I am about to launch my 18th book into the market and of course there is a mix of excitement and anxiety.

The intended readership is new cooks, of whatever age and whichever gender. The book is illustrated and designed by the talented Evi O. My hope is to attract more and more tentative cooks into the kitchen and introduce them to the joys of cooking for themselves and their friends and family by smoothing the way and explaining the techniques and ‘why’s’ that can loom as stumbling blocks for the inexperienced. I had a teenager in my mind as I wrote but various grandparents have assured me the book will be perfect for their grandchildren of many differing ages.

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