We asked the mushroom maestro about his passion for food, his inspiration in the kitchen and tips to getting the kids to love eating (as much as he does).

What’s your cooking motto?
Love is the best ingredient in life. You should put love in everything you do, it makes everything taste better.

What’s your favourite meal?
Churros con chocolate (and of course anything with mushrooms in it).

Who are your favourite people to cook with?
My family and friends.

What do you think is the most important utensil in the kitchen?
A good knife and a paella pan.

What music do you listen to in the kitchen?
Anything Spanish – The Gypsy Kings, Camarón de la Isla, Enrique Iglesias, Shakira, Ricky Martin and Despacito by Luis Fonsi.

Where does your passion for food come from?
I’m not good at anything else – it’s very simple, so it was easy to have a passion for cooking!

I have grown up around food and when I was little my grandma used to cook for the whole family. My mum was one of 20 children so we would have big lunches with everyone. Growing up and watching this food being created with so much passion and love made me love it too. I became a chef simply because I love food.

How do you like to get the kids involved in the kitchen or at mealtime?
Get them involved in the preparation even if it’s just mixing a small handful of ingredients, let them be a part of it. If you can, prepare one meal together and sit down and enjoy it as a family – teach them to love food.

Want to know even more about Miguel? Visit his website: http://www.miguelmaestre.com.au/