The Essential Ingredient

The Essential Ingredient is passionate about cooking and food, and so are the members of our team.

When you visit an Essential Ingredient store, you’re getting help and advice from people with knowledge, experience and a true love for what they do.

Since we think everybody’s personal ‘food story’ is valuable, we’re highlighting a number of these enthusiastic members of The Essential Ingredient team in a series of blog posts.

The next time you’re in an Essential Ingredient store, make sure you stop and chat to the team. They’re as excited to be in the store as you are.

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Amelia, Head Office

Amelia, how long have you been with The Essential Ingredient and what is your role?

In March 2011 I will celebrate my third year with The Essential Ingredient.

My role is Product Manager, which means I assist in the sourcing, procurement and development of new products in The Essential Ingredients range, as well as managing our current products.

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What’s your first memory of cooking?

I remember my mother waking my sister and I up in the middle of the night to make a wish when we stirred the Christmas pudding– it was probably about midnight and we were still half asleep when she pushed the wooden spoon into our hands.
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Have you cooked professionally or worked in the food industry prior to The Essential Ingredient?

Before starting with The Essential Ingredient I had worked for many years both here and abroad in the hospitality industry.

I worked on the floor in restaurants such as Kensington Place and The Zetter Hotel in London and Flying Fish in Sydney – I learned a lot about food over those years.

I also had a brief stint working as a (mostly unpaid) Food Stylist’s Assistant, which was an amazing experience.

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What’s been one of your recent cooking triumphs?

I recently cooked Bangalow Pork Belly for the first time – it turned out beautifully with the most amazing crackling! Deliciously dangerous!

Persian Love cake was another success a few weeks ago -  very simple and very delicious.

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What’s the best kitchen advice you ever got?

Keep it simple and use the best quality ingredients that you can afford.

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If you could eat one dish or cuisine for the rest of your life, what would it be?

I love Middle Eastern flavours – and could live very happily eating Persian, Moroccan, Lebanese, Turkish and Moorish inspired food forever!

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What’s your favourite ingredient?

I love olive oil!

Also, I have a soft spot for fennel, cucumbers, all cheeses and good bread.

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Your favourite piece of equipment?

To be honest I have a motley collection of not very good pots, pans and saucepans – and there is definitely no room for a Kitchen Aid in my tiny apartment kitchen.

I really can’t cook without a very heavy wooden chopping board and of course a good chefs’ knife – it makes all the difference.

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Your favourite cookbook?

Both of the Moro Cook books – I use them all the time.

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Your favourite restaurant?

This question is too hard to answer! I have many favourites for all different occasions!

I have been lucky enough to eat at some very amazing restaurants around the world – as yet I have not eaten at Tetsuya’s in Sydney I think that should be my next BIG night out.

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Who are your culinary heroes?

I love Hugh Fearnly-Whittingstall, from the River Cottage.

Posted under Essential Inspiration.