Interview with Maria Dillon (@mrsdillonskitchen)

Maria is a mum of two, nutritional advisor, and a true success on instagram. With over 66.6k followers online, Maria inspires fellow foodies, and mums with her delicious content.

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

I’m the eldest of 5. I grew up in Castlebar Co Mayo. Our Mum was a great cook and baker We were always in the kitchen as kids helping

What was your favourite food/dish growing up?

My favourite dinner was Shepherd’s Pie. We always had it with beef and it was still called a Shepherd’s Pie in those days. I would be thrilled to see a hot steaming pie on the range when I came home from school.

Was there anything you disliked?

I couldn’t eat fish for years, although I can eat a little seafood now. I think cooking methods have improved a lot over the years. We are more educated on flavours and cooking times. I hated cabbage too but again, it may have been overcooked back in the 80s and 90s.

Any food memories, fond or otherwise?

Making Christmas cakes was a big event in the Autumn. We loved the smell in the kitchen, and the colours of the dried fruit etc. In Summer it was picnics, with egg salad sandwiches, and Irish Mammy salad plates with lettuce and onions from the garden.

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

If I’m going out for dinner, I love Mexican or Thai but if I’m cooking at home my favourite is a Sunday Roast. I love a roast beef or lamb dinner. Even a simple roast chicken with gravy and stuffing. It’s so comforting and cosy to relax at home after.

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

I’m going to say my food processor. It’s a dream for chopping, mixing etc. It makes light work of making meals I would be lost without it.

The one ingredient you wouldn’t be without?

Butter - a little butter helps in most dishes.

Three ingredients, one dish…what is it?

Beef, cheese, and bread to make delicious cheeseburgers.

Do you prefer to cook or to be cooked for?

I prefer cooking.

 Who cooks in your house?

My husband and I both cook.

Do your children cook, bake?

My son, Lee (19 yrs) is head of air frying and my daughter Stevie (2 yrs) likes helping me. She loves flour and mixing things when I’m baking.

What is your go-to family meal?

Lasagna is always a winner. It’s hearty, and warming in Winter, but also perfect for salads in Summer

Have you any tips to make life easier?

Outsource where possible, but buy ready-made salads, prepped veg etc. Have a few fool-proof recipes up your sleeve that don’t require too much thinking. It’s always handy to have a dinner you can make in auto-pilot on the days you feel exhausted or overwhelmed.

Do you have any tips to make food tastier or healthier?

Air frying some foods can give a nicer result. For example, flavour chicken. and chips with a few spices, and a little olive oil. Of course, Mama Bear Ketchup to dip the chips in. Airfryer chips taste so much better than oven chips, in my opinion.

Do you have any tips to save on food waste?

I find shopping for about 3-4 days at a time works for our household. I shop Monday and then do a top-up on Friday for the weekend. Plans can change and I find this way helps me not to throw food out. It’s easier to plan food for the weekend on a Friday when I know who is going to be home or if we are going out for any meals.

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

Neither of my two are great for eating vegetables so it gets hidden in sauces, soups, etc. They both love fruit though. We always have a big fruit bowl in the Kitchen

What is your go-to supper on your busiest days?

One pan roast chicken, potatoes and veg. I throw it all on a tray with olive oil and herbs, and oven-bake for a little over an hour. It takes less than 5 minutes to prep and the oven does the rest.

How often do you sit down as a family to enjoy a meal together?

A few times a week but it can be difficult if We are working different hours or coming home at different times.

Do you have any advice for helping kids enjoy mealtimes?

Kids love a little one-on-one time with a parent.  I’d encourage chatting with them about their day or plans they might have over dinner. It’s a great chance for connection.

Do you have any kitchen hacks?

Pre-prepped veg for busy days

What healthy snacks do you always have ready to go?

Yoghurts, cheese, kids smoothies, bananas.

What is your children's favourite meal?

Stevie’s favourite is chicken and sweet potato curry. Lee’s favourite is roast beef with roast potatoes.