If you’ve ever scrolled through Rhind & Dine, you’ll know Heather has a real gift for making food feel both exciting and comfortingly familiar (the kind of dishes that make you want to grab a fork and your shopping list). From nostalgic family favourites to bold, flavour-packed creations, her cooking is rooted in creativity, great textures and amazing flavours.

In this edition of our 5 Minutes With series, we chat with Heather about the recipes that shaped her, the ingredients she can’t live without, and why Mellow Yellow has become a staple in her kitchen. Spoiler: her passion is infectious, and her go-to meals will have you craving creamy pasta and homemade chapattis in no time! We also recommend trying her Spicy Sausage Beanotto & Crispy Gnocchi Winter Veg Traybake – two delightful winter dishes you’ll want to return to more than once.

How long have you been creating recipes for?

I’ve been developing recipes professionally for around a year, but I’ve been an avid home cook for as long as I can remember. I’m always drawn to learning new dishes, tinkering with flavour combinations, and putting fun twists on old classics.

When did you first discover a love of food?

Honestly, I’ve just always loved really good food. Some of my earliest kitchen memories are of my Nanna’s macaroni cheese and hearty cottage pie, comfort food at its finest. My parents were also brilliant cooks, especially my late dad, who loved going full “MasterChef mode.” We spent a lot of time watching cookery programmes like Saturday Kitchen and Great British Menu, and between watching chefs on TV and cooking alongside my parents, my passion for food was well and truly sparked.

What are your favourite ingredients to cook with?

I love ingredients that pack a lot of flavour, such as garlic, fresh herbs, citrus, chillies, and good oils. They are the kinds of ingredients that can transform a simple dish into something really special.

What’s your favourite go-to meal?

A comforting, flavour-packed, creamy pasta dish is my ultimate go-to. It is quick, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable, perfect for a cosy night in or feeding friends. I also absolutely love making curries with homemade chapattis or naans, which is a close second.

Sweet or savoury?

Savoury, no contest! As I’ve got older, I’ve gravitated more towards bold, savoury flavours and spices. That said, I do have a soft spot for chocolate and won’t say no to a naughty dessert now and then.

Tell us about the Mellow Yellow dishes you’ve made

I’ve been having so much fun cooking with Mellow Yellow rapeseed oil and chilli oil because they are incredibly versatile. My spicy pumpkin beanotto is a personal favourite, but I also use them regularly in punchy dressings, pestos, roasting vegetables, and even the occasional bake. That gorgeous golden colour and rich, nutty flavour really make simple dishes sing.

What’s the best part about being a food content creator?

It combines all my favourite things: food, cooking, photography, and videography. Being able to share my passion, inspire others to cook more at home, and create recipes that look as good as they taste really does feel like a dream job.