The Occasional Cook

Watch The Occasional Cook

  • 2002
  • 1 Season

The Occasional Cook is a food and cooking show that stars James Reeson. It first aired in 2002 and quickly gained popularity amongst food enthusiasts and home cooks. The show was dedicated to teaching people how to make delicious and healthy meals that were ideal for special occasions or just for everyday cooking.

Throughout the series, Reeson presents a range of recipes that are simple, easy to follow, and aesthetically pleasing. He takes viewers through each step of the cooking process, from preparing the ingredients to presenting the final dish. One of the unique features of the show is that it emphasizes the importance of using fresh, local and seasonal produce. Reeson stresses the importance of having a strong relationship with one's local community farmers and suppliers.

The show focuses on catering for occasions, celebrations and entertaining friends and family, with a range of seasonal dishes suitable for different times of the year. The Occasional Cook covers a broad range of cuisine from around the world, including Australian, Italian, Asian, and Middle Eastern cuisine.

One of the great things about The Occasional Cook is that it provides a lot of useful cooking tips and tricks. Viewers get to learn about various kitchen techniques such as how to handle a knife, the best way to measure ingredients, and how to create a perfect salad. Reeson also teaches viewers about how to cook with various tools and equipment, such as slow cookers, woks, and pressure cookers.

Throughout the show, Reeson consistently encourages the viewers at home to experiment in the kitchen, to try new things and to take risks when cooking. He urges his audience to focus on the enjoyment of the process rather than becoming overly concerned with the end result. This makes the show relatable to people who are new to cooking or who may be hesitant to cook outside of their comfort zone.

The Occasional Cook is shot in a relaxed, casual style, which gives the viewers a sense of comfort and ease. The set design is minimal and straightforward, and the show relies on the quality of the ingredients and the cooking itself to capture the viewer's attention. There are no gimmicks or dramatic editing techniques used, which allows the audience to fully focus on the cooking process.

The show is not just about cooking food; it's also about creating memories and bringing people together. Reeson often talks about the importance of sharing and enjoying food with others, highlighting that food is more than just nourishment; it's a connecting force that brings people together. This message is hammered home in every episode, reminding viewers of the importance of community, sharing and spending time with loved ones.

In conclusion, The Occasional Cook is an excellent show for anyone who loves food, cooking and celebrating special occasions with family and friends. It provides a wealth of useful tips and techniques, and its emphasis on using fresh, local, and seasonal produce makes it a must-watch for anyone interested in learning more about sustainable eating practices. The show's relaxed, casual vibe and emphasis on community will make you feel like you're cooking alongside Reeson himself, making it a perfect way to spend an hour or so in the kitchen.

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Seasons
Dinner Party
6. Dinner Party
March 20, 2002
Dinner parties can be really enjoyable, especially when they're at someone else's house! But if you're having a dinner party at your place and you're the one doing most of the cooking, it can be a nerve-wracking experience.
Kids' Party
5. Kids' Party
March 13, 2002
Kids' parties can be a nightmare! The combination of hyperactive kids juiced up on sugary food and looking for somewhere to channel all their energy is simply too much for many parents to tolerate.
Wine
4. Wine
March 6, 2002
Australian wines are amongst the best in the world and in this episode James heads to Victoria's Mornington Peninsula to learn how wine is made, how to tell a good wine from a bad and how to marry the flavours of wine and food.
Meat Tray
3. Meat Tray
February 27, 2002
In this episode of The Occasional Cook, James shares his creative ideas and shows us some tips that will transform any meat tray into an array of mouth-watering dishes.
Bare Cupboard
2. Bare Cupboard
February 20, 2002
From a kitchen cupboard resembling a wasteland, James is able to prepare a tasty feast for his mate James. Using the available ingredients, James adventurously combines vegemite and gherkins with rice noodles to produce a deliciously spicy dish.
Camping
1. Camping
February 13, 2002
Delicious cuisine and camping don't generally go hand in hand. Trying to keep food fresh and finding enough room for everything can be difficult. However, in this first episode, James proves that camping tucker needn't consist solely of dull tinned food.
Description
  • Premiere Date
    February 13, 2002