Karen Ali, mother of four growing children, spends many hours preparing and experimenting with food. Originally qualified as a clinical scientist and then teacher of chemistry, Karen was inspired to write Take A Byte when her students expressed their fear of having to cook, when they leave behind home comforts, and enter the realms of university or work life. Karen hopes Take A Byte will alleviate the fear of cooking, and generate an enthusiasm and passion for food. Karen was educated in Scotland and England and now lives in a quiet village in West Berkshire, England.