Interview with Donna from Roots Kitchen

Tell me a bit about yourself, where you are from and what was your upbringing?

I was born in the Plymouth UK my dads parents are Welsh my grandfather was in the navy based in Plymouth. My mum is from Cork. We moved back to Cork when I was 8 My childhood was quite normal, I got to spend my summers between Cork City & Bantry when we lived it the Uk then we spent summers Newport Wales when we moved back to Cork.

My grandparents on both sides were wonderful to us and we always had great holidays with them. They gave me my love for cooking.

I have an older sister no brothers. I’m married 7 years and have 2 children 9 year old girl and 4 year old and chocolate lab named Arlo.

What was your favourite food/dish growing up? I loved Lamb Chops and Peas, my dads hot pot which wasn’t really nice at all but it was the novelty of him being home to cook it. He worked away a lot when we’re small.

Was there anything you disliked?

I can’t deal with offal. I really tried to embrace it as a chef but I just can’t. I did have sweet breads in Chapter One they were really tasty.

Any food memories, fond or otherwise?

My Nan from Cork would always try to feed us well, she always had fresh scones, fairy cakes and Madeira in her kitchen or she would be wiping up a fry or heating a bowl stew if you called in and get really offended if you weren’t hungry.

What’s your favourite meal now?

To eat,

I love Ribeye Steak, Béarnaise Sauce, Chips or Saute Potatoes

To cook,

I love making salads I love the varieties, textures and seasonality

What would your death row meal be?

Crab Cake starter

Beer battered Fish and chips

Meringue roulade desert

What’s the kitchen appliance you wouldn’t be without?

I love my magi mix

The one ingredient you wouldn’t be without?