Cooking Buddies is for kids who can cook along with Jamie Oliver's 13-year-old look-a-like son Buddy in his first ever series on BBCiPlayer CBBC — and the resemblance with his dad is uncanny!
In a TV skills swap, wannabe chef Buddy shares some easy recipes with other kids, while also learning some skills that they’re good at, like BMX racing, street art, ice-skating and even Irish dancing. He's also joined by his two-year-old border collie Conker, but look out for Jamie, who makes some surprise appearances in the kitchen, too!
So here’s everything you need to know about Cooking Buddies on BBC iPlayer and CBBC…
Cooking Buddies release date
Cooking Buddies is a 10-part series, which starts on Wednesday, July 10 at 6 pm on CBBC. The show will air on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 6 pm for three weeks, plus there’s also a Christmas episode in the pipeline. All episodes will also be shown on BBCiPlayer.
Is there a trailer?
Not yet, but the show is really fun and packed with delicious dishes so we’ll be sure to update here as soon as one lands.
What happens in Cooking Buddies
Buddy Oliver has been cooking with his dad, Jamie, since he was four and has often popped up on Jamie’s shows. But in his new series he shows some young guests how to make simple meals, like spicy tomato pasta, easy pizza and crispy chicken, as well as giving them some helpful tips on everything from chopping techniques to ingredient swaps.
In return, they show him something they’re good at like basketball or salsa dancing. First up, Buddy shows young boxer Jackson how to make homemade fish finger sandwiches, and Jackson teaches Buddy a few boxing moves!
"Being able to cook is such an important skill for kids to learn, it’s up there with reading and writing — so I’m really proud of Buddy for making this brilliant show that encourages others to give it a go," says Jamie Oliver. "Full of easy, big-flavour recipes that will keep children happy and healthy, I hope it inspires people to get in the kitchen and try cooking for themselves."
Cooking Buddies interview: Buddy Oliver reveals what’s on the menu!
What’s the idea behind Cooking Buddies?
Buddy Oliver says: "It’s a really fun cooking show, where I teach some new friends my tasty recipes and they teach me something they’re super good at — I guess you could call it a skills swap. I have a go at things like karate, BMX racing, street art and boxing, lots of stuff I’ve never tried before. It’s been really fun to learn some cool new skills from other kids, even when I’ve not been very good at something. But it’s also been cool to teach them dishes that they can share with their friends."
In the first episode you cook homemade fish finger sandwiches and then have a go at boxing. What was that like?
"It was really fun! We punched some bags, which tested my endurance and strength, and I also learnt some cool fitness skills including skipping, which is harder than it looks. I wasn’t very good at it at all!"
Were there any other skills you found particularly challenging to learn?
"I had a lot of fun getting destroyed in football with a girl called Sienna. We tested pace and skills, and it proved to me just how hard it is to be a professional footballer. I honestly thought I was better than I was, but Sienna proved me wrong and showed me what a challenge it is!"
Your two-year-old border collie Conker joins you in the kitchen, and your dad makes some surprise appearances, too. What was that like?
"It was a bit annoying when Dad came over — he can be annoying sometimes, but it was fun overall. But my dog Conker always boosted my confidence and brought a lot of happiness to the set, and I also became great friends with Rob, the soundman. He’s a legend!"
Do you have any favourite recipes that we can try out at home?
"You can’t beat a fish finger sarnie, but I'd have to say any type of pasta, because it’s so easy but so delicious. I really enjoy making a simple spaghetti and meatballs for my brother, as he absolutely loves them and they're so easy to make. I also love my dad’s seafood spaghetti. He makes it with so much flavour. It's delicious!"
