Damien Leith talks New Idea Test Kitchen TV

His voice won our hearts on Australian Idol, he wooed us with his moves on Dancing with the Stars, now Damien Leith is itching to show off his cooking talent!

New Idea Test Kitchen: Catch up on all the best bits from the show here

We chatted to the Irish-born crooner, who is donning his apron as the host of New Idea Test Kitchen – the ultimate gig for a family foodie.

Not many people would suspect you of being a foodie!
Yeah, that’s true. It’s interesting being a host of a cooking show – I love food and I’ve got a big interest in different types of cuisine, but I’ve got absolutely no technique and I’m just rough as guts around the kitchen!

So did you learn anything from the ladies in the New Idea Test Kitchen?
Absolutely! I’ve been the flavour of the month in my house at the moment! Pretty much everything that we’ve been working on in the show, I’ve taken the recipes home and cooked them for the family. So I’m in the good books as far as cooking is concerned!

What’s your signature dish?
Well, the kids love prawns, so I made Barb’s prawn cocktail. It sounds simple, but it’s unique. That’s gone down an absolute treat in my house.

Damien Leith: New Idea Test Kitchen host.

Did it surprise you how much work is done in the New Idea Test Kitchen?
Yeah, you’ve really got to present a dish well. It’s such a huge part of their work. I know with my kids, there are some things they simply don’t like to eat. I think it’s mostly the way I just slap it down in front of them. I haven’t made them look appealing. It comes back to the old saying: ‘You eat with your eyes.’

What can we expect from you as host of New Idea Test Kitchen?
I’m just the go-between for the professionals. I’m asking all the questions that a lot of people out there will want to know. People are probably in the same boat as me – you like cooking, you like eating, but you’re not that good at getting around the kitchen. It doesn’t go too in-depth – it’s just about having a whole lot of fun.

What started your love of food?
I went to Morocco a couple of years back with my wife and we were in this little town in the middle of nowhere and they were making an omelette. I remember the distinct flavour – it’s such a simple thing to make, but when it’s cooked the right way, in the right circumstances, and with the right oils, spices and things like that, it’s just pretty cool.

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Do you like trying different food?
I lived in Africa as a kid, I’ve travelled all around the world and I’ve tried food from all over the place. But just like everyone else, there are foods I struggle with!

What can’t you eat?
I don’t like bocconcini or haloumi. We’ve actually used them on the show. I won’t give anything away, but I was put on the spot and had to eat bocconcini. As I put it in
my mouth, I was thinking: ‘I hope they yell “cut” any second now!’

What’s your favourite dish?
I don’t really have one dish I love, but I tend towards spicy dishes. I like things with a lot of flavour and bit of a kick. If I had my choice, it’ll always be something quite hot.

Do your kids think Daddy is a great chef?
No! They’re the ultimate in the kitchen. They love baking cakes and things like that. Cooking is a big thing in our house. It provides hours of entertainment and keeps them occupied.