5 O'Clock Apron Podcast with Good Food – comedian Jamie Macdonald cooks seabass with orzo, 'nduja & leeks
In this joyful episode, Claire heads to Sheffield to cook seabass and orzo with hilarious comedian Jamie Macdonald – chatting food, Festival Fringe and talking scales
The 5 O'Clock Apron Podcast with Good Food
For the fourth instalment of the 5 O’Clock Apron Podcast, Claire heads north to Sheffield for a lively kitchen session with comedian Jamie Macdonald. Jamie, who is blind, exceptionally tall and effortlessly hilarious, welcomes Claire with a flourish, not least thanks to the boundless energy of his new puppy, who makes a star appearance as soon as the front door opens.
Claire arrives, ingredients in tow, ready to tackle Jamie’s pared-back shopping list. It’s an intriguing selection: seabass, half a packet of orzo, three leeks and a jar of crème fraîche. But that’s only the beginning. Soon, the table is graced with ‘nduja, lemons, a bottle of good olive oil and, to Claire’s delight, a set of talking weighing scales. Questions abound as the two get stuck in.
Cooking with Jamie is nothing short of joyous chaos. Between bursts of laughter, the conversation flows from the highs and lows of the Edinburgh Fringe to wild swimming, noisy owls and the peculiarities of “Scottish risotto” as conjured by Jamie’s mum in the 1980s. Meanwhile, the kitchen fills with aromas of the seabass sizzling in the pan, orzo bubbling with leeks, ‘nduja melting into crème fraîche.
Cooking with Jamie is a tonic. His talking scales are a revelation (Claire is already coveting a set), but what stands out most is Jamie’s instinctive approach to cooking. He navigates the kitchen with confidence and flair, proving that great taste knows no boundaries. As all good cooks know, it’s the palate that matters and Jamie’s is second to none.
Listen to more podcast episodes, including our Cook Smart podcast and Tom Kerridge podcast.
Comments, questions and tips
