A Legacy of Love and Cooking: Honouring My Mum and Grandmothers on Mother’s Day
Cooking has always been more than just a skill to me—it’s a deep passion that connects me to the women who raised me. My love for cooking comes from my mom and both my maternal and paternal grandmothers, all of whom were not only great cooks but also deeply passionate about ingredients and methods.
As a child, I was lucky enough to witness the beauty of food being created from scratch in their kitchens. It wasn’t just about cooking—it was about tradition, care, and the joy of sharing something made with love.
My mother’s love for gardening has also inspired me to grow our own fruits in our orchard and vegetable, herbs and berries in our garden in Portarlington. My fondest memories are of spending hours outside, learning about how to care for plants, pick the ripest fruit, and bring nature’s bounty into our kitchens. The process of gathering ingredients from the earth, transforming them into something delicious, and sharing it with others is a tradition that runs deep in my family. It was in these moments that I learned the true value of good, fresh ingredients, and the deep connection between nature and the meals we create.
What I learned from these amazing women was not just about cooking—it was about the heart behind the food. Cooking was a way to show love, a way to bring people together, and a way to honour the hard work that went into every meal. It was about paying attention to every detail, whether it was selecting the perfect piece of fruit, seasoning a dish just right, or making sure every part of the meal was prepared with care.
As I continue to cook today, I carry those lessons with me. Every time I step into the kitchen, I feel their presence, guiding me, inspiring me, and reminding me of the joy and passion that comes from creating something with my hands. The methods, ingredients, and traditions they shared with me are now part of who I am, and I am grateful for every moment spent learning from them.
Happy Mother’s Day and keep passing on the traditions and passions of your loved ones.