Rick Stein believes that food is much more than what appears on the plate. It’s about the people you share it with, the experiences created, and a few essential ingredients that bring joy and comfort to life.
From the modest Copernicus sausage in his fridge to a luxurious roast turbot with Hollandaise sauce, his approach to cuisine blends flavor, heritage, and emotion in equal measure.
In his latest release, Rick Stein’s Christmas – Festive Recipes, Memories & Stories, he opens up about his childhood holidays and modern festivities that continue to make Christmas a cherished time. Whether hosting family dinners in Cornwall or cooking through jet lag in Australia, his passion never wavers.
“I would say fish, but also olive oil, garlic, chillies, salt, pepper and vinegar.”
“I think it's more down to who you’re with and where it is, than the food that makes a meal memorable.”
He recalls dining at Riley’s Fish Shack in King Edward’s Bay, Tynemouth, a unique seaside spot built from two driftwood-clad shipping containers. On a cold day, the warmth of small table burners and a comforting crab soufflé with thermidor sauce made the visit unforgettable.
Rick Stein celebrates food as a heartfelt mix of taste, companionship, and tradition, sharing stories that make every meal as meaningful as it is delicious.