Hi, my name is Melanie Booth, I am 20, and im a cookaholic. I started coooking at the age of nine and have been working part-time/full-time in the catering industry for 5 years now. I am currently back at college doing A levels, as i have decided full time chef-ing is too tiring/ low paid so im thinking of going to University to study Nutrition. I am also working part-time as a weekend sous chef in a little local cafe. Through working in various kitchens i have learnt various methods and cuisines. I like cooking stews and casseroles, especially in my meaty dishes as it makes sures the meat becomes soft and tender. Curry is a fond favourite, and i often cook chinese/japanese food for myself when im on a bit of a health drive. My parents are vegetarian and so im not like other chefs who hate the 'V' word. My mum was the main cook in the household and all her food is delicious, and hopefully will be passed on to my children as well. So now i cook (often quite calorific and involving cheese, hah!) vegetarian meals for my family, and very comforting meaty meals for me and my boyfriend. 1) When i made 300 chocolate bonbons for one of my boyfriend's comedy events. 2) Staying as long in the Catering industry as long as i did, and still keeping my respect. 3) Actaully managing to work at Wagamamas for 8 months without going utterly mad. 4) Making beautiful cakes/ sugar craft when learning at catering college. 5) Working at River Cottage, meeting Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall, and learning a lot about seasonal cooking. If there are lots of elements and sides i have to cook for a dinner i often overcook veg like broccoli or something by accident. Oh and buying big slices of bacon thinking they were pork chops and ruining a recipe. Overall not too many accidents with my food, cept the occasional little cut or burn at work.