Lotte Duncan shares her tips
Tell us about what you're doing with Matt Evers for Valentine's Day?
I couldn’t possibly tell! But it does involve naughty chocolate.....champagne....ice skates and a wooden spoon!
What's it like working with Matt? Does he dance everywhere?
Constantly... In fact I spent most of our time in the kitchen together sitting on his shoulders being spun around. Poor chap, he’s still getting over it! The doctor says the neck brace can come off soon!
What do you think is the perfect meal for Valentine's Day? Starter, main and dessert?
Anything that is easy to cook together, because that’s part of the fun and makes for a lovely intimate time. I would suggest the beautiful and simple Oysters with lemon juice or Tabasco that we show in the films as a starter. Matt’s delicious stuffed chicken with feta and spinach as a main...nice and light so it doesn’t sit heavy in your tummy....for later! And to finish, it’s got to be my chocolate mess – sensuous, naughty and full of rum and chocolate.....
If you want to cook something a little different than a three course meal, what would you suggest?
One of the most romantic times I’ve ever had (sorry Matt...There have been other men before you!),was sitting on the beach, eating fish and chips and drinking champagne – straight out of the bottle. It wasn’t planned...just a spontaneous meal with some fizz...and yes it was on Valentine’s Day.
How about finger food, what would be your recommendation for Valentine's Day?
You must try Matt’s fruit dipped into Tequilla and Chilli chocolate, as seen on Food Network in our ‘made for love’ films. Wonderful finger food that you can feed to each other....
Any other day of the year, what's your favourite meal to cook?
I really love to cook breakfast. There are so many delicious things you can eat in the morning, knowing you have the rest of the day to work it off!
How about your favourite meal to eat?
Seafood – tons of it. With a big bowl of lemon and garlic home-made mayonnaise to dip it in to. Sigh.......
What's an easy but delicious meal that people can cook up?
Have to say, it’s my Macaroni Cheese....my mum’s recipe and a favourite with all my family and friends. Topped with cheese, crispy bacon and tomato...Yum. Food doesn’t have to be complicated to put a smile on people’s faces – Often the simplest dish is the best.
A lot of people claim that they can't cook, what sort of tips and advice would you give them?
Don’t be afraid....start with easy quick dishes and work your way up from there. Don’t be too ambitious too early, because if it does go wrong the first time, you’ll be put off. It really is only heating up food to make it palatable....it’s not rocket science. I’ve never written a difficult recipe in my life. I don’t see the point. Recipes are only as complicated as the person that writes them!
What three essentials should be on any person's shopping list?
Only three?
Well, if I have to give you only three, I’d say BUTTER, EGGS AND STRONG CHEDDAR CHEESE. You’ll never starve – you’ll always have an omelette!
Finally, what's your ultimate cooking tip?
Always and without fail – Have Matt Evers in your kitchen with you – worked for me!
Catch Lotte with skater Matt Evers in their ‘Made With Love’ short films on Food Network UK this Valentine’s Weekend, and to recreate the romantic recipes visit www.foodnetwork.co.uk
Femalefirst Taryn Davies
Tagged in food Valentine's Day Matt Evers