I’m a freelance cook based near to the northwest town of Knutsford. I cater for a wide range of occasions from intimate dinner parties to afternoon teas, larger buffets and family events. I also produce a range of interesting jams and chutneys, and I love to make cupcakes too! For 7 years I worked as a chef in France on large converted Dutch grain barges for French Country Waterways. The barges op
erate as luxury hotels cruising on the waterways all over the French countryside. I produced everything from hearty cooked breakfasts, to fresh and healthy salad lunch buffets and elegant four course evening meals. I had full responsibility for planning my own menus and sourcing fresh, local ingredients. This was a fantastic opportunity to challenge myself with both modern innovative dishes and traditional classics using some of the best quality ingredients available. One of the important lessons I learnt whilst cooking in France was that fresh, top quality seasonal produce is an essential element in creating good food and delicious meals. The french really have a passion and pride for their food and produce, their local food markets are always brimming with an amazing array of beautiful fruit and vegetables from the region. Returning to live and work in England, it’s wonderful to see that this passion and pride is here also, along with a fantastic ability to embrace new flavours and to try unusual cuisines.
