Curtis Stone. He’s the incredibly cute, sweet talkin’ Aussie you might have seen a couple years ago on TLC’s now canceled "Take Home Chef". The critically acclaimed restauranteur has enviable talent in the kitchen and aside from that, he’s appeared on numerous television shows in the UK and on this side of the Pond as well. These days you might recognize Stone from the judging panel of "America’s Next Great Restaurant" or as the host of "Top Chef Masters".
But TV appearances are nothing for this guy–he’s cleary got a face the camera (and all female TV viewers) loves! His sincere love of food and nutrition pales in comparison to everything else he does. In fact, Stone partnered with Post Great Grains to spread his whole-food philosophy and the importance of eating less-processed foods for better nutrition. Read on to check out ModernMom’s interview with the adorable food maven, and we promise we’ll refrain from anymore references to Stone’s winsome physical appearance…no matter how good he looks eating cereal at the top of this article!
What is your favorite meal to cook?
I love cooking seafood, which is best left really simple. Grilling a piece of fish with some shrimp, mussels, and clams, steamed in white wine, simply served with some garlic, parsley and lemon juice…really a beautiful way to serve seafood.
How can I get my children to eat healthier?
The best way to get kids to eat healthier is to gradually introduce them in foods that your kids already like. Vegetables are the most common things for mums to be encouraging their kids to eat. You can add veggies to sauces like marinara sauce or pasta sauces that way your kids will not even notice they are in the dish once they are all cooked down together.
Another way to do it is to cook the veggies in a style that they like. Grilling is a great way to convert kids into vegetable eaters. Try grilling corn, asparagus, zucchini, or peppers.
What’s your favorite fool-proof meal?
It’s a main course salad. You can put anything you like into it, such as baby spinach, feta, tomatoes, red onions, or green beans. Once you have pulled together all these fresh ingredients, add a piece of grilled chicken or steak and a simple dressing made from extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Moms are busy! What’s your best advice for getting a meal on the table quickly?
Keep it simple and don’t use too many ingredients. Also, try to cook using one or two pieces of cookware to cut back on the cleaning up.
Which of your roles do you prefer most: TV cooking judge, television host, cookbook author, or businessman?
I love to be in a kitchen! There is really nothing I enjoy more than going to a market and selecting some beautiful ingredients, then cooking for people that I love spending time with.
What’s your quickest, healthiest, and yummiest breakfast recipe?
Great Grains cereal, of course! I slice up a banana or add some blueberries to mine. I love the raisin, date and pecan variety with milk.
What are your best dinner party tips for entertaining a crowd?
Do all the hard work before people come over. Marinade your meats and seafoods. Set the table and fix a pitcher of your favorite cocktail. You can even toss your salad ahead of time and make the dressings so all you have to do is mix the two together when it is time to serve.
What has been your favorite cooking show to star in thus far?
Top Chef Masters. It was great because I got to eat the most beautiful food day after day!
