I am not a chef and I have never had any formal culinary training...
…I am just a home cook with a passion for simple, fresh and seasonal food. I adore food markets and food shops and one of my favourite ways of spending Saturday mornings here in the UK (when not on some sports pitch watching one of my boys!) is to wander down to the farmers market and see what is on offer...
Most of the recipes you will find here, were either born out of my inventive spirit and experiments in the kitchen or passed down in the family. My mother was the most wonderful cook and she liked to eat too! When she passed away more than 10 years ago, I promised myself I would collect all the recipes I could find and and somehow save them to avoid losing or forgetting them altogether. So this website is definitely dedicated to her and all she has lovingly taught me.
Some recipes might be adapted from other cookbooks- of which I am an avid and incorrigible collector! In this case, I will clearly state the origin and author of the original recipe.
I will also always try and make a recipe “healthier” by cutting sugar and refined flour for example. Sometimes though this is simply not possible without altering the essence of the recipe.
I firmly believe cooking has to be a source of pleasure and relaxation. However, I also know very well that with our busy lives and families, sometimes you just need to put something on the table as quickly as possible. Hence, most of what I cook is simple and without a long list of obscure ingredients.
Personally, what I most enjoy about getting down and dirty in the kitchen is:
the excitement of creating something delicious with the ingredients I happen to have in the house
finding recipes in books or online and then make my own version, by modifying ingredients and methods
Most of the time I succeed. Sometime I fail miserably. But I always learn!
Note on ingredients
I normally try to buy organic eggs, milk and yogurt, meat and especially fruit and vegetables. For a guide on what fruit and vegetables is best to buy organic check the “The Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen" list.