Culinary disasters to cheffing masters

This month BBC Food turns even the most culinary challenged individuals into cheffing masters and DStv audiences will have the opportunity to savour some of the best cuisine from around the world as top chefs share their culinary secrets.

First stop is London where Italian chef Giorgio Locatelli (foto) shows viewers that they don’t have to travel to Italy to enjoy good Italian cuisine. In his inspirational new series, Giorgio Locatelli – Pure Italian, airing Mondays at 17:00, he seduces audiences with innovative interpretations of Italian dishes suffused with tempting Mediterranean flavours.

He also shows how easy it is to make timeless classics like tiramisu and osso bucco at home. Italians thrive on company and Giorgio is no exception. Throughout the series he is joined by fellow foodies, wine buffs and friends who stay for lunch and occasionally lend a hand. Giorgio Locatelli – Pure Italian is packed with fresh ideas to inspire the would-be chefs among us.

Also on BBC Food this month Kylie Kwong travels to China in her second series Kylie Kwong: Simply Magic. Airing on Tuesdays at 17:00 the program sees Kylie travelling to the boomtown city of Shanghai and the former British colony of Hong Kong, where she meets many who share her passion for food.

If you aren’t a fundi in the kitchen yet, don’t despair as top British chef, Rosemary Shrager will turn clueless cooks into gourmet geniuses every Wednesday in Rosemary Queen of the Kitchen, also at 17:00. This month Rosemary is whipping the United States into shape, teaching the culinary-challenged the art of haute cuisine.

Rosemary’s no nonsense style of teaching makes her a commanding force in the kitchen, but how will she cope when faced with the realities of a New Jersey firehouse, organic farmers near Pennsylvania or an artists collective in Brooklyn? Then on Thursdays (16:00), Chef at Home celebrity Michael Smith invites DStv audiences into his kitchen to show how to create simple, flavourful meals for your family and friends by closing your cookbooks, choosing ingredients that fire your imagination and letting your instincts and appetite be your guide.

In each episode, Michael improvises a meal from what he finds in his own fridge and pantry. He shows viewers how to confidently choose flavours and ingredients that taste great together while revealing the secrets behind his simple cooking techniques.