What Dad Cooked is the home of a modest family man’s cooking brought to you by us, his sons, who think Dad is just too good to go unnoticed.
How did WDC begin?
Dad is a designer by trade, and whilst cooking has never been the day job, it’s certainly more than a hobby. Amongst his family and friends Dad is famous for his consistently excellent food… but he’s not fancy, showy or arrogant. He doesn’t try to impress, yet somehow he always does.
Dad likes to tell stories about food, but in the past, if you ever asked him how he cooked something, he’d shrug his shoulders and says, ‘Oh, you know…’
But we didn’t know… for years we’ve asked Dad to write down his recipes or to show-off his cooking… and he said no. Why? He doesn’t believe he’s good enough – overshadowed by the pros he’s learned from.
Now we’ve persuaded him to open up about his cooking, to write down his recipes – and even to photograph the finished result.
All the food on WDC is the food he actually cooks for the family. That’s why some meals are family feasts, some are special treats, some are weekday meals for two, and some are just a snack for one. Dad researches, explores, shops, forages, prepares and cooks everything himself. There aren’t any sous-chefs (well occasionally Mrs. WDC).
We think Dad is too good to go unnoticed. Have a look at our collection of his recipes, read Dad’s stories and please try out his techniques… then see if you agree.
Pete
The geeky Architect, Pete likes buildings, art, design… and food. He’s usually found strolling around London with a sandwich in hand thinking deeply about something or other. Pete’s most famous for being sensible one minute then telling a silly joke the next.
Pete likes to cook but he’s obviously not at WDC level. Prawns, stir-frys, soups and salads, he keeps things pretty basic. Unlike me, he is obsessed with greens and insists on eating half a plateful with every single meal. Pete’s favourite meal is artichoke pappardelle. He’s such a nerd that he always reminds us that Dad’s best version was made in November 1998…honestly.
Leo
The cheeky youngest child who always keeps you on your toes. He’s quick, hard-working and full of new ideas. Leo, an on-line obsessive, he is never found too far from his laptop, mobile or tablet… usually all three at once.
Leo doesn’t cook; but he likes to eat. He’s the gastronomic opposite of me with mum’s sweet tooth and addicted to chocolate. He likes chicken katsu curry and of course WDC goujons! Carb crazy, his meals must always be accompanied by tons of bread – he once carved out a loaf of bread and filled it with pasta before slicing it up for dinner. I don’t know why Dad bothers?
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It's cold outside and so here's a autumnal warmer! 'Bangers ‘n’ Mash – Spanish Style with Butternut Squash Mash'. R… https://t.co/4bAyO50pJc