Two Minutes with Callum Hann

By Elspeth Nielson | Posted in Two Minutes with Tastemakers | 17 July 2012 7:11AM

You might recognise him as the 2010 runner up of Masterchef, but there’s a whole lot more to Callum Hann then just a reality TV crown. Far from riding the coat tails of his Masterchef success, Callum has spent the last two years sweating out some serious time in several of the country’s most prestigious kitchens.

At the impressive age of 21, he’s opted out of the chef’s life to take things back to basics; teaching university students how to cook and eat well, teaming up with Jamie Oliver to educate on good food, penning his first cook book and opening a cooking school. Not bad for a guy barely out of his teens.

Taking two with Callum Hann... title=Taking two with Callum Hann...

TUL: Describe in one sentence what you do for work?

I’m a cookbook author, I run my own business conducting interactive cooking classes, and I am the ambassador for Jamie’s home cooking skills Australia.

TUL: What is the most exciting part of your job?

Teaching people new skills that they can use in their everyday lives. It’s incredibly rewarding.

TUL: Why did you write this book?

I think cooking should be a life skill everyone has, I’m hoping this book will help!

TUL: What was the best part about your time on Masterchef?

Travelling to London and Paris, where we got to eat amazing food and meet some of the most influential chefs in the world, including Jamie Oliver, Heston Blumenthal and Rene Redzepi.

TUL: What is one thing people should know about cooking?

It’s easy! Don’t think of recipes as a set of instructions, they are guidelines to making something tasty. Trust your taste buds 100% of the time over the recipe.

TUL: If you weren’t working in your profession, what other career would you choose?

Prior to Masterchef I was studying mechanical engineering/sport science. So either a career down that path or perhaps a school teacher.

TUL: What is your career highlight (so far)?

Cooking with Jamie Oliver, one of my childhood heroes.

TUL: Describe your personal style.

Tasty food, that is achievable for anyone.

TUL: If you could have a super power what would it be, and why?

Teleportation; exploring new places and cultures is one of my favourite things to do.

TUL: The last thing you purchased?

A coffee and a ginger, carrot and orange juice for breakfast this morning.

TUL: Best way to spend $50?

Going out for yum cha with friends.

TUL: And the best way to spend $500?

Return plane tickets to catch up with interstate friends.

TUL: 3 great reads? Or musicians/albums you have on high rotation?

I mostly read cookbooks, some of my favourites include:

French lessons by Justin North

Classic E'cco by Phillip Johnson

PS Desserts by Phillipa Sibley

TUL: What was the last song you downloaded?

Gladiator, Big Scary.

TUL: The best gift that you have ever received?

My girlfriend Chloe threw a massive surprise party for my 18th birthday. It must have taken her weeks to organize!

TUL: The best gift that you have ever given?

Taking Chloe on a South East Asian holiday at the start of this year.

TUL: What would you request for your last meal on earth?

Slow cooked lamb shoulder. Or roast pork with salty crackling. Or a few dozen freshly shucked oysters. Or a wheel of triple cream brie. Or black truffle laden pasta. Or a big bowl of cake batter…

Callum will be appearing at Brisbane Square Library on Saturday 21st July and Indooroopilly Library on Sunday 22nd July to chat about his new book The Starter Kitchen.

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