"Pork is not the culprit."

Star chef Christian Henze clears up diet lies in Riesa and reveals his personal recipes for happiness.

Christian Henze has always wanted to be on stage. However, the AC/DC fan used to dream of a career as a rock star. Now, Christian Henze is achieving great success on stage with his sizzling cooking shows. His 24 cookbooks are bestsellers, his 25th will be released in mid-February, and his weekly cooking show on MDR television is already a cult favorite. On International Women's Day, the likable 48-year-old will be performing in Riesa. Here, the spirited entertainer will debunk some dietary restrictions. An interview with Christian Henze: Mr. Christian Henze, will you transform the Stern Stadthalle into a huge kitchen where things will heat up on March 8th? It will definitely be spectacular on stage - with lots of light, sound, fog, and fire. With lots of wow effects. After all, I will be presenting eight extraordinary recipes in the two hours. You also want to tackle diet lies head-on in the show - is that correct? Exactly, because I absolutely do not believe in all the slimming recipes and diet craze. Rather, I want to do some educational work. I think we are extremely blinded by the media. There is a lot of half-knowledge and plenty of nutrition lies. And I will clarify a few things on that evening. For example? That pork is not the nation's villain. Eating a frozen pizza once in a while is perfectly fine. And that cream is not poison, but incredibly delicious and healthy. We should approach things much more relaxed and not let ourselves be driven crazy by lactose intolerance and the like. Will you involve the audience as well? Of course! I will invite some people onto the stage, cook with them, and let them taste. But above all, we will have a lot of fun. Do you know Riesa? I have been a guest in the city once before, but it was for work with MDR television. Unfortunately, I didn't have the chance to look around. That's why I am looking forward to the reunion, to interesting conversations beyond the usual. I will arrive at noon, so I definitely plan to use the afternoon for a city stroll. Funny things often happen during these brief visits. Or I may try something special to eat. I often have interesting conversations with passersby. I usually incorporate much of that into the show. And: In Riesa, the topic of pasta will certainly play a role. What about tips for cooking novices or choosing the right pots and spices? I always give such tips in a playful and casual manner. They are tips that make culinary life at home a bit easier. No prohibitions, no wagging fingers, just solutions. Almost every TV channel now airs cooking shows. Are you not afraid that viewers will soon tire of these kitchen battles? The topics around cooking, eating, health, and the portion of happiness that comes with it will not decrease in the coming years, but rather increase, becoming even more diverse. Humanity will have to engage more with the topic of nutrition - concerning sustainability, ecology. Ensuring that everyone in the world is fed. New trends will continue to emerge, which are highly interesting. After all, we want to be healthy, happy, and live long. And food plays a crucial role in that. Do you follow every trend? Personally, I try not to follow trends but to live the trend itself. What does that mean? My trend is to listen to a combination of common sense and gut feeling. So far, this approach has always served me well. How many recipes have you "invented" so far? Well, I have a recipe file. And I am now close to 3,000 recipes that are my own. Where do you get the ideas from? While driving, on a plane, when I have some time to spare, just sitting there with my eyes closed. So many things come to mind. I quickly jot down notes on napkins, scraps of paper... I collect them in the office, and whenever it's time to create something new, I dig out those notes. That's how I usually come up with very good things. Who tries your newly created delicacies? First and foremost, my family and my staff. Have you ever let something burn? Of course, but only when cooking. (Laughs). It has even happened to me in live TV broadcasts. But I don't find it bad at all, rather endearing even. Do you enjoy going to restaurants and being culinary pampered? Of course. And I am a very uncomplicated guest. I am someone who never complains and grumbles. I enjoy trying everything that this planet has to offer in terms of food. And what is your favorite dish? Christmas goose. With dumplings and red cabbage, accompanied by a nice red wine. Finally, do you have any nutrition tips for the flu season? I do not believe in the supposedly helpful strong chicken soup. Apart from a healthy and varied diet, during this time, one should opt for more citrus fruits. Because of their vitamin C content. For more information about Christian Henze, visit here: http://www.excellente-unternehmer.de/redner/christian-henze.html