From ‘English-girl-living-in-Paris’ to internationally loved foodie with a penchant for polka dots - and most recently as new judge on My Kitchen Rules - Rachel Khoo shares flavours close to her heart.

“I carry a notebook everywhere, and it almost always ends up tattered and splashed with various food stains from eating my way around the world,” says Rachel Khoo.

And so she released this notebook to the world in the form of her latest book, Rachel Khoo’s Kitchen Notebook. “The recipes, kitchen titbits and tips that end up in it are all something that I wanted to share. Recipes that reflect both my culinary past and my present, the places I’ve been, my kitchen experiences… a book that tells a story of how I cook,” she says.

“The area around Nice in France tends to produce goats’ cheese rather than cheese made from cow’s milk, as the landscape is too rugged and rough for cows to graze. Goats graze on whatever grows, from wild herbs like oregano and thyme, to berries, and these flavours subtly influence the end product. These cigars make a delectable starter or aperitif with a glass of rosé, showcasing the flavours of Provence.

“I have an enduring love of porridge and it doesn’t stop at breakfast. Serving porridge for dinner might not be the most obvious choice, but pan-fry it to crisp and golden perfection and you’ll end up with the most amazing accompaniment to a rich ragu.

“The memory of eating fennel poached in milk at a friend’s house in Milan many years ago is something that has stuck with me ever since. The lightly fragrant, creamy broth with the tender fennel was divine. My recipe might have a few extras, but the hero is still the simple poached fennel.

“This recipe for black forest gateau bowls combines all the classic ingredients of that great retro dessert. For an impressive, dainty twist, try serving it in these cute homemade chocolate bowls.

“For an afternoon tea or after dinner treat, try these rhubarb and custard mille-feuilles.”

Want to read more by Rachel Khoo? Be sure to check out her Swedish food adventures here.

And, importantly, we have the latest on what’s happening with Rachel Khoo on My Kitchen Rules with Colin Fassnidge.