My name is Iryna. I am Ukrainian.I was born in a small town in Ukraine, but I have lived most of my life in Kyiv – our capital city in the centre of Ukraine, where we built our home.I came to the UK in February 2022 – soon after the war started.

I am staying here with my daughter and her young children, and I have started a different life here. I had a long and varied career as a computer and software engineer, and worked worldwide for over 30 years, as a consultant for large international companies.

I was privileged to travel to and work in many different places in many different countries. I really enjoyed it all – especially tasting all the cuisines as I travelled! But, of course, home cooking is always the best!

As you know, many Ukrainians have come to live in the UK…but you might not have had the chance to try Ukrainian cuisine yet! Cooking for my family brings me great joy and I am very pleased to share some of my favourite Ukrainian recipes with you now

Thank you for coming and I hope you enjoy making, and then of course, eating these foods together.