James Barber (author) facts for kids

James Barber (born March 23, 1923 – died November 29, 2007) was a well-known Canadian chef, writer, and TV host. He was born in England but moved to Canada and became famous for his easy-to-follow recipes. Many people knew him from his popular CBC cooking show, The Urban Peasant.

James Barber had a fascinating journey before he became a TV chef. He first worked as an engineer. Later, his love for food led him to become a food critic for a newspaper called The Province. He moved to Canada in 1952. His passion for cooking and writing grew, and soon he started writing his own cookbooks. James was a very lively and enthusiastic person. He always wanted to help people learn how to cook for themselves.

James Barber was married twice and had five children. He passed away peacefully at his farm in 2007. It's said that he was reading a cookbook with chicken soup cooking on the stove, which sounds just right for a chef! He was 84 years old when he died.

James Barber on TV

James Barber was a familiar face on Canadian television. He hosted his own cooking shows and often appeared on other programs. He made cooking fun and easy for everyone.

• The Fry Pan Man: James Barber was the host of this show.
• The Dini Petty Show: He often appeared as a guest on this popular talk show.
• The Urban Peasant: This was his most famous show, where he shared simple recipes.

James Barber's Writings

Besides his TV shows, James Barber also wrote for many newspapers and magazines. He shared his food ideas and recipes with a wide audience.

• National Post: He wrote articles for this national newspaper sometimes.
• Pacific Yachting: He contributed to this magazine.
• Vancouver Magazine: He shared his thoughts on food in this city magazine.
• The Vancouver Sun: He wrote for this major Vancouver newspaper.

James Barber's Cookbooks

James Barber wrote many cookbooks during his career. His books were full of practical and delicious recipes that helped people cook at home.

• Ginger Tea Makes Friends (Illustrated) (1971)
• Fear of Frying (1978)
• Ginger Tea Makes Friends (1982)
• Flash in the Pan (1982)
• James Barber Mushrooms Are Marvellous (1984)
• James Barber's Personal Guide to the Best Eating in Vancouver (1985)
• James Barber's Immodest but Honest Good Eating Cookbook (1986)
• Urban Peasant (1991)
• Urban Peasant Quick & Simple Cookbook (1993)
• The Urban Peasant: Recipes from the Popular Television Cooking Series (1994)
• Peasant's Choice (1994)
• Peasant's Choice: More of the Best from the Urban Peasant Recipes from the Popular Television Cooking Series (1995)
• Peasant's Alphabet: More of the best from the Urban Peasant (1997)
• Cooking for Two: The Urban Peasant (1999)
• Ginger Tea Makes Friends (2000)
• Flash in the Pan (2000)
• Fear of Frying (2000)
• Chef's Salad: Greens, Vegetables, Pasta, Bean, Seafood, Potato (2003)
• One-Pot Wonders: James Barber Recipes for Land and Sea (2006)