FIRST PERSON

ELOISE EMMETT CHEF AND COOKBOOK AUTHOR

I was happiest when ... I moved into our new home at Eaglehawk Neck. Anytime in our home with family, friends, good food and wine makes me happy.

You wouldn’t know it but ... I sold my home when I was 26 to become owner/chef of The Mussel Boys restaurant on the Tasman Peninsula. My most

embarrassing moment ... was trying on clothes in a busy change room not long after having a baby, with one of my older kids yelling: “Mum, they don’t fit, they are too small!” The last time I cried was ... in hospital after having my boy Oscar. I couldn’t believe how lucky I was to have such a precious gift. I am reading ... a few stories from Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls to my children each night. My favourite films are ... anything that makes me laugh. I love an old comedy; anything with Goldie Hawn works. I really want to ... walk the Three Capes Track.

My guilty pleasure is ... social media, although I am trying to curb my addiction. Life’s taught me ... to appreciate what I have and enjoy the little things such as a good meal with family and friends or having a full day at home in the garden.

I’m about to ... turn 40. My first job was ... working behind the counter at the Lunawanna shop on Bruny Island. What I enjoy most about my

work is … inspiring people to cook while educating them that preparing delicious food is not hard nor time-consuming. It also feeds my love of food, cooking, writing about food, photographing and styling food.

The Tasmania Pantry Cookbook by Eloise Emmett, $35, will be launched at Fullers bookshop on Friday at 5.30pm. Register for this free event at fullersbookshop.com.au