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Jo's interview



Interview by Laurence Interview by Laurence

We interviewed Jo!

Visit the blog: Jo's Kitchen.


See profile page and recipes



"Just keep cooking and remember, food does not always have to be complicated. Simple wholesome food is the best and usually what people want to eat"



Hello Jo, so tell us...


When did you begin your blog and what inspired you to start it?


I started blogging 5 years ago. I wanted somewhere to share my recipes that I knew worked for me. I hoped they would work for other people too. Food blogging at the time I started was mostly focused on American and bloggers and I wanted to share my views and recommendations from my part of the country too. Since I started food blogging has gone crazy. We are all over the county now. Opportunities available for bloggers have changed too, although still mostly London focused, the Midlands, with Birmingham in particular are being more noticed.

If you could go back in time, what is the one piece of advice you would give your younger self as they started out on your blog?


Just do what you want when you want too. It is your blog, not anyone else's. You are responsible for the content and as long you are not breaking the law, then do what you want with it. Do not let anyone push you around or push you to review products etc that you do not want to.

What is your favorite dish of all time?


My favourite dish of all time is cauliflower cheese. It is so simple and easy to prepare. It has been my favourite since childhood. I remember my nan making it for me when I came home from school.

Your photos are great, in your opinion what makes a dish beautiful?


Simple presentation and a decent camera to take the photos with. A SLR is recommended but I have got good results just using a phone camera too, as long as the light is right. Natural light is best.

Do you have a secret weapon in the kitchen?


My KIN Knife. It is my absolute favourite. It will chop anything for you, including your fingers so you do need to be careful with it. However, if used with respect, it makes the job of chopping stuff up so much easier.

What is your earliest memory involving food?


Making rhubarb crumble with my nan years ago with rhubarb picked fresh from her garden

Are there any chefs that you admire in particular?


I like chefs who cook simple food, nothing too complicated including Nigel Slater, the Hairy Bikers, Nigella Lawson and Jamie Oliver. I always look forward to them having a new tv series or releasing a new cookbook

If you could be a contestant or guest on any cooking show what show would you choose?


I did Masterchef invention test at the BBC Good Food Show a few years ago and that was close enough for me. I have no desire to be a chef or to be on tv. I just enjoy simple home cooking.

Which Gourmandize recipe would you recommend? (if none take your fancy add your own and share it with us!)


Gammon Cooked in Apple Juice and Honey - this looks really simple and easy to make

Any last words or message for our readers?


Just keep cooking and remember, food does not always have to be complicated. Simple wholesome food is the best and usually what people want to eat



Thank you Jo for answering our questions and see you soon!
Published by Laurence - 21/08/2013



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