Food fans are in for an extra treat at this month’s flagship Taste Cumbria festival in Cockermouth when TV chef Peter Sidwell launches his new cookery book.
Described as ‘a contemporary anthology of recipes that redefine traditional favourites’, Peter will be showcasing some of the flavours at two free demonstrations on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 September. On the Saturday, he will also be hosting a free Q&A where aspiring cooks can get some inspiration, and put his skills to the test.
Peter has been in the food and drink business for 30 years, and has appeared on shows such as Channel 4’s Lakes on a Plate and Amazon Prime Video’s Taste of the Lakes, as well as at live events such as the BBC Good Food Show. He now has a weekly YouTube cookery show, Peter Sidwell’s Kitchen, with 150,000 followers, and the book, which shares the same name, accompanies this. Each of the featured recipes has a QR code so they have a seat in his kitchen studio. They can even enjoy a complementary video masterclass where they can cook alongside Peter and watch his recipes come to life.
From the likes of ‘My Perfect Brownie’ and ‘Epic Lasagne’, to Tuscan Bread Soup and Lamb with Nectarine, Pistachio and Feta, the book is a feast for all the senses. The team behind it has a Cumbrian twist too – the gorgeous photography is by Emily Grey from Whitehaven and Carlos Reina from St Bees, who Peter has been working with for several years.
Pete said: “My style is all about ingredient-led cooking meaning I often start with an ingredient that I want to cook or that’s at its best. Crafted with modern cooks in mind, Peter Sidwell's Kitchen is more than just a cookbook - it's an interactive learning experience.
“I can’t wait to launch it at Taste Cumbria. I’ve been involved with the festival since year one and it’s the perfect showcase for the amazing ingredients our county has to offer. Whack on your apron and get cooking!”
The Taste Cumbria festivals are organised by Cumberland Council and aim to boost the local economy as well as promoting the very best of the county’s food and drink expertise.
Cumberland Council Cllr Anne Quilter, Portfolio holder for Vibrant and Healthy Places said:
“We are always looking for new and exclusive experiences for our events and it’s great to be able to be able to launch Peter Sidwell’s Kitchen book in Cockermouth this year. It’s shaping up to be another fabulous event.”
Peter’s launch demo takes place on Saturday 28 September at 1.30pm, followed by the Q&A, with a second demonstration on the Sunday at 12.30pm. Visitors will be able to buy copies of the book and have them personally signed at both events.