I love cooking. And eating. And everything that goes with it – the cookery books, the ceramics and equipment, the tablecloths, aprons, tea towels – basically the whole cooking and eating experience.

There is an excitement, a thrill when finding new ingredients, new recipes. Awaiting the affirmational nod from the designated testers having tried a spoonful of something new. Thankfully, I have a team of willing volunteer tasters!

We all know that food is so important for health, growth and wellbeing. Feeding and nourishing all people – small ones included – and instilling positive messages about food and eating are more important than ever.

My inspiration comes in many ways.  I have been lucky enough to have lived abroad and I still adore travelling and eating new foods as a wonderful way to learn about other cuisines.  Exploring menus, scouring charity shops for new and old cookery books, watching obligatory cookery TV shows as well as losing hours in markets and food shops are all ways that I add variety to my kitchen.

Qualifications? Other than food hygiene and safety, I don’t have any certificates but I have been cooking family meals for well over 30 years.  It started whilst living at home, then developed when I was at university and now for my own family. Our family policy is that food must be fresh, tasty and the portions filling. With a variety of dietary needs in my home – severe food allergies, vegetarians and meat eaters alike – I like to make sure everyone has a fresh, wholesome, nutritious, filling and delicious meal each day.

As a working mum of three, cooking fresh meals every day is far from easy. With working, taxiing, after-school activities, an endless list of chores, cooking and eating a meal before a sensible bedtime – there simply isn’t always enough hours in the day. And that’s where Kerry’s Kitchen was born.