Who are the biggest influences in your life?
In the heart of my childhood, the kitchen was a haven, and the scent of freshly baked scones and apple pie was the melody of my youth. With flour-dusted hands and a mischievous smile, my grandmother became my first culinary mentor. Together, we unraveled the secrets of perfect scones—crisp on the outside, tender within—and the art of crafting apple pie, where the aroma of cinnamon and apples would dance through the house. Those early moments in the kitchen were more than just lessons in baking; they were the foundation of a lifelong love affair with the alchemy of cooking.
As the years unfolded, my culinary education continued in the living room rather than the kitchen. “Ready, Steady, Cook” became a weekly ritual, and the vibrant chaos of the show ignited a passion for cooking within me. Together with my mother, we sat mesmerized by the quick thinking and creativity of the chefs on the screen. From limited ingredients, they conjured up culinary masterpieces, showing me that cooking was not just a chore but a thrilling art form, an expression of ingenuity that could turn humble ingredients into a feast.
In my young adult years, a culinary luminary stepped onto the stage of my culinary consciousness—Jamie Oliver. His cookbooks, brimming with vibrant recipes and an infectious enthusiasm for good food, became my literary companions. Jamie’s approachable style and emphasis on fresh, quality ingredients resonated deeply. His advocacy for healthy, delicious meals ignited a desire to not only cook for pleasure but to nourish and inspire through food. I found myself experimenting with flavors, guided by the encouragement of this culinary maestro who made the kitchen a place of adventure and joy.
As my culinary journey unfolded, I found myself surrounded by a bustling brigade of colleagues, each contributing to the orchestration of kitchen symphonies. Their dedication, resilience, and shared love for the craft became a source of inspiration. In the heat of service and the quiet moments of preparation, I developed an appreciation for the unsung heroes who work diligently, give generously, and transform ordinary ingredients into extraordinary experiences. Their camaraderie, expertise, and shared passion elevate the kitchen from a workspace to a community.
In the tapestry of my culinary influences, from the flour-covered kitchen counters of my grandmother to the dynamic stages of televised cooking shows and the pages of Jamie Oliver’s cookbooks, each thread has woven a unique story. As I continue to navigate the world of flavors and techniques, I carry with me the warmth of childhood memories, the thrill of culinary challenges, and a profound appreciation for the culinary community that brings joy and sustenance to our tables. The kitchen, for me, is not just a place of cooking; it’s a living testament to the stories, traditions, and influences that shape the artistry of food.
Pan Celtic Cuisine 