Pictured above: Damian Clisby
Divorce and moving house figure in numerous charts outlining
life's most stressful events - but top chef Damian Clisby reckons
that the annual ordeal of cooking Christmas dinner runs them
close.
So early next month he'll be doing his bit to help reduce the
number of unintended 'burnt offerings' this festive season.
Damian, executive head chef at Cotswold House Hotel & Spa,
in Chipping Campden, is planning to pass on the know-how, forged in
the heat of a hundred kitchens, to a fortunate group of 'wannabe'
cooks.
'Christmas Without Stress' the latest in a series of cookery
masterclasses held by Damian, is designed for beginners through to
intermediates in the art of the Christmas dinner - with tips,
inspiration and stress free methods to hand.
"There's a saying that if you can't stand the heat, get out of
the kitchen, but for millions of people this Christmas - mainly
women, it has to be said - that just isn't possible. The meal has
to be cooked so they have no option but to get on with it."
He added: "I wanted to take the opportunity to get people into
the kitchen and literally show them how they can produce fantastic
food but with very little fuss and especially no stress."
There will also be tips on how to spice up what can be a
unexciting meal.
"Christmas dinner can be quite unimaginative, sticking to the
traditional Turkey and all the trimmings - I'll be giving my top
tips on how to give your Christmas feast a bit of festive sparkle,"
said Clisby.
Damian's cookery school has been running at the hotel since
September - giving guests the opportunity to have one-on-one
tuition with the top chef.
The guests spend the morning in with Damian followed by a tour
of the Robert Welch shop - which are sponsoring the programme and
finally enjoy a two course lunch, featuring the month's food
theme.
In addition to all of this, the guests also go away with a
luxury goodie bag.
To book your place or for more information on 'Christmas without
Stress' (2 December), call the reservations team: 01386 840330