We’ve learnt a lot from chef Jamie Oliver over the years.
How everything tastes better with a loads of grated cheese and lemon on it.
How pomegranate can be added to salads to make it look as though you’ve made a huge effort.
And how if you feed children nothing but turkey twizzlers for lunch, you can’t expect much school work out of them in the afternoons.
Read more: Saturday Kitchen’s Matt Tebbutt shares update from hospital bed after emergency surgery
So a new Jamie Oliver show is always exciting and the one coming up at the end of this month looks amazing.
Throughout his career Jamie has penned an incredible 25 cookbooks and is the biggest selling non-fiction author in UK history.
And in his new show, The Great Cookbook Challenge with Jamie Oliver, there’s a lucrative book deal with Penguin Random House up for grabs for one lucky, aspiring cookbook writer.
About the show
The competition is open to foodies from all walks of life, from humble home cooks and unknown chefs, to Instagram food-influencers and street food vendors.
Jamie Oliver presents the series and will mentor the contestants, sharing his knowledge and experience to help develop their skills and passion for food.
Over seven episodes, and with Jamie’s guidance, the would-be cookery authors must prove to publishers and expert judges they have what it takes to create a bestseller.
Who are the judges?
Louise Moore, Managing Director of Penguin Michael Joseph
Louise joined Penguin Michael Joseph as an Editorial Director in 1997, becoming Managing Director in 2006.
As well as Jamie, she’s worked with authors such as Marian Keyes, Nadiya Hussein, Mrs Hinch, Stephen Fry, Raynor Winn, Jojo Moyes, Conn Iggulden, Lesley Pearse and Dawn French.
She says: “I don’t think the importance of books can be underestimated – in books people find friendship, solace, instruction and escape. Books are nothing but a force for good.”
Jim Famuwera
Jim is the man with arguably (and we will argue if needs be) the world’s best job.
He’s the chief restaurant critic for the Evening Standard and also sometimes appears on Masterchef UK to give his expert opinion.
Georgina Hayden
Georgina is Fortnum and Mason’s cookery writer of the year, a food writer and cook as well as a busy mum.
She’s appeared on Saturday Kitchen and is Greek Cypriot so her Instagram is packed with images of mouth-watering Greek food.
As far as who the hopeful cooks are, so far we don’t yet know, but will keep you posted!
Channel 4 share: “The series begins with wannabe cookbook authors from across the country pitching their unique cookbook ideas and signature dishes. The panel of experts will pick their favourites to return for the next part of the process, where the competitors must cook more dishes, hone their book concepts and see how well their recipes measure up to testers at home.
“Packed full of incredible food, the series culminates with three finalists bringing their books to life for the judges and industry experts in a final pitch for the ultimate prize.
“Only one foodie will walk away with their very own publishing deal with Michael Joseph at Penguin Random House.”
Jamie Oliver said: “I have been crafting cookbooks for over 20 years and I know the dedication, skill and intuition it takes to create recipes people want to buy and try at home. Breaking into publishing is incredibly difficult – an impossible dream for so many amazing cooks out there – so I am just so excited to get out there and discover incredible new talent, new perspectives and new approaches to cooking and food. We know the talent is out there and I’m thrilled to be able to help them fulfill their potential.”
When is it on?
The Great Cookbook Challenge with Jamie Oliver begins on Monday, January 31, 8pm on Channel 4.
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