A live webchat with Rosemary Shrager Thurs 5 Sept

whenim64

What do you do with your 'swish', Rosemary? I'm wondering if I should get one!

Right, the answer is definitely! But, you've got to look for a 10cm wide paint scraper, it's got to be flexible, and thin (with a thin edge). Now, I use it for taking off meringues, biscuits-anything to do with baking. It is a swish-it is my swish! I will bring it to the Cake and Bake show if you happen to be there-I'll say to the audience 'look at my swish!'. In fact I'm going to bring out my new swish on the market-I've just thought of that!

KendalMintCake

I'm not a regular gransnetter but my mother is, and she mentioned that you were coming on.

I have a 14 year old son who more or less refuses to eat vegetables on principle. I do hide them in sauces etc but I'd like to get him eating them consciously, knowing that eventually he'll be cooking for himself.

Do you have any suggestions?

Thank you!

Yes, I quite like doing things like pea pancakes and beetroot pancakes. First of all they're lovely colours and secondly, it's a way of getting vegetables into them. Also you can puree the vegetables for pasta sauces. Does he like chinese food I wonder? Cutting them up prettily and putting them into a stir-fry, they often like. Putting them in fritters and bean burgers can hide them-the other thing you can do is to tell him to get on and not be so silly, and eat it! But I do understand it is difficult. I tend to put them into things and disguise.

junglemania

What tip would you give to new grandparents?

Just have fun! There isn't a tip really to give to anyone-you just love your grandchildren unconditionally, and I really couldn't give any tip to anyone because everyone is different. Whatever you enjoy doing, it's quite fun to share it with your grandchildren, like I share cooking with mine.

bakinggirl

Hi Rosemary!

Really looking forward to seeing you at next week's Cake & Bake Show! What would you say is your best baking tip for novice bakers? What would you say is the hardest thing to learn how to bake?

The most important thing when you bake is to weigh out your ingredients first. It's always easier to have everything ready. The other thing to do is to read your recipe through to the end two or three times so you get a picture of what you're doing.

the hardest thing, probably, is exceptionally skilled gateaux using very unusual techniques. Only a patisserie chef can do that really!

Jamgran

Hello Rosemary

I've watched all your programmes and I wondered which you've enjoyed doing the most?

All at Sea-I loved doing that programme so much. It was like a three week holiday with Bradley Walsh-such fun!

glassofwater

Hi Rosemary! Do you listen to anything when you cook? Or does having the radio on distract you from the task at hand?

Actually that's a really interesting question because I find when I'm working I need silence. I can't cope with music behind me, but I know there are lots of other chefs who love lots of music. But not me! If I was to listen to anyone it would be Neil Diamond or Jack Johnson.

KendalMintCake

Thanks Rosemary

I'm disguising them very successfully at the moment - he eats far more vegetables than he thinks he does! Looking ahead, though, I want him to be choosing to cook vegetables for himself in the future.

I'll try the fritters and bean burgers, and I might come clean about the sauces.

Good luck! I hope it works.

Flipper

Hello Rosemary

I would guess loads of people ask you your favourite food, but I'd like to know whether there are any foods you can't stand?

Thank you!

Yes-I hate marmite. I really can't stand it in any form! And pigs ears and chicken feet.

cinnamonstix

Hey Rosemary. We've recently got a microwave at work and it's a Big Deal (have been asking for one for two years now!) What can you suggest we make in it? Besides the standard pot noodle and beans on toast...

I'm not a person to ask this question, but I would say from what I've heard from other people you could do a baked potato or maybe some fish. I don't use microwaves, I'm sorry!

quotes

Am I too late? I'll ask anyway...

What other bakers do you like? Are you a fan of Nigella?

Well, I don't really know Nigella's work but I'm sure her food is lovely! My favourite bakers are Eric Lanlard, John Whaite, Marc Mouson-they're the ones I absolutely love at the moment and I hope to see Eric and John at the Cake and Bake show!

It's been wonderful chatting with you all-I would love to chat again as soon as possible when we've got a moment. If anyone wants to come to my cookery school, just ring us up. I'm sure the details will be on Gransnet Local Kent, and on google under Rosemary Shrager's Cookery School.

But, more importantly, I can't wait for next weekend-come and make yourself known to me if you've been part of the chat after my demos at the Cake and Bake Show. See you then. Bye! x