cooperj2005 says ....
I would love to try the Turkey Pumpkin Chili...sounds so yummy and healthy...and my kids would help making it as well.
Thank you for the chance to win!!
Guest_154445 says ....
Sorry...I mean the "Crustless" Quiche Lorraine....for the same reason...It does look quick though!
Guest_154445 says ....
The Quick Quiche Lorraine because my whole family loves EGGS! :-)
Jags mom says ....
I am definitely going to try the Chicken Kiev recipe. I'm always looking for new ways to make chicken. Btw, I love Jamie Oliver!
Guest_360918 says ....
I am looking forward to trying out the brown rice and chunky vegetable salad as my boys are addicted to rice at the moment so this will make a great healthy side dish for them!
Suzi7 says ....
I will make the Blueberry Smoothie for my daughter. Our freezer is full of blueberries from last summer that are great straight up too. Jamie Oliver is awesome!
mommydavmicha says ....
I will make asian sticky rice
wilhelmina says ....
a nice twist ..the turkey pumpkin chile...sounds delicious/nutritious...my picky autistic grandchilds' favorites..pumpkin and chile..2 in 1..wonderful..thanks!
Guest_345249 says ....
The Pizza Pocket! what a great idea for on-the-go and lunches. (and a fun way to hide healthy foods)
Guest_172289 says ....
What a great article and awesome chef!
I have never tried to do the Asian sticky rice at home, but love it in restaurants, so it should be good to check that out! I must admit I have more faith in the recipe than I have in my ability to get the same great results.
bvanbrussel says ....
Asian sticky rice
MaryChris says ....
I think that the Blueberry Smoothie looks delish and I can't wait to try it! I'm looking forward to reading Jamie Oliver's cookbook and making some of his well thought out recipes:)
RobynC says ....
PIzza pockets sound great. Sometime I can take on the go!
Janice Ellis (not verified) says ....
The slow cookerpork tenderloin sounds great.
Lemare00 says ....
I'm excited to try the Almost Illegal Chocolate Gingerbread. It sounds like a real winner. I also look forward to trying the recipes in Jamie Oliver's new book! I love Jamie Oliver and agree, he seems like a great Dad!
Guest_258604 says ....
Asian sticky rice...I love sticky rice and this sounds fantastic! :D
amydee (not verified) says ....
Tortilla pie sounds awesome
mommyfrommars says ....
I love rice and I am going to make the Asian Sticky Rice! I can't wait to try it! Yummy
Indra Kozlovski says ....
Asian Sticky Rice
ChEwie says ....
We love granola bars... so we will have to try the crunchy granola recipe... if my kids will eat it, then it passes the test!
jumpingranny says ....
Asian Sticky Rice, it looks so tasty and easy to make for my lunch at work.
Musicmomma says ....
I'm planning to make the Asian sticky rice!
Guest_306375 says ....
I'm planning to make the homemade granola coins - perfect for the kids.
emmawiller@gmail.com
Guest_155123 says ....
I want to try the Tortilla Pie:)
catlady200 (not verified) says ....
Would have to be the spagetti sauce! we use so much around here, and it would be fab to be able to make my own!
Guest_355392 says ....
Excited to try the Basic Spaghetti Sauce since I make a lot of pasta, it would be nice to can my own.
Guest_327482 says ....
I can't wait to try the Frozen Valentine Bombs. They sound delicious.