“My mum was probably a big influence because she grew up in an orphanage, where food was pretty scarce,” Jenny said.

“I think to her food was a celebration and abundance so I think that was kind of passed along. It’s very much a way to welcome people to your home to put out a bit of a spread.”

Jenny’s mother was Irish so her table included plenty of potatoes.

“Growing up I hated potatoes because I seemed to eat them every night,” she said.

Jenny herself spent three years in Ireland working and studying as a young adult and experienced more of both the potatoes and the Irish hospitality.

“They’ll invite you in just for a wee cup of tea. so if you accept the cup of tea, out come the bikkies,” she said.

“And then comes the potato bread.

“And before you know they’ve put a roast on the table and it’s 2 o’clock in the morning.”

Music brought Jenny to the Border nearly 10 years ago and her present role as general manager of the Murray Conservatorium finds her overseeing school programs, professional development and up to 200 concerts a year.

Lessons when others might eat tends to be a music teacher’s lot, so preparing meals in advance plays a big part in her cooking, a pastime she enjoys.

“My sister and I used to make a big mess in the kitchen, that was always fun; I’m not sure my mum was so impressed,” she recalled.

After starting with the traditional dishes, Jenny expanded her repertoire, Thai food being a particular focus.

“That morphed into experimenting with different salads because that seemed to work well,” she said.

This salad is something she made up over time and can vary according to what is in season or in the fridge.

“I like to make cakes and slices, so I kind of foist them on people sometimes,” Jenny said. “I stick to the recipe if it’s a cake or something, but other than that, I definitely improvise.

“I think leftovers make some of the best meals.” 

Six things I can’t cook without: Good quality ingredients, music to listen to, garlic, a good chopping board, a timer, I’ve got a dreadful memory but now I use a timer, so all good and a sense of humour for when things go awry,