Rochelle Humes, known for her vibrant personality and talent as a TV presenter and former member of The Saturdays, has enthusiastically embraced her love for cooking and family life. In her first cookbook, At Mama’s Table, she shares her passion for creating flavorful, family-friendly meals that bring people together.
At home, Rochelle thrives in the kitchen while her husband, Marvin Humes, handles the drinks, adding his cocktail expertise to the mix. Together, they make every mealtime a lively and unforgettable experience. From hearty Sunday roasts to everyday family dinners, Rochelle’s culinary approach is rooted in warmth, relaxation, and togetherness.
Cooking is more than a chore for Rochelle—it’s her way of unwinding and connecting with her loved ones. Whether she’s experimenting with recipes or introducing her children to new flavors, she finds joy in the simple yet profound act of preparing food for those she loves.
A Culinary Duo: Rochelle and Marvin Humes
Dinner at the Humes household is a lively affair. Rochelle, 32, manages the food, while her husband Marvin, 36, known for his time with JLS, handles the drinks.
“Marvin is the master of drinks,” Rochelle shares. “He can make a mean cocktail, and his Tommy’s Margarita is a personal favorite.” Together, they create a warm and inviting atmosphere where food and drinks flow effortlessly.
The Joy of Sunday Roasts
Sundays are special for Rochelle. She loves taking her time to prepare a roast dinner, complete with Yorkshire puddings. “It’s my favorite time of the week. There’s no rush, and we can just relax,” she says. With music playing and friends gathered, Sunday lunches at Rochelle’s are a cherished tradition.
Influences From Her Barking Roots
Growing up in Barking, Rochelle’s mother encouraged her and her siblings to try different foods. My mum was regimented but made us adventurous eaters,” Rochelle recalls. Now, as a mother of three, she continues this legacy, ensuring her kids experience a variety of flavors.
Discovering the Joy of Cooking
Rochelle truly embraced cooking after leaving home. “Cooking felt therapeutic,” she shares. It became a way for her to unwind and express creativity, ultimately making her feel confident in managing her household.
Balancing Family and Career
Juggling her career and family life, Rochelle finds solace in the kitchen whether hosting BBC’s The Hit List or tackling serious issues in Channel 4’s The Black Maternity Scandal: Dispatches, cooking remains her happy place.
Involving Kids in the Kitchen
Rochelle believes that engaging kids in the cooking process can reduce fussy eating. Her daughters, Alaia-Mai and Valentina, and baby Blake often join her in the kitchen. “It’s amazing to see them enjoy the process and even help out,” she says.
Managing Picky Eaters
Rochelle’s middle child, Valentina, is the pickiest eater. “The minute she helps cook, she’s more likely to eat,” Rochelle shares. Even humorous moments, like Valentina loving salmon but later commenting on its smell, add to the charm of family meals.
Recipes With Heart
At Mama’s Table, recipes are nutritious, flavorful, and quick to prepare. Rochelle’s passion for food shines through in every dish, which is designed to appeal to both kids and adults.
The Joy of Weaning
Weaning is one of Rochelle’s favorite milestones. She loves introducing her children to new flavors and textures, which is a special experience for her. “It’s messy but so rewarding,” she says. The cookbook includes tips for making meals suitable for the entire family, from babies to adults.
Encouraging Adventurous Eating
Rochelle avoids labeling foods as “grown-up” or “spicy.” She believes this discourages kids from trying new things. “Flavorsome doesn’t mean spicy,” she emphasizes.
Indulging in Snacks and Takeaways
Despite her love for cooking, Rochelle enjoys indulging in takeaways like wasabi prawns, Rogan Josh, or chocolate-covered rice cakes. “There’s always room for dessert,” she says, proving balance is key.
Cooking With Love
Whether she’s cooking Sunday roasts, baby weaning, or making simple weekday meals, Rochelle’s love for food and family is evident. As she puts it, food is the “heart of the family,” connecting loved ones through flavors and shared experiences.
Marvin’s Cocktail Magic
While Rochelle dominates the kitchen, Marvin brings his cocktail-making skills to the table. From expertly crafted margaritas to refreshing mixers, his drinks elevate every gathering. “He makes sure everyone has the perfect drink,” Rochelle says, adding a vibrant touch to their family dinners.
Music and Cooking: A Perfect Pair
For Rochelle, cooking isn’t just about food; it’s an experience. With music blaring in the background, she creates a lively atmosphere in the kitchen. “It sets the mood and makes the process even more enjoyable,” she shares, turning meal prep into a joyous occasion.
Food as a Family Bond
Rochelle sees food as more than sustenance—it’s a way to bring her family together. Whether experimenting with flavors or laughing over kitchen mishaps, every meal creates cherished memories. “It’s the heart of our family,” she says, a sentiment she hopes her children carry forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
What inspired Rochelle Humes to write her cookbook, At Mama’s Table?
Rochelle’s passion for cooking and her desire to create nutritious, family-friendly recipes inspired her to write her cookbook. She wanted to share her love for flavorful, quick, and accessible meals with other families.
How does Rochelle balance her career and family life with cooking?
Rochelle views cooking as a therapeutic escape and a way to bond with her family. Despite her busy schedule, she makes time to cook meals that bring everyone together.
What is Rochelle’s favorite meal to cook?
Rochelle loves preparing Sunday roasts, complete with Yorkshire puddings, as they allow her to relax and enjoy the process without the pressure of time constraints.
What role does Marvin Humes play in their kitchen?
Marvin is the cocktail master, ensuring everyone has a perfectly mixed drink while Rochelle focuses on the cooking. Their teamwork creates a dynamic and enjoyable dining experience.
How does Rochelle involve her children in the cooking process?
Rochelle encourages her children to participate in meal prep, believing it helps reduce picky eating. She finds that when her kids help cook, they’re more likely to try and enjoy the food.
What are Rochelle’s views on weaning and introducing new foods to babies?
Rochelle loves the weaning process and finds it exciting to introduce her children to new flavors and textures. She believes it’s a special and rewarding milestone in parenting.
Does Rochelle cater to her children’s specific meal preferences?
While Rochelle adapts her recipes to be family-friendly, she avoids making entirely separate meals for each child. Instead, she emphasizes the importance of introducing them to diverse flavors.
What are Rochelle’s go-to snacks and indulgences?
Rochelle enjoys chocolate-covered rice cakes as a guilt-free snack and often treats herself to takeaways like wasabi prawns or a Rogan Josh curry.
Does Rochelle use music while cooking?
Yes, Rochelle loves playing music while she cooks. It creates a lively atmosphere and enhances her enjoyment of the process.
How does Rochelle approach seasoning and spice in her cooking?
Rochelle believes in bold, flavorful seasoning and avoids labeling dishes as “too grown-up” or “spicy” for children, encouraging them to explore and enjoy a variety of tastes.
Coclusion
Rochelle Humes embodies the perfect blend of passion, family values, and culinary creativity. Through her cookbook, At Mama’s Table, she shares not just recipes but also the joy of cooking as a way to unwind, bond, and create lasting memories. Her approach to food—simple yet flavorsome, family-oriented yet adaptable—resonates with anyone looking to bring more love and warmth to their meals.
Whether it’s preparing a comforting Sunday roast, involving her children in the kitchen, or enjoying Marvin’s expertly crafted cocktails, Rochelle demonstrates that cooking is more than just a necessity—it’s a celebration of togetherness. Her journey inspires families to embrace the kitchen as a space for connection, creativity, and joy.
