I’ve always had an affinity for cooking and finally decided to share my go-to recipes with others out there in the world. Something I realized not too long ago is that many young people today do not have the opportunity to gain experience in the basics of cooking in the same way previous generations were taught. Parents are endlessly busy; life is hectic and takeouts and pre-prepared grocery dishes have become staples. I believe that if it was not for the great women surrounding me throughout my lifetime, I would have probably seen cooking as a chore like so many other people do today. Cooking may seem difficult and tedious, as it does for so many aspiring young cooks today, but they couldn’t be more wrong. Cooking is cathartic, a great way to relax and be creative at the same time, with so much to show for it when you’re done. Through writing this book, I realised that I was blessed growing up. I grew up on a smallholding for most of my youth and my grandparents were wonderful vegetable gardeners. I remember my grandmother baked her own bread, churned her own butter and served up fresh vegetables whenever she had the chance. The smell of the kitchen over the Christmas holidays will remain with me all my life. Busy, hot and bustling, with my grandma, my mum - and sometimes some random aunties from my extended family - baking tubs of small biscuits in all shapes and flavors, cooking roasts and sides, and making the most amazing puddings for Christmas time… I guess through my formative years food became my love language, and now, whenever I want to treat someone or on special occasions, you will generally find me in the kitchen. On the other side of the spectrum, cooking has also been my solace, a get-away space I could escape to when I felt stressed out and needed a time-out away from other people. Whenever I feel stressed, a bit down in the dumps or like the world is pressing down on me, all I have to do is step into the kitchen… and before I know it, the blues are be replaced with some good comfort food and a feeling of accomplishment.