A GWENT woman is hoping to bring a taste of Croatian cuisine to British palates with the UK's first English-language Croatian recipe book.

Sandra Lougher, the author of My Favourite Croatian Recipes, lives in Cross Keys but was born in the former Yugoslavia.

The 34-year-old former librarian has translated 60 traditional Croatian recipes into English, including famous dishes such as brodet (fish soup), Dalmatian lamb and Croatian pepper cakes.

Mrs Lougher was inspired to write the book after her friend, Bill Mason, former head of catering at Cross Keys college, and now assistant general manager, returned from holiday in Croatia.

She said: "Bill said he could not find an English-language Croatian cookery book. I'm not a chef, but I love cooking. I just woke up one morning and thought, 'why not write a book of my own?'

"The recipes are all traditional but I have varied them a bit.

"Croatian cooking is a combination of influences; Italian, Turkish, Mediterranean and Austro-Hungarian. All these different influences make it unique."

The book contains sections on starters, main courses and desserts, with dishes from every region of Croatia.

Mrs Lougher enjoys cooking Croatian dishes for her husband, Colin, a maths teacher at Risca Comprehensive School, and their five-year-old son, Daniel.

Her own favourite dish is fried squid with Swiss chard and potatoes, and her husband enjoys a traditional stew with Dalmatian lamb, potatoes and peas.

She said Croatian people take great pleasure in cooking for family and friends.

"Food is very important in Croatia," said Mrs Lougher.

"Mealtimes are when the family gather together, and if you have guests over you really make an effort to prepare something special.

"The food is simple but stylish, and I hope people will love it."

* My Favourite Croatian Recipes is published by Pen Press and costs £10.95. To order visit http://uk.geocities.com/sandralougher