As a small child I grew up watching my Mother cooking and baking for our family, and I was always intrigued by the delicious smells of home-cooking and with what she made. One of my earliest memories is of standing on a kitchen chair, next to my Mother, and ‘helping’ her to bake a cake. I’m sure that I was no help to her, but I surely loved the experience!

As I grew older, I was aware that my Mother and Grandmother could turn their hands to many cooking skills and I was always intrigued to watch a meal being prepared and cooked.

In my twenties, I spent many years working in commercial kitchens and running restaurants, always staying close to my love of cooking and creating simple, yet delicious meal.

So, now a woman in my forties, I have truly enjoyed everything about putting together my first cookbook (Tried & Tested – 101 Recipes).  It is a collection of my favourite recipes that I have cooked many times over the years for my boyfriend, family and friends.

My recipes really work, to provide exactly the results they promise with minimal kitchen equipment, preparation time and ingredients. They really are as simple as that. All of these recipes are ‘no fail’, if you follow the simple instructions I have set out. I've personally tried, tested, modified and cooked every single recipe until I have made it the very best that I possibly can, without compromising on flavour.

And what you need for each recipe can easily be bought at your local supermarket. So, no more cupboards full of items that have been used only the once and won’t be used again– which saves money, too!

I hope that you enjoy my recipes and creating wonderful meals that all of the family can enjoy. Whether you are new to cooking, or are an experienced cook looking for new ideas and flavours, I sincerely hope that you will find something you enjoy!