Sophie Kooks Month by Month: January

'Christmas has passed, we've had a great time over-indulging and there's probably half a turkey still left in the fridge! January isn't seen as the most fun month - we tend to try and just get through it - but it can be a chance to catch your breath after the craziness of Christmas, curl up in front of the fire and enjoy the simple pleasures of comforting wholesome and delicious food.' - Sophie Enjoy gorgeous January recipes, including: - Spiced Parsnip and Carrot Soup - Turkey and Smoky Bacon Salad - Chicken with Parma Ham, Mozzarella and Roast Leeks - Apple and Pecan Crumble Pie - Roasted Red Pepper, Carrot and Feta Dip - Pork Chops with Apples and Mustard Mash - Flapjacks - Sirloin Steak with Chilli Butter and Roast Baby Potatoes.

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.