About Me 

I'm Hayley, a mother of three, wife and home cook.

 

Originally a born and bred Londoner, I moved to Rochester in Kent in 2008 and I very much consider this our home now.

 

Growing up, I have fond memories of baking and cooking with my beloved Nana. Apple Pies, Rice Puddings and "proper" Yorkshires set the pace for a love of home cooking.  When I was 14, I remember the first dessert I made for her and Grandad, was a Lemon Sabayon. My Grandad - an ex Coal Miner from the North East - must've thought I was being a right fancy pants! 

 

I studied a Diploma in Catering & Hospitality Management at college, in which I excelled, but upon graduating, personal circumstances dictated a move into office life. All was not lost however, and my love for food and cookery continued as I devoted my spare time to learning all I could about the cuisines of the world; whilst ensuring I kept a firm hand on my chef's knife.

 

The skills learned throughout my career, teamed with my curiosity and passion for all things food, gave me the confidence to take the plunge and start Cook Eat Happy.

 

I love to cook simple, unprocessed food and particularly love making Italian, Middle Eastern and Indian dishes.  When my kids eat what I've made, I burst a little bit and try not to do some sort of embarrassing 'happy dance' around the kitchen. Positive reactions to my food is what keeps me going; I just love making people happy with my cooking.

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I'd love to share my enthusiasm for cooking with you. I don't claim to know everything, but I can guarantee together, we will have fun making delicious food to be proud of.