Curtis Stone on Farming Adventures: Still Learning After Four Years

Celebrity chef Curtis Stone reflects on his experience as a farm owner in the Santa Monica Mountains, noting that even after four years, he’s still figuring out how to properly handle the necessary equipment.

In a recent conversation, Stone admitted to Fox News Digital that farming hasn’t come as naturally to him as one might expect. He humorously acknowledged his lack of skill with chainsaws and tractors, calling himself “not very good at” using them. “I was naive. I had no idea how crucial it was to have a farm. Every time the wind blew, a tree would fall on the fence,” he recalled.

Stone shared his cautious approach to using chainsaws, labeling them “dangerous tools.” He mentioned his wife, actress Lindsay Price, who sometimes helps him pick grapes from their small vineyard, joking that she might prefer drinking the wine to the labor.

The duo bought their property, dubbed Four Stones Farm, back in August 2021, located in Agoura Hills, close to Malibu. Stone admitted, “I’m not a great farmer, I’m not going to lie. But I love open spaces and the thought of having animals out there someday. I also grow a lot of vegetables. It’s fun, but there’s a learning curve,” he explained.

He expressed some frustrations with household chores, stating, “Each family member has specific tasks, yet they don’t often get done.” For instance, while his children have assignments, it doesn’t quite work out as planned. “But it’s all part of the process,” he added with a chuckle.

Reflecting on a Thanksgiving disaster at the farm, he recounted how everything spiraled out of control due to poorly planned cooking logistics. “We only had one oven; I thought that would suffice, but boy was I wrong. The turkey took longer than anticipated to cook—it’s basically a guessing game,” he remarked.

His humorous recounting of the disaster reveals the unpredictability of cooking large meals: “There was too much coming out of the oven, and hot vegetables were completely neglected. It was embarrassing telling guests to sit down with no food on the table.”

Looking back, Stone learned the hard way about the need for the right tools and timing in cooking. He noted the importance of having a probe thermometer for checking the turkey’s internal temperature, admitting that even seasoned chefs can make mistakes. “You think it’s simple, but it’s an absolute balancing act,” he said.

In addition to the cooking chaos, he shared a memorable moment when he made Yorkshire pudding for Sharon Osbourne with James Corden watching, describing it as a unique and fun experience.

Stone also shared his love for frying turkey, a method he’s adopted since experiencing his first Thanksgiving in America. He recommended soaking the turkey in brine the night before to ensure a juicy result. “Just make sure you have enough space and don’t overdo it—throwing too much food at once can be a recipe for failure,” he noted.

As he continues to navigate the world of farming and cooking, Curtis Stone emphasizes the importance of everyone in the family contributing to the Thanksgiving meal, making the experience not just about food, but also about togetherness and shared responsibilities.