Join or Sign In
Sign in to customize your TV listings
By joining TV Guide, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy.
7 Episodes 2023 - 2023
Episode 1
33 mins
James sets the bar high in this season's opener by taking on some classic dishes from France, the home of haute cuisine. The first dish of the day is French Onion Soup, or onion soup as the French call it. This heady expression of France's national obsessions (onions, wine, baguette, and cheese) puts James in the mood to take on French cookery's greatest symbol: Coq au Vin, which sounds so much better than the English translation... Next up is Tarte Tatin with Calvados cream, which turns out to be as French as apple pie, before James plunges head on into the controversial claim that the French classic Croque Monsieur has English origins. Great food and good wine abound as Nikki, the home economist, keeps the kitchen on course and the entente cordial.
Episode 2
32 mins
James puts his culinary skills to the test as he tackles the exquisite and delicate world of Japanese cooking. Katsu curry, vegetable tempura, and Temaki rolls are all on the menu, but whilst James is surprisingly adept with a sharp knife, it turns out he's less graceful with a rolling pin.
Episode 3
31 mins
James is going back to the 1970s, a time of confused fashion, progressive rock, and questionable facial hair. It's time for a nostalgic dinner party from the era when James came of age. For starters, the sophisticated finger food of vol-au-vents is a tasty mushroomy delight in beige. Then with little time to swig his Babycham it's onto the enduring classic of the prawn cocktail, with the decadent kick of a Marie Rose and brandy sauce. Next is the forgotten genius that is Beef Stroganoff, beloved of any 70s get together (and possibly the Russian aristocracy). There's barely time to discuss the merits of Paul McCartney's Wings before a spectacular Crepe Suzette dessert brings the party to a flambéed and groovy close.
Episode 4
32 mins
James explores the delights of vegan food and discovers a world of delicious recipes that will convert many a meat eater. There's a culinary breakthrough with a knockout kidney bean, beetroot, and mushroom burger that astounds Nikki, the home economist, before he turns his hand to the thorny question of what to call a vegan shepherd's pie made from a heady mix of lentils and sweet potatoes. Flying solo with Nikki absent James manages to set off the fire alarm while attempting to demonstrate the correct method and the crucial timings required to produce a spectacular chili, ginger, onion, red pepper, and tofu stir fry. Finally, it's time for a fresh and delicious Buddha bowl with cumin and agave carrots, chickpeas and pomegranate seeds, which James samples with a vintage and 100% vegan red wine.
Episode 5
32 mins
German food is a much-overlooked delight and James is determined to bring its appeal to the masses. First up is a complex yet delicious curry sauce that is wunderbar when twinned with a selection of classic German sausages and some homemade sauerkraut. Then James goes back to basics with a recipe for pretzels with a simple beer and cheese sauce that'll go down well in any bierkeller. With the beer flowing, the language of Schubert and Schiller takes a battering as James, assisted as ever by the capable Nikki, attempts to pronounce, and then make Zwetschgenknödel, a potato, cinnamon and plum dumpling - the perfect ending to a tasty journey into the world of German foodie delights.
Episode 6
31 mins
It's sunny outside. The perfect time, then, for James to get the hamper out and prepare for a Great British Picnic. First up is his unique take on the mother of all sausage rolls, made with mozzarella and chorizo using a recipe that provokes a little controversy amongst the crew. Next is a light and fresh potato salad with dill, capers and spring onions taking the place of bland mayonnaise. Things seem to be going well with a spicy and regal coronation chicken, made with James's own twist of mango, apricot curry and toasted almonds, before James goes rogue by introducing Spam into the mix for some unique scotch eggs. A trio of unpronounceable chickpea dips soon follow before James unveils a genius hack for making jam from scratch in 20 minutes to accompany his home-baked animal shaped scones. All that remains is to head outside and enjoy the beautiful weather. What could possibly go wrong?
Episode 7
31 mins
James has travelled the globe, but he's never been to Mexico. So how will he cope with the array of delicious dishes that Mexico is famous for? It doesn't start well as Nikki goes AWOL and he's left to decipher a dizzying array of spices including a lethal chili pepper when attempting a chuck steak chili con carne. Having finally found Nikki, it's time to take on the joys of guacamole and a fresh and lively pico di gallo dip. James tries out a new avocado gadget (which fails) and barters a new tool from Nikki while creating a zesty marinade for some delicious fish tacos. The main courses are finished off with the creation of some smoky and richly seasoned pulled chicken tacos, before Nikki and James unite to make one of the tastiest desserts on earth: fried churros with a chili chocolate sauce. Sustained throughout with local beers and a cheeky glass of Mescal, it's a journey across the culinary landscape of Mexico without ever leaving the comfort of the kitchen.