My biggest inspirations have always been my grandparents, where my grandad was the chief menu-maker and my nan the expert cook. My grandad's letter on the left is his list all-time favourites which my whole family still enjoy today.

Dinners were - as was the case for many Italian families - a loud and joyous event. If the conversation wasn't about what we were eating at that moment, it probably meant we were talking about what we'd be eating later!

Whenever I ate something that amazed me (which was pretty often) I just had to know how it was made, and my nan was always more than happy to share her knowledge. My Mum has always been big 'foodie' influence too with her love of southern Italian cuisine.

More recently I ran a small 'agriturismo' (rural B&B) in Tuscany where I provided fresh, home-cooked meals to my guests. It was a great experience and it confirmed how much I enjoyed cooking for others.

My wish is that you feel as happy eating my cooking as much as I enjoy making it.