I live in the Scenic Rim with my husband Stephen, 2 puppies, 2 horses, 3 dexter cows and a growing brood of chickens. What a beautiful place to call home. The name says it all – the scenery is breathtaking. But what keeps me here is the clever and passionate producers who are dedicated to their craft. From butter and cheeses to garlic and fresh vegetables, we have some of the best beef, pork, and veal. We also have amazing distillers and wineries. The Scenic Rim truly has it all.

I love teaching people about food. Cooking can be simple and fun, and I enjoy showing people how to make delicious meals for themselves, their families, and their friends. When I see the look on their faces as they taste their creations, it brings me joy. Over the years, I have learned a lot from incredible people and experienced amazing food, and I am happy to pass on my knowledge to others.

For aspiring chefs and cooks, I have a few pieces of advice. First, eat and try new things. Stretch your imagination and learn from others, whether that means going to restaurants and food vendors or asking lots of questions. Cook as much as you can, and most importantly, have fun!

What I Love

My favourite food is Queensland prawns. I love peeling them and serving them with a squeeze of lime juice, a bit of Bloody Mary dipping sauce or Mango & Ginger dipping sauce, some sourdough, butter, and a good Riesling. When people ask me about my favourite cuisine, I say “Queensland.” I also love degustation restaurants. Some of my favourites include Blume Restaurant in Boonah, where Jack Stuart never disappoints, Lake House Restaurant in Daylesford, Farmer’s Daughters in Melbourne, El Tombon de San Marc in Milan and Essen Restaurant in Stanthorpe. Eating out is one of our favourite pastimes, and my husband and I frequently incorporate culinary adventures into our vacation planning.

My approach to food is to utilise native ingredients and local produce from the Scenic Rim. I enjoy fusing together Asian and European cooking and food, and I like to put my own spin on traditional recipes to make them modern and suitable for our lifestyles and diets.

What to Expect in a Cooking Class

If you attend one of my cooking classes, you can expect to have a lot of fun. Our classes are not intimidating at all, and we don’t use equipment that you wouldn’t have in your own kitchen. We ensure that all ingredients are easily obtainable, and we provide substitutes if needed. The classes are very hands-on, and everyone participates so that they can create their own dishes at home using the recipes we supply. Some of our regular attendees have been to more than four classes, with our frequent foodie, Chris T., travelling from the Gold Coast to attend our classes. I love teaching and learning from the people who attend my classes.