Styling food with flair

Food stylist Nelly McCosker has what she would describe as the dream job ... she puts the special touches on recipes prior to photo shoots for the popular 4 Ingredients cookbooks. Nelly, who is sister-in-law and friend to the books' author, Kim McCosker, answers some questions about her passion: FOOD!

WHAT IS A FOOD STYLIST?

As food stylist for 4 Ingredients, I prepare and style recipes before professional photographing. Sometimes it's the most-loved meals that need a special touch.

WHAT IS THE BEST AND WORST PART ABOUT YOUR JOB?

The best is definitely the food. I am a foodie and I love being creative and presenting mouth-watering dishes that people can't wait to taste. Visual appeal is the first step to a special meal.

Worst part - I want to eat it all.

WHAT IS YOUR FIRST MEMORY OF FOOD?

On rainy weekends - which were rare where I grew up - as a tradition, mum always made crepes smothered with butter and golden syrup then rolled them up. The sweet, sticky syrup and the melted butter would ooze down our chins and hands - it was the ultimate comfort food.

But for birthdays, I always asked for a rainbow cake (poor Mum) - the ones with the choc, strawberry, vanilla layers; I have always loved pretty food.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE/MOST HATED FOODS?

That's hard for me because I love and appreciate all food - especially fresh and home-grown veges and herbs. Flavours that have been grown with love, care and pride - like my Dad's strawberries. My most hated food would have to be frozen processed "seafood" - yuck.

WHAT INGREDIENT COULD YOU NOT LIVE WITHOUT?

Cheese. As long as I have some kind of cheese in the fridge I can make anything taste good, cooked or uncooked. It's so versatile and good for you. Grilled cheese on anything is such comfort food, and let's not forget about cheesecake.

WHAT DISH WOULD YOU MAKE FOR PRINCE WILLIAM AND KATE?

Easy. 4 Ingredients One Pot One Bowl Sauteed Pork Cutlets with Smokey Chorizo and Cherry Tomatoes. This dish is infallible.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE DISH?

My husband's grilled T-bone steak with blue-cheese butter. It's simple and accompanied with a pear salad and red wine dressing. Superb.

IF YOU GO OUT TO A RESTAURANT WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO EAT?

Fresh seafood cooked to perfection and authentic cuisine.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE TIME OF THE DAY?

Quiet time. And if I can't get that, then it's wine time.

WHAT THREE NEW ZEALAND FOODS ARE TOP OF YOUR LIST?

Top of the list is New Zealand wine - especially Sav Blanc. I know it will be delicious and crisp. I also love kumara or sweet potato. My husband is diabetic and this is a fantastic low GI food and a staple in our home. Last night I had a beautiful piece of New Zealand salmon. I pan-fried it and served it with a fresh corn and avocado salsa, and it was beautiful. I will definitely be buying it again. My favourite icecream flavour is hokey pokey and white chocolate - thanks, NZ.

TELL US THREE THINGS ABOUT YOURSELF PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW OR MAY BE SURPRISED TO LEARN?

I live on the beautiful Sunshine Coast in Queensland with my husband Brett and our two beautiful boys, Lochlan, 4 months, and Auz, 5, a spoodle dog called Bill and two goldfish - Copper and Robber. Before I worked with 4 Ingredients, we managed a cafe in my home town and food styling was a passion I could share everyday.