Coming from a large Irish family, mealtimes have always been important to me. They're the times when people come together, whether sharing the news of their day over a one-pot supper, or celebrating a special occasion at a table laden with the best china.

I've always felt incredibly lucky to be able to earn a living in a subject I love. I spent many happy years working as a food writer and stylist before landing the role of Deputy Editor of BBC Good Food magazine. In 2000, I became their first Food Director, leading a talented team of writers and working on the launch of Good Food's sister magazine, Olive.

Three years ago, I moved to the Charente region of France with my husband Mick. Nowadays, I work as a Food Consultant, writing stories about the ingredients that inspire me, creating recipes and using my home and garden for food shoots. As well as continuing to contribute to Good Food magazine, I also write a regular blog for their website, bbcgoodfood.com

One of my biggest projects since moving to France has been a cook's diary, capturing the changing seasons of this beautiful country through its food. Originally featured in Good Food magazine, it's now being serialised in Vogue Entertaining+Travel, with photography by award-winning photographer Alastair Hendy.