This week, Team Macsween newbie and self-proclaimed foodie, Roben Hera caught up with much-loved TV cook and food writer Sue Lawrence, who's latest cookery book 'Eating In' champions relaxed home cooking and the use of local ingredients. We have a particular soft spot for this book because of the lovely name-check we get on page 25!

Roben: After winning Masterchef in 1991 what made you decide to become a food writer and champion for Scottish food.

Sue: I was already a journalist and passionate about Scottish produce so it made sense, Masterchef just gave me a platform to do it.

Roben: Tell us about your latest cookery book 'Eating In' and the inspiration for the recipes?

Sue: Given the current economic climate, more of us are entertaining at home so I wanted to show how easy it is to use fabulous local ingredients in a simple but delicious way.

Roben: We know you are a fan of Macsween haggis, what is your favourite way to enjoy it?

Sue: I have many ways to enjoy Macsween haggis, from my now famous lasagne recipe to the Nachos which Jo (Macsween) taught me to do and to a simple haggis toastie.

Roben: When you cook at home for other people, what is your signature dish?

Sue: I love doing a simple roast lamb, preferably from the islands, either Hebridean or from Shetland, served with salsa verde, potatoes dauphinoise and a salad or green veg.  And there is always a pudding as I have a sweet tooth!

Roben: Have you be watching any of the Olympics so far?

Sue: They are tricky to avoid!!  I know David Florence the canoeist, as he is a friend of my son, so I will be cheering him on and of course Chris Hoy is a fellow Watsonian so always big cheers for him!

Roben: Do you think more people are being inspired to cook at home instead of relying on ready-meals?

Sue: Yes they definitely are...  but sadly so many people never saw any home-cooking in their own homes when growing up, so are having to learn from scratch.

Roben: What seasonal Scottish ingredient are you looking forward to working with in the coming months?

Sue: There is such abundance just now, Brambles, Shetland lamb, local shellfish and I always love using Scottish pinhead oatmeal at any time of year.

To win a signed copy of Eating In by Sue Lawrence visit the Win Things pages of our website.

Who would you like us to interview next? Send your suggestions to us: