About Fiona

I suppose you could say I’m a woman on a mission: to get kids truly excited about good food, banishing so-called ‘fussy eating’ – as well as getting parents in the kitchen with their kids, cooking up a storm (not half as messy as you might think – and far less energetic than an hour up the park, trust me…)

I’m not a chef or nutritionist – though am frequently now referred to as a ‘kids food expert’ – or as one mum put it, ‘the Harry Potter of Vegetables’ (working a little bit of kitchen magic…)

I’m also a parent with a story to tell, having converted my own kids (as well as now countless others) into veg-aholics. My secret? Killer recipes, clever techniques (some of which may surprise you) and quite simply getting kids hands-on with their food.

The way kids eat (their habits and behaviours) continues to fascinate me and inform every aspect of my work. As such I’ve devoted the last few years to observing and studying exactly how and why they eat in the way that they do – so I feel I’ve earnt my stripes. I’m basically a geek in an apron.

I currently work with families 1-on-1, put on workshops in schools, and create bespoke recipes for events (and event planners) in getting the kids food just right. I’ve worked in a variety of homes – from A list celebs and their off-spring through to ordinary parents, just looking for a bit of kitchen coaching. I promise I will never try to persuade you to make your own pasta (seriously, who has the time…)

I’m frequently used as a kids food expert for brands ranging from ITV through to Morrison’s. I also develop more mainstream ‘family recipes’ for corporations such as Unilever. I’m experienced not only in developing recipes to a tight brief (and tighter-still budget) but also in food styling, home-ec’ing, and presenting recipes to camera (the talking pumpkins were categorically not my idea…)

I’ve been hired to demo at various events – from The Manchester Food and Drink Festival to TASTE Cumbria. Look out for me at The Ideal Home Show later this year (March 2012). A personal highlight was being asked by Raymond Blanc to speak at his Children’s Food Festival. I was paid in food at Le Manoir (a lunch experience that my husband and I still go starry-eyed about, even now…)

I particularly enjoy working for brands whose ethos match mine (big announcement coming soon – Feb / March 2012) – so do get in touch if you think we should talk.

Alongside the foodie stuff, I flex my creative writing muscle (and blatantly opportunistic itchy feet) by talking travel for publications ranging from The Independent to The London Evening Standard.

Most importantly I’m a parent to 3 spectacularly gorgeous but incredibly noisy and demanding kids (note: if you’re a travel editor looking for a freelancer to review that newly opened spa resort in the Maldives, stop the search). Needless to say, with a mum like me, they love food and they love to cook.

My background is in TV, voice-over and radio presentation. So far I’ve led a rather charmed working life – but I’ve worked hard for it too (no rich parents or uni buddies giving me a foot in the door; I had to lie on my CV just like everyone else…) My experience spans from working with the adorable Justin Lee Collins (co-presenting on MTV HOT) to working with the utterly brilliant Chris Evans back in the heady days of Virgin Radio (I was just his travel girl – but boy, I learnt a lot). Eventually I was offered a syndicated Evening Radio Show of my very own, broadcasting to near on a million listeners. Nothing quite beats live radio and I do hope to be back behind the mic sometime again soon (in the meantime – plug, plug - my husband does a great radio show here in Somerset). (Listen to my radio demo here)

For the formal biog, head over to my agent and ask for Jan. She’s lovely and will say nice things about me.