In the Beginning…………
Welcome to The Scottish Farmhouse Kitchen. Cooking has always been a part of my family, and a couple of years ago my mother handed down some hand-written notebooks full of recipes written by my grandmother and my great-grandmother. From this little acorn, The Scottish Farmhouse Kitchen grew. Not a great Chestnut tree yet, more a happy little sapling.
I’ve been asked why I chose to illustrate with watercolour paintings rather than the traditional photos. Well, to be honest, this was a practical solution. I didn’t have the funds or time to make and photograph numerous dishes. So, I picked up my brushes and pad, and improvised.
Fergus the Scottie was unplanned. That first Christmas, while I was prepping for book two, someone brought a tin of shortbread to work, with a lovely painted festive scene on its lid, including a cute Scottie dog. A few paintings later and Fergus was ‘born’. Since then, I’ve managed to accrue two more Scottie biscuit tins and a charm for my purse. Beginning of a collection I suspect!
My first book, ’30 Traditional Family Favourite Recipes’, was collated directly from my family’s recipe books. Traditional but simple recipes; easy to follow and straightforward. Great for teaching children and suitable for adding your own little touches.
My second book, ‘Picnics, Parties and Drinks’, drew from my penchant for small food! There’s nothing I like more than a spread of mini mouthfuls. I love a picnic and have 3 wicker picnic baskets of different sizes. I’m a total sucker for all things vintage, and whilst a carrier bag would be equally practical, filling a pretty wicker basket with goodies just adds to the enjoyment for me. I recommend having one permanently set up with cutlery and crockery, flasks and a rug; ready for that last-second decision to up and go.
I’ve so many ideas running around my mind, and hope you’ll keep popping by for an update.
Love Maggie x