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Emmy Award-winning television host Tamron Hall is adding another impressive achievement to her repertoire: authoring her debut cookbook, “A Confident Cook: Recipes for Joyous, No-Pressure Fun in the Kitchen.”
Set to be released on Sept. 3, this new book is a collaborative effort with renowned James Beard Award-winning chef Lish Steiling. Tamron spoke with TLM about how her cookbook aims to empower beginner cooks by offering a blend of practical advice and encouraging insights to build confidence in the kitchen.
Collaboration and Friendship
The collaboration between Tamron Hall and Lish Steiling is a unique and heartfelt one. It began serendipitously on the “Today Show,” where their initial professional acquaintance blossomed into a deep friendship. Their bond was forged through countless kitchen adventures filled with shared laughter, learning and cherished moments.
“Lish is one of my best friends,” Tamron shares. “When I opened up about my father’s passing and my desire to cook in his memory, she truly understood and supported me.” However, the process was not without its challenges. Tamron notes that distance was a significant hurdle they faced.
Despite the physical separation, they managed to stay connected through numerous FaceTime calls and text messages. Reflecting on the early stages of their collaboration, Tamron humorously mentions, “We even talked about a cookbook called ‘Cooking by Text,’ ” highlighting the innovative ways they navigated their long-distance partnership.
Celebrated chef Giada De Laurentiis praises this partnership, saying, “Lucky Tamron to have a gifted teacher like Lish to guide her! This is a perfect first cookbook for anyone who wants to have more confidence in the kitchen.”
Texas Roots: A Family’s Culinary Legacy
Tamron Hall’s connection to food runs deep, rooted in her upbringing in Luling, Texas. The City Market, a legendary BBQ restaurant renowned for its brisket and sausage, is a cherished part of her culinary heritage. Serving the community since 1958, this establishment represents the traditional, no-frills approach to barbecue that has shaped Tamron’s appreciation for authentic, flavorful cooking.
Her father, Clarence Newton Sr., was the primary cook in the family, preparing meals for special occasions and everyday life. Tamron fondly recalls the influence of her grandfather, who worked as a pit master and butcher at Chambers Grocery Store. “Visiting him at work and watching the pride he took in his craft was a joy,” Tamron reflects.
These early experiences laid the foundation for Tamron’s eventual journey into cooking. Despite her strong connections to food, she struggled with confidence in her culinary skills as an adult. Her father’s passing in 2008 was a turning point, inspiring her to honor his memory by learning to cook.
Conquering Kitchen Doubts
Despite her deep-rooted connections to food, Tamron Hall struggled with self-doubt in the kitchen well into adulthood. Cooking, which might seem second nature to seasoned home chefs, felt daunting for her.
She often found herself striving for perfection, trying to recreate dishes precisely as they appeared in cookbooks and timing everything down to the second. “I had some unrealistic view of what brings confidence in the kitchen,” she reflects.
Each mishap in the kitchen became a stepping stone, teaching her valuable lessons. “I soon accepted to release fears of not being perfect, in and out of the kitchen,” Tamron says.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Tamron’s determination to build confidence turned every cooking experience into a learning opportunity. “My confidence came with trying,” Tamron reflects. “Friends would call and say, ‘Let’s go to dinner.’ I would say, ‘Why not come here, grab wine or tequila and let’s hang out here? I will cook.’ My friends loved this. Little did they know they were part of my kitchen experiment.”
In addition to experimenting on friends, Tamron’s memories of her grandfather’s interactions with customers factored into her journey. She says, “Even as a kid, I knew he played an important role between the customer and the food. This had a great influence on me, one that I would later rediscover while building my confidence in the kitchen.”
A Great Pantry: The Foundation of a Great Cook
To become a better cook, Tamron emphasizes the importance of building a well-stocked pantry. She compares a well-stocked pantry to a sturdy home foundation: “If the bones of the home are strong, everything else falls into place. The same goes for the kitchen—stocking your pantry with essentials, especially those with a long shelf life, can save time and stress.”
She shares some essential items to carry in your pantry. “Apple cider vinegar is a weapon not often talked about. I keep Diamond Crystal salt. It is proof all salts are not the same. We love its perfect crystal size. It’s a quality salt that you can layer. Basically, you are not going from zero to salty.”
Recipes for the Confident Cook
“A Confident Cook” features diverse recipes designed for beginners. From comforting classics like “Baked French Toast with Sparkling Berries” and “Crispy Fried Chicken” to indulgent treats like “Chai-Spiced Pudding,” the book offers something for every taste. Refreshing cocktails and mocktails are also included, such as the tempting “Not Tonight, Satan.”
Tamron emphasizes that all recipes are crafted to be accessible, with practical guidance and relatable feedback from her own cooking experiences. “I made every recipe in the book. Lish put in the expertise and science of food training,” she explains. “I made every dish and gave feedback, which is reflected in the book – real questions I felt a beginner would ask and some that confident cooks like me still struggle with in the kitchen.”
Balancing Motherhood and Cooking
For Tamron, balancing motherhood with cooking presents its own challenges, especially when faced with a picky eater at home. She understands many other parents face this same issue. Yet, she finds creative ways to keep meals both nutritious and fun. “I am always looking for ways to make family dinners easy but also delicious. I know the basics are legendary for a reason. I also want my son to be open to exploring. In my book, we do bucatini with burrata. He loves it and it is a savory layered sauce adults will sop up too.”
Tamron also doesn’t want parents to feel guilty if their kids still opt for those chicken nuggets and fries. She can relate, as she makes these items at home, too. “I get the struggle, and in the book, we offer ideas that meet parents and kids at the table. No one is left out.”
Home Cooking vs. Professional Techniques
Upon reflection, Tamron notes a significant difference between her father’s cooking approach and highly trained chefs like Lish. “It’s about understanding science. For my father and some home cooks, it’s truly trusting your gut as you go.” Her father’s method was based on intuition and personal experience, allowing him to adapt and innovate based on how he felt and what he knew from his cooking background.
In contrast, Tamron observes that a trained chef like Lish Steiling deeply understands the scientific principles behind cooking. She adds, “With a trained chef like Lish, they also know the science behind what makes the ingredients work.” This scientific knowledge allows Lish to achieve precise results and manipulate ingredients in ways that go beyond the intuitive approach of home cooking.
A Father’s Legacy
In addition to helping beginners build confidence in the kitchen, the cookbook is also a heartfelt tribute to her father. Reflecting on his influence, Tamron envisions his response to her culinary achievements with a smile. “My father was a natural nurturer. His military background gave him the cliché tough personality, but within minutes, anyone who encountered him could see his big heart and kindness.” She believes he would be immensely proud of her progress despite the bumps along the way.
Tamron acknowledges that her journey to becoming a secure cook involved some initial failures, but she feels her father’s support would have been unwavering. “I know he would have said, ‘Job well done…now try this.’ ”
Become Confident in Your Kitchen
Tamron Hall’s “A Confident Cook: Recipes for Joyous, No-Pressure Fun in the Kitchen” is more than just a collection of recipes; it’s an invitation to discover the joy of cooking without the fear of failure. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to reignite your passion for cooking, Tamron’s approachable style and practical tips will guide you every step of the way. Pre-order your copy now and prepare to unlock a newfound confidence in your kitchen when the book hits shelves on Sept. 3.
Tamron’s Socials
Instagram: @tamronhall
X: @tamronhall
Lish’s Socials
Instagram: @lishsteiling
X: @lishsteiling
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Cover photo Courtesy Disney Entertainment Television/ Fadil Berisha.
Sara Aguinaga is a dedicated massage therapist and editorial contributor at Texas Lifestyle Magazine. She loves indulging in spa treatments, exploring diverse cuisines, and traveling. Follow her on Instagram @salice_1987.
