Claire Gillies

Claire Gillies 

Founder of DeliciousandReal.com 

I’m not sure about you, but one of the roles I have lost a lot of joy in over the past 18 months, is that of constant cook and supplier of every single meal for my hubby and boys!! I used to really love cooking but over the years, the constant expectation, need to plan, shop, and conjure up dishes that meet the very changing taste buds of two growing boys … has just seen the sparkle disappear!

Occasionally, when cooking for myself or my friends, I feel that joy returning. Possibly aided by a good playlist on Spotify, a glass of something or another, and of course my favourite scent burning! But the day-to-day meal requirements, week in, week out just stole a lot of joy for me.

This is where today’s guest adds her sparkle!! Claire is a busy mum of two with a passion for cooking and trying out new, simple recipes! During the Covid pandemic her business saw a huge demand in people looking for ideas and solutions to removing the stress from the weekly shop.

Offering not only recipes but also the entire shopping list needed to prepare them – direct to your inbox, Claires business Delicious and Real.co.uk is a wonderful source of inspiration and sanity!

Thank you so much Claire for joining us here! I’ve watched your business grow and having used it myself, can honestly say that your recipes have been a life saver during the most stressful of times!!

Can you please share a little bit about your and your inspiration to set up this wonderful business?

“Cooking from scratch doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes the simplest ingredients cooked using the simplest techniques provide the best meals to share with those you love. ”

I am a mum of two who loves to cook and inspire others to do the same.

In the past four years, I have lost my dad and brother, John, to cancer and my other brother, Martin, to a heart attack. My personal journey of grief has given me the drive and motivation to inspire others to cook from scratch. I wanted to show people that food is much more than a means of nourishment: it provides a way of showing loved ones that you care and the act of cooking (and eating) good food has a positive impact on your mental health.

What has been your biggest challenge?

My biggest challenge has been turning my grief into something positive. When someone you love is given a terminal diagnosis you feel totally hopeless – for me, cooking for them gave me a focus and enabled me to show that I cared. Popping around and sharing a meal with my dad and brother gave us a precious time where we could just talk; valuable time that I am now extremely grateful that I had with them both.