In my final year of school, I wrote in my yearbook that I wanted to be a cook/chef. No lofty aspirations of becoming a lawyer or captain of industry (it was that kind of school), a humble cook is what I wanted to be. And that is what I continue to be and more. I am a cookbook author, recipe developer, private cook and caterer who has been running cooking classes (both face to face and virtually) for longer than I care to admit!

2024 will be the school’s 10th year of operation and my 20th year of teaching cooking and so yes, I did obviously start teaching when I was 12 years old (not!)

I have qualifications in cooking, gastronomy and hospitality and have a passion for producing food which is not only delicious but also easy to make at home. Complicated recipes can make for “interesting” TV but kind of put people off actually wanting to cook.

Cooking for me is about having a willingness to learn, to experiment (well, within reason, no pickles with chocolate thanks!)  and to use cooking as a form of self-care. Cooking for yourself and others is nurturing, confidence and self-esteem boosting and some of the best meals are homely, humble and delicious. I see my work as done if ultimately you want to cook.

Like all of us, I wear many hats and my other life is working in the Performing Arts industry. I have also worked in Film & TV, have travelled extensively and lived overseas and I collect Art, old cookbooks (I need therapy about this) and Gouda pottery.