After a successful baklava class, hosted at the Live Well Centre, we caught up with Rosalind Waugh from Rosalind’s Larder to hear her story and what gave her the idea to host this amazing session.
“Home cooking is an important aspect of my home life.
“My family was Italian and my mother was a fabulous cook. She made everything from pasta and bread to the most delicious soups, casseroles, and cakes.
“I spent 50 years working in the NHS with the last 10 years as a Consultant Radiographer, mainly focusing on gut health. Teaching has always been something I loved and, when I retired in 2015, I set up Rosalind’s Larder making preserves and Italian biscuits.
“We have an allotment at Saltersgill and, whilst not a big plot, I use everything that we grow in the produce I make.
“Since 2015 I have won many awards including 12 Great Taste Awards, Great British Food Awards, Dalemain Marmalade Awards and 3 Deliciously Yorkshire Awards. Most recently, I won a Deliciously Yorkshire Award for Best Sweet Preserve for my Blueberry, Pinot Noir & Liquorice Jam. It is one of my favourites.
“A great opportunity was afforded me by Kerry Melling at The Live Well Centre and now I host a number of classes there including marmalade and jam making.
“My husband and I have a home in Turkey so I’ve learnt to cook Turkish dishes – especially sweet pastries!
“Everyone loves baklava, but the kind you can buy in shops is a world away from homemade. Made with phyllo layers and fillings of chopped nuts and sometimes even chocolate. To buy a good ready-made baklava is expensive.
“That’s what inspired me to introduce baklava classes.
“I teach how to make baklava in different shapes and with different fillings. The last group loved it. I like to keep classes smaller (4 to 6 people) so that I can give students my full attention. The classes are so much fun for me – and those attending.
“I love to encourage people to take the opportunity to learn how to cook interesting dishes. I hope my classes inspire them to try new things. It’s all about exciting the taste buds and introducing people worldwide flavours.
“I’d also like to teach people about fermented foods. They’re so good for gut health, not to mention they’re delicious and they use up fresh vegetables and fruit and reduce food waste. Creating and making food dishes is not only fun, but also educational. Introducing Italian food courses is something I plan to do in the future – from fresh pasta to biscotti and amaretti biscuits!
“I am looking forward to the Live Well Centre extending its opening houses, so I can offer night-time and weekend classes.
“You can follow my business on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok by searching Rosalind’s Larder.”
