Sophie Kooks Month by Month: April

'When I think of April, I think of Easter. I am a chocoholic so it's one of my favourite times of year - the only time when I feel truly justified eating copious amounts of chocolate bars and baked treats. MaltEaster Rocky Road is a staple in my fridge around Eastertime, though I'll admit it makes an appearance at other times of the year, too. Try it and you'll see why!' Sophie Enjoy gorgeous April recipes, including: - Easy Kofta Curry - MaltEaster Rocky Road - Lamb Chops with Mint Sauce and Roast Vegetable Couscous - Warm Chocolate Fudge Sundae with Honeycomb - Sweet and Spicy Stir-Fry Chicken with Fluffy Rice - Healthy Fruit and Oat Snack Bars - Thai Green Curry - Rhubarb Fool with Almond Biscuits

Sophie Morris is owner of the innovative and exciting young Irish food company Kooky Dough. Started in her kitchen and initially selling at farmers' markets in Dublin, Sophie and her business partner, Graham Clarke, famously turned down the dragons on RTÉ 's Dragons' Den to build their food business their own way. Kooky Dough is now stocked in supermarkets and premium independent retailers in Ireland; in Waitrose in the UK; in Monoprix in France; and in Spinneys in the United Arab Emirates. Kooky Dough and Sophie have received extensive recognition for the quality of their product by winning numerous Blas na hÉ ireann food awards in Ireland, and Gold in the UK's Great Taste Awards 2011. With an MSc distinction in Economics along with a degree in Economics and Social Studies from Trinity College Dublin, Sophie enjoyed the challenge of academia and was always drawn to business-oriented subjects. However, away from the lecture halls Sophie developed an intense passion for food, not only in the eating but in the therapy of preparing and cooking. She completed an Italian cookery course in Rome in 2007, and after university she completed the 12-week Ballymaloe cookery course to develop her culinary skills further. Her experience at Ballymaloe only heightened her love for food and it was here that she developed the ambition to have her own food business. Cooking simple, feelgood food is what Sophie loves to do in her precious free time; it helps her to relax and escape from work. She hopes this book will help you to do the same.