Perth woman cooks up Heroes fundraiser

Oct 22 2010 by Alison Lowson, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

IMAGES of injured soldiers coming home from Iraq and Afghanistan have prompted Perth fundraiser Pat Madonald to cook up another must-have recipe book to support Britain’s frontline servicemen and women.

Sales of the latest collection of the talented cook’s sought after recipes will go to Help For Heroes.

With a trilogy of popular “Piquant and Tasty” recipe books under her belt, Pat was convinced her published work was over. But launching her new recipe collection this week, Pat explained she had “just one more” in her for Help For Heroes.

“Few of us can be unmoved by the injuries being sustained by our forces and the amazing work being carried out to nurse and care for them. The money I raise will help provide a wide range of facilities and support for these remarkable young men and women,” she said.

In a remarkable 20 years of fundraising, Pat has donated more than £20,000 to the coffers of both local and national charities.

Pat has successfully combined food and fundraising to champion a raft of good causes, with her legendary charity “at home” lunches proving the hottest ticket in town.

This week’s lunch for around 50 diners raised funds to cover the printing costs of this special edition of “Piquant and Tasty” which goes on sale today.

Through her four books Pat has shared hundreds of treasured family recipes as well as favourites gathered from colleagues, friends and favourite restaurants.

And Pat explained that she didn’t mind parting with some culinary secrets for such good causes.

“Ever since I was a young girl I have loved cooking and baking,” she said. “I’ve always gathered recipes from family and friends and adapted cookbook classics to create dishes that are a little different.

“It seems people like what I cook and if I can raise money for charity by passing on some of my recipes then I don’t mind sharing a few secrets from my kitchen.”

Pat’s books feature recipes gathered throughout a lifetime’s interest in cooking along with family favourites handed down from her mother and grandmother – complete with hints and tips to get the best out of your cooking. Soups, starters, main courses, vegetables dishes, desserts, baking and savouries all feature in each edition.

“I had to call on help for the Help For Heroes sequel,” she admits, “as I had started to run out of family recipes. The result is a collection of recipes from homes and restaurants across Perth and across the Scotland – some even from our favourite hotel in Switzerland.”

Pat’s first three books are still in demand and her food and fundraising has seen her appear in newspapers and national television. But the tireless fundraiser claims she’ll be looking for some other scheme to support good causes in the future.

“This has to be absolutely the last book – there are no recipes left,” she laughed.”

Copies of “Just One More Piquant And Tasty”, priced £7.50, are available by calling Pat on Perth (01738) 626893.