Cooking up a dish for recipe book

WHEN Jill Tampin wanted to help raise funds for charity Cancer Support France (CSF) it was the kitchen and her own personal life that provided the inspiration.

From her home in the Aude, Jill is putting together a book featuring the favourite recipes of people, but also the stories behind the dish, that will help support the charity.

"Earlier this year I'd seen articles in French News and The Connexion about Cancer Support France; as a psychotherapist practising here in the Aude I wanted to offer my services but these groups were mainly in northern France," said Jill.

"Out of the blue I received an email looking for volunteers to set up a CSF branch in the Aude - not only did I want to offer my services for something I am passionate about; my father, brother, and just 18 months ago my young niece, died of cancer, but here was the perfect charity for the Favourite Recipes book.

"What better way is there for bringing people together than good food and good company and, just maybe the odd glass of good wine. I wanted to extend that idea and bring people together through the favourite recipes idea."

Jill has already received some recipes from people as far away as New Zealand and South Africa, and now she is hoping people will send in even more.

And Jill has asked people to write a short message about why the recipe is important to them, already receiving notes that are funny, touching and moving.

"I have been touched by people's generosity and readiness to share their favourite recipes. I've had an offer from an artist who is prepared to do some illustrations and an offer from someone else with knowledge of publishing," Jill said.

"Having sent the request to one of my sister-in-laws she replied with a recipe my grandmother had given her 40 years ago, a recipe I have never seen - that particular favourite recipe renewed a friendship with a long gone lovely lady."

To find out more about the Favourite Recipes book, or pass on your dish, contact Jill Tampin via email: jilltampin@hotmail.com