Sue Lawrence

Having studied French at Dundee University, Scottish food writer Sue Lawrence  then trained as a journalist. She first discovered a talent for cooking on winning  BBC's Masterchef in 1991. She continued writing, ending up  as  cookery columnist for The Sunday Times then Scotland on Sunday, also writing for magazines and newspapers. 

Sue has appeared  on radio and television  all over the world.  Sue once landed in Australia, having smuggled chocolate brownies through Customs, only to be whisked straight to TV studios for a live  show - making chocolate trifle with the well-travelled brownies! She is a regular presenter on STV's The Hour, appearing every three weeks to do two easy recipes for viewers.

Sue Lawrence is author of  twelve books, including Sue Lawrence's Book of Baking, A Cook's Tour of Scotland, Scottish Kitchen, Scots Cooking And Taste Ye Back. Eating In is her new cookbook, which came out in August.  She has just written her first novel,  and is working on her second .

SUE'S FAVOURITE SITES

Charles Macleod - Stornoway black pudding is my all-time favourite, so versatile, not only for breakfast but also with scallops,  in sausage-rolls, in salads  or even on a marguerita pizza.

Valvona & Crolla - This fabulous Italian food and wine emporium Valvona and Crolla is a haven of sybaritic delight, but you can buy their gorgeous products online too, from olive oil and panettones to some of the country's best Italian wines. 

Rannoch Smokery - Rannoch smokery's smoked meats ( venison, chicken, beef, duck) are incredibly handy to have stashed away in the fridge to rustle up a divine sandwich, toss into pasta or serve as a starter with salad.

Scotherbs - I have used Scotherbs herbs for many years, from the regular basil and rocket to sweet cicely and lemon balm. You can find a herb for every recipe and for every occasion

Macsween - Macsween's haggis is one of my favourite as it is consistently good, meaty and nicely spiced.  Its texture is also perfect, nicely rough from the oatmeal. Ideal with tatties and neeps - or in lasagne or on nachos!

Royal Scotsman - One of the most special trips in the UK is on the Royal  Scotsman train; this luxury train, with  trips from two to seven nights, has everything you want - the scenery, the comfort and the pampering: you want a glass of Laurent Perrier pink champagne at midnight? No problem madame!  Worth saving for.

13 September 2011