Interview with Kate O’ Driscoll, the ultimate foodie

Kate is a devoted food enthusiast, who channels her passion into cooking for her family at home. She has also cultivated a vibrant online community of like-minded food lovers, amassing nearly 30,000 followers on Instagram.

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

My name is Kate O’Driscoll, I was born and raised in the U.K but moved to Ireland 18 years ago. Kildare Town is my forever home now. Growing up both my parents were teachers with busy schedules and I am an only child, so sitting down as a family to eat meals at the weekend was always something to look forward to.

What was your favourite food/dish growing up?

This is going to sound odd but as a child of the 80’s, I absolutely loved school dinners, especially all the nostalgic puds. Even though I no longer have a sweet tooth, you just couldn't beat School dinner chocolate sponge and chocolate custard!!

Was there anything you disliked?

I've always disliked liver & kidney. Although, I'll happily eat haggis (I'm half Scottish). As a child, I didn't care for mushrooms or olives but I love them both now.

Any food memories, fond or otherwise?

My best food memory is my Dad's Shepherd’s Pie. It was a real comfort food that he cooked for me whenever I came home from a childhood trip or college. The smell of it coming from the oven as I walked through the door always meant I was home!

What’s your favourite meal now? To cook? To eat?

I love to cook a big old Sunday Roast with all the trimmings. I also love anything cooked on my BBQ.

The one ingredient you wouldn’t be without?

Garlic…there can never be too much. The same also applies to cheese!!!

Three ingredients, one dish - what are you making?

Chicken wings, rub, and sauce, straight onto the BBQ. Boom!!

Do your children cook, bake.

Both of them are keen to help with both cooking, and baking…my daughter preferring the sweeter side while my son is taking an interest in cooking over fire

What is your go-to family meal?

On a busy weeknight between work schedules, homework, and sports (hidden veg) spaghetti bolognese is a classic! The next evening the leftovers can be reimagined as chilli or nachos.

Have you any tips to make life easier?

Freeze leftovers in well-labeled containers for easily defrostable meals on your busiest days.

Do you have any tips for encouraging your kids to eat more veggies?

I've never made a big deal of asking them to eat them. However, I always have chopped-up veggie sticks, peppers, carrot, cucumber easily accessible in the fridge for them to help themselves. We're lucky that neither of them are fussy eaters.

Any advice for dealing with children who are fussy eaters?

Don't turn it into a ‘thing’ that will make mealtimes stressful or daunting. Offer but don't force them to try or eat. Have them involved in the food prep, and they’re much more likely to try their efforts. But mostly make it a good experience.

What are you most proud about being a mum?

That we've brought them up to respect food and be independent.

Would there be any advice you would give to another mum?

Do you!! And trust your own instincts and gut feelings. You know your children better than anyone.

Do you have any cooking/baking/cleaning/kitchen hacks?

During the week I make one-pot meals that can be repurposed into another meal for the next evening.

I tend to buy my meat from my butcher at the beginning of the week, and then shop daily for veg etc. Having a pantry full of all the staples like tinned tomatoes, pulses, stock pots, rice pasta etc is always a big help.

What do you like about Mama Bear Ketchups?

I can trust that they only contain good ingredients, as it’s made by another mu

What do your kids eat ketchup with?

Chips, eggs, and a rasher or sausage sandwich.