Presenter Linda Zervakis about her (dis)inclination to cook, mishaps at the stove – and the people who spice up their lives.
What a great idea for self-confessed non-cookers, of which Linda Zervakis, 47, counts herself: a book with uncomplicated recipes that are sure to turn out well, such as the aromatic oven feta (see below). The presenter has the cookbook “If I can do that, you can do that too!” put together for all those who prefer not to spend much time in the kitchen.
Linda Zervakis: In the kitchen, her children are her biggest critics
You write that you hate cooking. That sounds sympathetically honest.
And it’s true! I’m just not that talented at it. When I’m at the stove, I smell three times as much as others. I obviously have pores that soak up every grease and onion fume like little sponges. (laughs)
Despite this, you often cook.
I have the past two years to thank for that. During the first lockdown, when my kids were always at home, I couldn’t get out of it. It’s not possible to order something every day. So off to the stove! Kids are brutally honest, and mine gave me thumbs up, sideways, or down after meals to show what they thought.
What was the most common verdict?
Initial thumbs down. (laughs) At least he went upstairs with my potato pancakes. The two of them didn’t like my chicken from the oven at all, it wasn’t crispy enough. In the meantime, however, I’ve managed to do that too – routine makes perfect. But I still stand by the fact that cooking is not my greatest passion. With my book, I want to encourage everyone who feels similar to dare.
One of your greatest passions, however, is food – which you don’t even look at.
I try to snack as little as possible in between. Because I know that I can’t enjoy the delicious main meals as much otherwise. And I try to do a seven-minute program in the morning with a fitness app. Unfortunately, I don’t get there regularly either.
Her mother is her rock
You dedicated a separate chapter to your mother. She came to Germany as a guest worker and has lived in Hamburg for a long time. How important is she to you?
Very. I am infinitely proud of her. My father died early – I was only 14 at the time. We had a kiosk and my mother had to struggle through it alone with three children. She taught herself German, reading and writing so she could run our business. My mom is a very important pillar in my life.
Wasn’t she ever sad that she wasn’t allowed to teach you anything in the kitchen?
No, because she didn’t feel like it any more than I did. So she rather smiled at my refusal. But my mum cooks very well, her pita is legendary. And fortunately I have a husband who can cook.
Like your father, a trained chef.
Then the circle closes. My mother was very happy when she met my future husband. Because she knew that by his side her daughter would never starve. (laughs) He doesn’t need a recipe, does a lot of free hand work and also serves to please the eye.
Do you cook together?
No, he doesn’t like having anyone around. So I’ll show up when it’s served.
What can you do better than him?
Clean up afterwards. So we complement each other wonderfully.
You live in Hamburg, but also spend a lot of time in Greece.
As one of the few Greeks here, I do not own an inherited house in my parents’ homeland. This gives me the freedom to see new corners of the country every year on vacation. As soon as I’m in Greece, something opens up inside me and I feel that it just fits between us. I recently explored Athens, a fantastic city brimming with creativity.
And what’s up professionally?
When it comes to podcasts, something new is coming soon. And after the summer break we continue with our show “Zervakis & Opdenhövel. Live”. Nothing more is planned. I do it step by step, just not all at once.
You also need time to cook.
And longer than others! (laughs)