Background and Brand Origins

How did you discover your passion for cooking, and what inspired you to pursue a career in the culinary world?

I have loved cooking and baking since I was able to hold a wooden spoon! I love feeding people, I love how it makes them feel, seeing their faces change and their bodies relax. When I started realising the difference that cooking makes in people’s lives then I knew that was going to be my journey.

Can you share the story behind the creation of your brand and how it has evolved over the years?

It’s been a long one, full of ups and downs but I am so grateful to be still working with food everyday. I started out 25 years ago training to be a chef. I have lived and worked in France, New York, Italy, Ireland and now England, and along the way those cultures have influenced me so much. It’s the energy and influence that gets me excited to write cookbooks, create my online bakery, do TV every week and manage my sustainable farm.

  

Spirit of Christmas Fair and Festive Traditions

What inspired you to participate in the Spirit of Christmas Fair for 2023 and 2024?

It’s so exciting meeting so many people from all across the country that are genuinely interested in learning about your brand and supporting you. I also get all my Christmas shopping down under one roof, win, win!

Can you share some of your favourite Christmas traditions and how this influences your festive recipes?

I love Christmas so much. I like to do the big traditional family Christmas lunch with all the trimmings, so creating recipes that I can get made ahead like my spiced cranberry sauce, red cabbage and fluffy orange roasties, makes the day so much more enjoyable.

What do you think makes the Spirit of Christmas Fair such a special and unique event for both exhibitors and visitors?

The quality of the companies that come and trade at the fair. Most of the companies are family owned, or the founder is still running the business and is there at the fair.

Recipes and Products

Can you highlight some of your most popular festive recipes?

My Mascarpone Trifle with crème de cassis is SO good, I have shared the recipe in my special Christmas Deserts Blog, and I will be making it at the fair this year at my workshop!

Do you have any tips for home cooks who want to create delicious and festive meals during the busy festive season?

Make a plan! It’s all about being organised. List the days in a notebook and what you are going to cook, then make sure that at least half of them you can make ahead, and freeze. That will half your cooking time over Christmas!

  

Personal Insights and Anecdotes

Is there a particular memory or anecdote from your culinary journey that stands out to you?

When I lived in Turin, Italy my flat was on a piazza where a food market was held 6 days a week. Every day was like a dream for me, heading down to the market at 7am, buying delicious produce and testing new recipes. These three years living on the piazza is where I grew my confidence in the kitchen.

What advice would you give to aspiring chefs or foodie entrepreneurs?

Keep learning, keep listening, keeping trying, and hold on to your ethos and authenticity.

How do you maintain a work-life balance, especially during peak busy seasons?

It’s a struggle but I love my life at home, my family and animals. They come first!

Come & Find me! 

I’m thrilled to be representing my brand at the Fair this year, and to meet you all! Visit me at my stand M45, where you can browse my curated collection of homewares and culinary delights, including my show-stopping Christmas Cake, as well as take a moment to look through my cookbooks where I can sign a copy for you with your personalised message for a loved one. Be sure to pop by to watch one of my demos too on Tuesday 5th & Saturday 9th, where I’ll show you how to whip up two simple and effective Christmas desserts to share with your guests.