By
Holly Thomas
Last updated at 4:01 PM on 15th December 2011
He’s made it his mission to get the nation cooking, so it’s only right that a special holiday receive some special attention.
Jamie Oliver promises ‘nostalgic memories’ from his Christmas With Bells On programme, designed not only to provide viewers with a few food
ideas, but also ways of making the day itself extra special for all the
family.
Poppy Honey Rosie, nine, Daisy Boo Pamela, eight, Petal Blossom
Rainbow, two, and Buddy Bear Maurice, one, all take part in the family
fun, which will air on 20 December at nine pm.
Get the family involved: Jamie Oliver will be joined again by daughters Poppy , Daisy, and Petal as well as his baby son Buddy for the second installment of his Channel 4 Christmas special
Like father like son? Petal is already sporting a similar hairstyle to his foodie father, perhaps he will grow to share his love of cooking
‘For me, Christmas is the most fabulous time of the year. Family, friends, a little bit of excess..I love it all. Especially the food,’ he declares at the start of the show.
‘I’m gonna be giving you roast turkey – the best potatoes – amazing gravy – we’ll do the business of Christmas.’
‘But Christmas should be fun for everyone, so don’t be a slave to the kitchen.’
Careful in the kitchen! Jools looks a little concerned as Jamie carries Petal casually with one arm
Back in his mother’s arms: Petal looked content nestled against Jools’ chest
The School Dinners star offers his audience ‘the essentials of Christmas dinner, done really well.’
‘I’m gonna pimp up your ride. By getting the basics done and dusted, you’ll have time to get playful in the kitchen, so you can get down to the trimmings.’
‘But on top of that, I’m gonna give you incredible party food that will just knock your socks off, nostalgic memories and I’m determined that we all have the very best Christmas ever. The rest is all about having fun – letting your hair down and having a bloody good party!’
Full of festive cheer! Petal looked delighted with the day of Christmas fun
Paying close attention: Petal leans in for a good view as Jamie shakes the pan
Never able to resist a cheeky final touch, he adds; ‘I want to take Christmas by the baubles.’
Episode one was broadcast last night, and the shots from the second installment, which will air on the 20th, look even more enticing.
Especially poignant are the stills of the kids throwing themselves into the preparations, with even baby Buddy getting a look in as Jools holds him beside Jamie at work.
Little distracted? Petal was intrigued by the snowflake decorations in the kitchen
Cooking with mother: Jamie’s mum Sally helped him with the preparations
The programme will cover the day itself, wtih Jamie demonstrating how to pull everything together for a perfect dinner.
He will include old favourites and new ideas, such as Festive Fiesta Tacos, Brussels with Hustle, Bloody Mary Seafood Platter, Simple As That Celeriac and Rocky Mountain.
He will even offer a few tips for managing all those leftovers, with recipes like Boxing Day Turkey Chowder.
Oh dear! Perhaps vegetable-loving Jamie had suggested Petal try a sprout
Jamie’s Christmas certainly sounds more laid back than that of his Channel 4 rival Gordon Ramsay.
The 45-year-old is planning to broadcast a live Christmas Day special, with celebrity guests, on which he will talk viewers through cooking the perfect Christmas dinner from his London home.
‘It’s a TV first. He hasn’t decided the exact format yet but it’s basically a cook-along,’ a source told The Sun.
Used to being on camera? Poppy and Daisy are probably glad that the day itself will be a family affair
Can’t resist a bite! Even Health-conscious Jamie lets his children relax at Christmas
‘Gordon loves to get his kids involved in cooking and thinks Christmas dinner is a vital part of Christmas Day to bring families together.’
‘He’s hoping the show will be a huge hit and get families across Britain basting their turkeys together,’ the source added.
Don’t eat it before it’s cooked! Jamie directs operations as the children help with the cooking
See more here:
Jamie Oliver Christmas With Bells On: Chef whips up festive treats for all the family