You’ve lived in Sweden, Paris, Chicago and Moscow – where do you live now and why?
I live in London now for two reasons: I wanted to have more stability for my children – they got fed up with moving around, and I wanted to go to university and do a degree in Nutritional Therapy, which I did.
Where’s the single best place to have dinner with friends in west London?
My favourite place is home, since I love cooking and really enjoy entertaining. If I go out with friends then it would be Sam’s Brasserie in Chiswick; the food is good, it is relaxed and there isn’t any loud music!
Your mother is Swedish – what’s the best Swedish delicacy?
My favourite delicacy is toasted bread topped with a mixture that consists of fresh peeled Swedish prawns, crème fraiche, dill, salt and pepper. It is usually served with a slice of lemon, a sprig of dill and a dollop of Lojrom – a Swedish caviar from Sturgeon fish.
What do you like to do most in west london?
I like to go climbing at The Westway Sports centre. I also love to go to Chiswick House and have a picnic in the grounds.
Tell us more about Jessica’s Recipe Bag…
The concept of Jessica’s Recipe Bag is all about encouraging people to cook at home. It takes the stress out of planning and shopping for meals. We supply easy to follow recipes and fresh ingredients for four evening meals for up to four people. The meals are well-balanced and carefully thought out. Every week we include a meat, fish and vegetarian meal. The delivery includes the right amount of ingredients required for each recipe so you only need to supplement with the usual cupboard ingredients.
What chef do you most admire and why?
Magnus Nilsson, a Swedish Chef. I love his food, it’s quirky, creative and very tasty.
Your grandmother helped teach you to cook – what’s your favourite of her recipes?
My favourite recipe is pork tenderloin stuffed with prunes and apples with a cream sauce. She used to soak the prunes and then blend them with pureed apple. I generally am not a big fan of pork, but can eat it cooked like this. She also made delicious carrot pancake – she was very interested in nutrition, which was unusual in those days.
Where do you love to shop for ingredients?
I go to Portobello market, Waitrose and Buchanan’s Butchers in W6.
What’s in your fridge right now?
Cod fillets, chicken breasts, soya milk, lots of veg and herbs, chicken stock, crème fraiche and natural yoghurt.
What inspired you to take an interest in nutritional therapy?
I have always had an interest in nutrition. I went for nutritional therapy since a large part of the degree is clinic-based and I love working with individuals. I like to empower people to take charge of their health by helping them to improve their diet. I also love cooking and wanted to combine my cooking skills with my nutrition education.
Where was your most recent holiday and what did you get up to?
I went to Turkey. I relaxed, swam in the sea, read and walked a lot.
What are your plans for this year?
To work hard on the business and to develop new ideas and spend time having fun with my children.
What is your life motto?
Say good things to yourself everyday, and smile even if you don’t feel like it. Use positive affirmations.
