Budding chefs cook up a storm with celebrity chef Suzie Lee in Derry for new cookbook
Seven young chefs joined Suzie Lee in Derry's Brook Hall & Gardens to take part in the Grandmother's Hands cookbook competition.
"I lost my Mum very suddenly when I was 16 years old and I became 'Mum' to my 15-year-old brother and my seven-year-old cousin overnight. It was then I started making proper family meals for everyone.
She added: "Fast forward 20 something years later when I gave birth to my children. The need to reconnect with my culture and heritage was huge. I wanted to show my children their heritage. Food and family are entwined in Chinese culture and as many people know my family own a Chinese takeaway, so food has always been a big part of my life.
"I am now writing my third cookbook and these books are an ode to my Mum. They hold the recipes I grew up eating, what my Mum made for us and what my Grandparents passed on to her, and now I get to pass these onto my children. For me that is so special."
Leo cooking Polish Broth with Suzie Lee
One of the competition winners was the brilliant Elijah from Belfast, aged just 7-years-old!
The very talented young Elijah said: "It was great to cook with Suzie today, show her my recipe and get some tips from a top chef.
I made an omelette with some lovely local Fermanagh eggs. Eggs are so versatile, and you can have them in so many different ways, they use eggs all over the world. I think an omelette is a great way to showcase our local ingredients, including some homegrown scallions and it’s a nice healthy option."
Elijah makes an omlette with Suzie Lee
Dean Walker-McKenzie said: "All of the recipes they have made here today are special to the children and their families, they represent their heritage and identity and it has been a privilege to share that."
The Grandmother's Hands cookbook will be available to buy in the new year.