Hello friends and welcome!
I’m Mark. I’m a baker, cook, food photographer and writer living in the beautiful Devon countryside with my partner Ben and our pooch Hiro.
I’ve spent the past couple of years immersed in baking and documenting my progress here on Substack and Instagram - developing my skills from scratch, being part of the awesome community of foodies and falling deeper in love with food.
This year we’ll be focusing on exploring the cookbooks, recipes and food cultures that deserve our attention. And we’ll be doing it together! Through photography, storytelling and conversations with the people behind the food that we cook.
What you will find here…
Cook the Books: Each month we’ll get lost in a chosen cookbook. I’ll show you around what the book has to offer and get stuck in making 5 to 10 recipes. There might be some recipes from the book for you to save and try, too. I’ll also be aiming to host a 20-minute Substack Live sessions with the authors themselves1 - which will be a fantastic opportunity to ask questions, hear their stories and connect with fellow foodies. Think of it as a personal tour through the cookbooks that deserve a place on your shelf!
Cook the World: Food is without a doubt one of the best ways to explore places, cultures and even memories. Each month, we’ll explore somewhere new through recipes, stories and conversations with the people who know these flavours and dishes best.
The Kitchen Table is our space to gather. Expect Substack Live chats with fellow food folks - conversations about what they’re working on, how they work and where they find inspiration. I’ll also be sharing updates on what’s happening in my world, along with a look at what I’ve been enjoying lately.
Want to join me for a chat? Drop a comment on any post or send me a DM - I’d love to have you!
So, why should you subscribe?
Each month, I publish a new edition of Cook the Books - exploring 5-10 recipes from a chosen cookbook, taking photography and providing a comprehensive review
Monthly cookbook giveaways - one lucky subscriber will win a copy of that month’s featured Cook the Books selection
Every month, I aim to host a 20-minute Substack Live with cookbook authors - which will be your chance to ask questions, hear their stories and connect with fellow foodies
Monthly Cook the World features, exploring food cultures through recipes, stories and conversations with the people who know these flavors best
The Kitchen Table gatherings - live chats with food creators, updates from my kitchen and what’s inspiring me right now
You’ll be part of a warm, friendly community of readers and writers
What people are saying…
A little bit about me…
I grew up on a farm in Lancashire, in a big family home where the door was always open to friends and family. My journey has taken me through several interesting chapters so far… being an Under 18 show jumping champion, a social media trainer, a web developer, a graphic designer and a small business owner. (A pretty eclectic mix, huh?)
Whilst I’ve enjoyed exploring different paths, I’m happy to have finally found a passion in food.
Whether you’re here for the recipes, the stories or the conversations - thank you! At the heart of what I’m doing here is fostering an amazing community of food lovers. I love hearing from you and your input shapes so much of what I do. Always feel free to jump into the comments and get involved! You’re always welcome at the kitchen table.
Right, I think it’s time for some cake…
If the authors are available, or course!
