Hi, those of you who were around for this will know it came to an abrupt end because Mumsnet went into a mini-meltdown.
Tana asked us to post the following:
Thank you so much for all your questions ? can?t believe there was a technical hitch and I did not get to all of you, would love to do it again. Tana x
and sent through some answers to earlier questions.
Mabanana: Tana, does Gordon want more babies still? Are you planning to oblige?
Tana: He would love more ? never say never...
Mabanana: What's your favourite restaurant (not one of Gordon's!)?
Tana: Dexter?s on Bellvue Rd near home ? great for the kids on a Saturday lunch and right on the common so they can go on their bikes. Fab burgers and milkshakes.
tortoiseshellWasMusicaYearsAgo: Does it REALLY REALLY annoy you that you aren't allowed to use your husband's really expensive cooker? And does he ever actually cook for the children?
Tana: I think he may have said that for the hype. "His" kitchen is actually our family kitchen and used by me everyday! Yes, weekends he loves to cook for the children.
ahundredtimes: I bought Real Family Food in Sainsbury's one week as I am sick to death of the food I've been cooking for years now. Lots of the recipes were a bit ambitious I thought, for the end of the day after work and a bit ambitious. Does your new book have simpler fare? We all loved the honey mustard chicken.
Tana: The new book has recipes that are a little more advanced for the children - introducing different tastes etc, but still easy to prepare. Many can be marinated/partially prepared in advance. Hope this helps x
TheUnsinkableMB: Tana, how quick are you at chopping veg? Cos I get annoyed when Gordy and other sleb chefs say cooking from scratch is quick and easy, it takes me ages to chop a load of veg! So being a single parent...2 min microwave rice...done!
Tana: No, I am SO slow at this and Gordon always covers his eyes when I am chopping as it always looks unsafe! Takes me an age as well x
Miyazaki: Did you have ANY involvement with writing the cookery book bar the photo shoot and your name on the cover?
Tana: Yes, they are all devised at home by me, when I need inspiration my mum is a great home cook and we will discuss different ideas. I cook every evening for my children and the three books contain recipes they always enjoy. Hope this helps.
Cadelaide: Hi Tana, I would really like to know whether Gordon swears around the children like he does on TV.
Tana: Of course he doesn't ? home is a relaxed environment - work is busy and stressful and he is under pressure.
ahundredtimes: Tana, sometimes I feel that cook books like yours - and others - make me feel bad because I haven't time to whip up some eggy bread and yoghurt dipping in the morning, or make my own bagels. What do you think to that?
Tana: I think you are a normal mum who is busy and has full hands ? don?t beat yourself up over it ? we all have our guilt concerning our kids be it time / cooking / whatever it may be! Mine is lack of knowledge on homework front ? thank goodness for the internet, I have forgotten all I ever learnt at school!
Cadelaide: Hey Tana, what are your kids' birthday celebrations like? Do you do it yourselves? Is the food all themed and arty or do they get party rings and sausages on sticks?
Tana: They get sandwiches, crisps, sausages, typical party food with variety to cater for all the children there ? the only arty bit is the cake! I love their parties and the cakes are the best bit to make decorated depending on the current favourite theme x
The OriginalFabio: Tana - how did you really feel when Gordon decided to put a load of livestock in your back garden? Did you have to look after them youself or did somebody else come around and see to them? Did they smell?
Tana: Yes they did smell, thank goodness for nice neighbours. Was a great project to do and the children really loved it and learnt about where meat really comes from (not just appearing on the supermarket shelf) and how to look after animals. Would not want it full time!
cupoftea: here's a question - what would recommend for a packed lunch?
Tana: Wholemeal sandwich with ham / cheese & salad, fruit, muffins/ flapjack, chopped veg, yoghurt, or if you have time a pasta salad.
LittleBella: My question is, why does Gordon not change nappies? Is it because he thinks cleaning up shit is women's work? Do you agree with him?
Tana: I was more than happy to change them ? I was lucky enough to be able to stay at home as a full time mum when the children were babies. I was totally regimental with the kids' routine (having 4 of 3 and under I had to live by routine) and loved the fact that when Gordon was home he could totally enjoy the fun side.
Dinny: Can you confirm how tall Gordon is as dh thinks he is 5 foot 8 (after dh was interviewed by him in the street for F Word) and I am sure he must be taller. thanks!
Tana: Gordon is 6ft 2? ? hope that clears up the discussion!
whomovedmychocolate: Okay here's a question. Do all the other kids want to come home to tea with your kids and if so, have you ever given them Gregg's sausage rolls and fruit shoots?
Tana: The kids always have friends home for tea ? they eat whatever is on the menu that night and yes it is home made!
MARGOsBeenPlayingWithMyNooNoo: Tana - have any of your children developed fussy eating stages (like only eating orange food) and how did you get through it? (we're currently coping with a rice with everything saga at chez margo). Also, you bake with your little ones, don't you? Do you have to bite your tongue when they make a mess in the kitchen? (I find it very hard to get enthusiastic about cooking with my children for this very reason and for the lack of a dishwasher too.) And my last question... what's your favourite kitchen utensil and why?
Tana: Favourite utensil is my microplane grater. Yes, I find the mess hard to deal with too and tend to only do it at the weekend. They did all have fussy stages but we got through it by not giving up! It does come to an end.
Tillyscountsmum: I read that GR didn't want to be at the birth of his dc's because he was concerned that it would put him off having sex with you in the future ? Is it true ? If so, did you mind? Who was your birthing partner/s instead of GR ?
Tana: I did not want anyone other than essential doctors/ midwifes there and was more than happy to do it on my own so no, I did not mind!