Sitting alongside Patrick Dangerfield, Jason Porplyzia and Kurt Tippett at a signing session for the new Crows Foundation cookbook this week, former Masterchef finalist Callum Hann admits he was tempted to ask the star trio to autograph his copy of the book.
A life-long Crows supporter, Hann recently joined 2010 Masterchef winner, friend and fellow South Australian Adam Liaw in becoming an Ambassador for the Club.
Hann said the pair had engaged in many conversations about the Crows both during their 12 months together in the Masterchef house, and since the completion of filming of the popular TV show.
“I’ve always been a fan of the Crows. One of my memories as child is sitting with my dad and sister watching the 1997 and 1998 Grand Finals, and seeing Darren Jarman dominate,” he said.
“Adam and I are friends through the show, but coincidentally he grew up loving the Crows as well. We had many conversations about the Crows and footy in general in the house and we went and watched the game against St Kilda together last year.
“Now, to be involved and become an Ambassador I’m very flattered and honoured. I’ll contribute anything I can to, hopefully, help in the success of the Club.”
Callum and Adam’s first contribution to the Club was being involved in the Crows Foundation cookbook, ‘Crows Kitchen - No Rules’, which is on sale for $14.95 at Crowmania and in Foodland Stores.
The pair donated several recipes to the book, including Callum’s ‘Duck, Lychee and Lime Salad’ which is the cover photo for ‘Crows Kitchen’.
Callum spent time at West Lakes on Wednesday morning to sign copies of the book; the proceeds of which will go towards helping South Australian children in need.
“It was great to be involved in the Crows cookbook,” he said.
“I was sitting there doing the signing session for the Crows Foundation cookbook and it took every ounce of my effort not to ask to get my own copy of the book signed by the boys.
“I thought it might be a bit embarrassing, so I managed to hold off.”
Callum has also released his own cookbook called, ‘The Starter Kitchen’.
“’The Starter Kitchen’ is aimed at trying to help people, who might be moving out of home for the first time or aren’t that confident in the kitchen, and it’s been great fun working on that,” he said.
“I also run cooking lessons, ‘Sprout cooking’ at the Adelaide Central Market.
“It’s another way I can show people how easy cooking is. I loved filming Masterchef, but one of the things I found about the show - and all cooking shows - is that they can hype up food, almost saying ‘look at how hard cooking can be’.
“One of the things I’ve tried to do in my own work since I left the show is show how easy cooking can be. I don’t think it should be intimidating, or something you get worried about.
“If you burn a steak and that’s the worst thing that happens to you in your day then it’s still a pretty good day.”
Callum will head to Japan later this month to attend Adam’s wedding to long-time partner, Asami Fujitsuka.
“It’s pretty exciting because I’ve never been to Japan before,” Callum said.
“Adam’s based in Sydney, but we went and watched the game against St Kilda together last year, which we won.
“I was travelling a lot last year, so I didn’t get to go to many games but this year I’m in Adelaide a lot more. I’m looking forward to being able to get to more home games.”
