‘Cooking with Love’: A Charming Chef in a Confectionery Romance

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Though this blog wouldn’t suggest it, like each of their campaigns inspire me to do, eventually I did watch Hallmark Channel’s Countdown to Valentine’s Day originals. Their last premiere, Cooking with Love, is, in this fangirl’s rankings, adorable.

Cooking with Love (2018) Hallmark TV Film Review

Working as a producer for a reality show for young chefs called Little Gourmet, no one is more hardworking than Kelly (Ali Liebert). Bursting with ideas for the show, and the possibility of a promotion, Kelly loves her work. Things get sticky when their host, Chef Betty is injured, leaving the show scrambling for a new mentor and host. Kelly pitches chef Stephan Harris (Brett Dalton) for the position. Though he’s not the top choice, head execs agree.

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Stephan is coming off a bit of bad press. Because of this, his agent convinces the talented chef to take this gig. Reluctantly he does, but with his own ideas on how he should host the show. All contrary to the ideas and expectations Kelly has of his participation.

Everything about this telefilm is Hallmark gold. From its opening to that final scene, the story is wonderful. Helping it be so is Ali Liebert again promoted to the role of leading lady. Her girl-next-door charms and relatable on-screen personality makes it impossible not to root for her heroine. Then there’s Brett Dalton who many of us are sure to recognize from TV (ABC’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.), just not on this network. Making his debut here, Brett’s character is equally as likeable. Adding one last layer of entertainment are the young actors playing the “gourmet” contestants. They’re adorable, and a reminder of how to be good competitors.

“…I could say goodbye to New York. But I don’t think I could say goodbye to you.”

Deliciously charming, Cooking with Love is another winning romantic-comedy. The romance is a slow simmer that’s golden. Everything about the scenes between Kelly and Stephan is dripping with old-fashioned sweetness, but still chemistry fueled. Plus, the ending, simplistic though it is, is perfect for this story. (Bonus! It also opts for privacy rather than the whole let’s-share-a-kiss-as-everyone-awkwardly-stares-at-and-applauds-us moment.) For me, Cooking with Love is the favorite of this years ‘Valentine’s Day’ promotion. A story that will leave you with a smile, which it’s sure to accomplish with little effort.

‘Cooking with Love’: A Charming Chef in a Confectionery Romance. A review of the 2018 Hallmark original with Brett Dalton. #Hallmarkies #CleanRomance #Romance @HallmarkChannel Share on X

Photos: Hallmark Channel / Crown Media Press