Samuel Goldsmith chats with food writer Jon Watts about second chances, speedy cooking, and why roast potatoes make or break Sunday lunch. Jon traces his journey from a prison kitchen and the DofE to Jamie’s Italian, a viral chocolate-orange cheesecake, and a hit “Speedy” cookbook series. Expect risotto tips (hello, “three cracks”), fennel-spiked sausage ragù, testing recipes with followers, and the joy of feeding friends - plus a shock confession: he can’t stand mash.

Jon Watts is a professional chef, recipe creator, and social media influencer. After serving six and a half years in a young offenders’ institute, he chose a new path through cooking, becoming the first in custody to achieve all three Duke of Edinburgh awards. After release, he worked at a Jamie Oliver restaurant before going independent. Now nationally recognised through social media and TV, Jon inspires audiences from businesses to at-risk youth with his powerful story.

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