Young chef

14-year-old Marc Weiner has his own cooking show on TV.

Marc, when did you start cooking?

I started helping my mum in the kitchen when I was six. I made her coffee – it was terrible! I was seven when I made my first meal – a pizza with four different kinds of cheese.

Do you have a favourite recipe?

It’s hard because I have so many. The easy ones are fun – things with pasta, tomatoes and onions. My favourites are the ones that include fish. There are so many different things you can do!

What do your parents think of your cooking?

When I won my first competition, my mum and dad understood that I was a real chef. They’re glad that they don’t have to make dinner every night, and they enjoy my food – usually! But you can’t make everyone happy all the time.

What’s the best way to get good at cooking?

First, I threw away some of what I made because it was no good – that’s how you learn. Then I did it differently the next time. You need to practise, so if you know a chef, ask if you can help them in the kitchen sometimes.

Finally, what’s it like being on TV?

It’s interesting. I’m actually a very quiet person, so I’m amazed that I really enjoy myself making the shows. They’re watched by millions, but I still find it strange when people I don’t know say hello to me in the street.