For Australian model Roberta Pecoraro, cooking is an outlet through which she can be completely creative. She finds peace amongst the smells, textures and flavour combinations she experiments with in her kitchen. Hailing from Sicily, much of her life centred around what was being put on the table and growing up meant watching and assisting her mum and Nonna. She has them to thank for her love of food and cooking.

Our introduction to Roberta’s cooking came when she welcomed us into her kitchen to see her focaccia in all its bubbly glory. Staying true to her Italian roots, she regularly makes the iconic Italian bread that is easily identified by its flat shape, dimpled texture and heavenly taste. Olive-oiled and crispy on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside, it is no surprise that the not-so-humble focaccia is having its moment in the sun.

Roberta speaks to us about the creation of Plated. By Roberta, an Instagram account about her love of food and cooking. She tells us how cooking kept her grounded while living in New York and shares her favourite memories from the kitchen.