Curry Magic has been in my blood for as far back as I can remember. I still have strong memories of the exotic herb and spice fragrances that would waft from the kitchen when my parents were managers of a tea plantation in the central highlands of Sri Lanka.

The staff and family from the estate in Sri Lanka. That's me, Andrea, second from the left in the front row.

The kitchen staff only used the freshest of herbs and spices in their cooking. When the dinner bell rang and after spending a day frolicking on the estate and building up a giant appetite, we kids were always first to the table. Mouth watering curries were always part of our regular fare.

I migrated from Sri Lanka about 35 years ago with my family and settled in Melbourne. Yes! my parents owned a milk bar - I think back then nearly all Sri Lankan immigrants owned a milk bar.

Back then, in Melbourne, herbs and spices were very hard to come by - When the milk bar closed for the day, my dad would pack imported curry powders into containers for sale on Saturday mornings for ex-pat Sri Lankans, and any other desperate souls seeking exotic culinary diversity. Meat and two veg was the staple in Melbourne - it was all right I suppose, but I was a young girl whose taste buds had been exposed to exotic flavours from the east…..!! As the eldest of my siblings and as my parents were always working I was chief cook and although I enjoyed cooking some of my early attempts are best forgotten.

My passion for cooking over the years has never waned - I was always experimenting with recipes. While my friends were reading serious books or women's magazines I pored over old recipe books from Sri Lanka, in fact any recipe book I could lay my hands on. What I enjoy most is cooking with herbs and spices and conjuring up dishes out of the ordinary.

Melbourne has grown up over the years... we now have access to so much wonderful fresh produce. Two years ago I made a decision to create a curry mix that was simple to make and suitable to all palettes - Curry Magic was born. I now live in the Dandenong hills in a lovely little village called Olinda. With the help of a lot of friends and family I can now share the magic of a good curry mix with all those who seek the perfect curry.

I hope you enjoy my Curry Magic and look forward to any suggestions and recipes you care to share.

Andrea