Reluctant to Inspired: A Real Life Kitchen Transformation

In this episode I trade kitchen stories and cooking secrets with the wonderful Kate Holbrook.

Kate is a creative force, original founder of cashmere recyclers Turtle Doves, and one of my very first students back when I got started with my intuitive cooking workshops.

Kate shares her gentle, slow-burning journey from feeling hesitant in the kitchen to confidently whipping up delicious, imaginative meals.

Listen to our inspiring chat as she reflects on how embracing an intuitive approach transformed not only her cooking habits but also her enjoyment of food, her relationship to fresh ingredients, and even her shopping habits.

Kate shares her refreshingly honest take on building confidence with food, how following intuition made shopping and cooking way less stressful, and why sometimes the simplest meal will always be her favourite. You’ll also hear thoughts on cooking with fire and baking fish, clever ways to use up odds and ends, and why noticing smells and textures can make all the difference.

It's a heartfelt conversation full of relatable insights, fun anecdotes, and practical inspiration for making home cooking easier, tastier, and more joyful.
Tune in and join us - it’s a good one!

tasty morsels

00:00 Tapas night and one-pot plans
04:40 Embracing cooking as a daily adventure  
06:52 Cooking with fire
11:44 Baking by proportion and texture  
15:32 Kitchen confidencee transformed  
18:29 Amazing slow cooker beef
22:05 Reducing salt, embracing pepper  
23:27 The delights of a Ploughman's
28:17 Changing tastes and veggie Love
30:26 Favorite snacks: toast and spices  
34:08 Embracing resourcefulness  
37:38 Fave kitchen tips: onions, bacon, tomatoes  
40:35 Reading food labels
42:58 Finding culinary inspiration

the best bit

"It's been a gentle journey (...) In a way it’s felt a bit like it’s almost an unlearning as well, or like liberating yourself. And I really like that, because this way you can’t get anything wrong."

get cooking

Three ideas for taking action in your own kitchen, inspired by the conversation.

🍅 Just start: Head to the kitchen and see what you’ve already got - don’t stress about a recipe. Just pick a veggie, chop an onion, and see where your imagination takes you. Remember, there are no mistakes, only new discoveries.    

🍅 Add a fresh spin to simple meals: Next time you make something basic - like beans on toast or an omelette - add a new herb, spice mix, or leftover veg to the pan. Even small tweaks (like a pinch of smoked paprika or some fresh chives) can transform your go-to dishes.

🍅 Let your senses guide you: Practice pausing to smell, touch, and taste as you cook. Notice when the aroma tells you something’s ready, or when a dish 'feels' done rather than just watching a timer. You’ll connect more deeply with your food, and probably enjoy it more too! 

connect with Kate

connect with Katerina

instagram: @intuitive.cook
youtube: @intuitivecook

additional links mentioned

Turtle Doves (founded by Kate)
Like Hearted Leaders (the networking group we first met)
Yuka app (food label scanner)
~
Original music by Colin Bass

To bring intuition into your kitchen too, start here!