The Innswood Estate I knew no longer exists. The house my family and I once occupied has been bulldozed and the area completely transformed as a residential community. We moved a lot when I was growing up, but Innswood stands out as the first place I fell in love with food and cooking.

Memories of running about barefoot in the yard and climbing trees: summer fresh tomato juice dripping down my hands, crunchy cukes and earthy beets were all delicious outside treats along with a plethora of fruit trees including mangoes, guavas, custard apples and sweet and soursops.

Outside I made my fire and roasted breadfruit by myself for the first time (who gave me matches?!), I tried my hand at gardening — but mostly, armed with salt in hand I'd sit in my parents' garden and loot their bounty.

When it was time to go into the kitchen, it was a production: I'd pretend I was on TV, talking to my audience.

All these years later, that child would probably gaze wide-eyed if she knew I've appeared on Nyammings, the Holiday Baking Championship, and several news segments promoting Amazing Ackee and Likkle Patty Shop.

The simplicity I cooked with then is still there but refined. What I've learned over the years — and I'm still learning — through travel and meeting new people shapes the rest. Here I share with you humble dishes prepared with love and deep flavour.