A Suffolk-born cook's new cookbook will be raising money for Suffolk charities.

Cathy Gayner’s first cookbook, Recipes from Le Rouzet, inspired by her holidays spent in France, sold over 5,000 copies. Now she has written one from her kitchen in London - but is determined that charities in Suffolk will benefit from its sales.

Cathy's apple tartCathy's apple tart (Image: Contributed)Cathy spent most of her childhood in a farmhouse near Stoke by Nayland.

She remembers riding across the stubble fields in autumn, playing the organ in the glorious church in Stoke by Nayland, being married there and returning some years later with two sons and their wives for a service to celebrate their ruby anniversary.

She is giving every penny raised from the sale of ‘Recipes from a London Kitchen’ to Suffolk charities who support either the very elderly or disadvantaged young people - in recognition of the place she loves best.

Who wouldn't want a slice of this pie?Who wouldn't want a slice of this pie? (Image: Contributed) President of the Suffolk Preservation Society, Geoffrey Probert, is a friend of Cathy's. He said: "Cathy Gayner is the best cook I know – and I’m greedy so I should know!"

Recipes from Le Rouzet received glowing tributes from some top chefs.

Rick Stein said: "I’m utterly besotted with French cooking at the moment and everything about this work, the simple recipes, the beautiful photography and the general look of it has filled me with delightful anticipation, totally justified by cooking some of the dishes.” 

Meanwhile, Thomasina Miers added: “It is hard to beat French food when you want simple and delicious, and this cookbook will help you get there with sumptuous recipes AND photography.” 

It was also included in the Daily Mail’s top cookbooks for 2023.

Cathy will be signing copies of the book at Aldeburgh bookshopCathy will be signing copies of the book at Aldeburgh bookshop (Image: Contributed)RECIPES FROM A LONDON KITCHEN will be launched at the Aldeburgh Bookshop on Friday 18th October when Cathy will be signing copies.

To reserve a copy please contact the Aldeburgh Bookshop on 01728 452389.