Croeso, I’m Sarah James, recipe developer and award winning home cook behind Tales From The Kitchen Shed, where I share reliable baking recipes, seasonal preserves and comforting homemade meals from my kitchen in Pembrokeshire, Wales.

What began in a tiny hamlet in Southern Brittany – living in a caravan, a collection of sheds and a much loved “magic bus” – has grown into a bigger and better Kitchen Shed nestled in the Preseli Hills. Today, my kitchen sits in what was once a café kitchen, surrounded by the Welsh countryside that inspires much of my seasonal cooking.

Here at Tales From The Kitchen Shed, you’ll find recipes that are carefully tested, clearly written and designed to work in a real home kitchen.

Sarah James standing on Grandes Rocques beach at sunset.

My Cooking Journey

Cooking has always been about feeding people well – family, friends and anyone who gathers around the table. I’ve spent years developing recipes that balance traditional flavours with practical methods, whether that’s a beautifully risen loaf of bread, a tray of buttery scones, or a jar of jam bursting with flavour.

Alongside blogging, my husband (OH) and I created our own marshmallow business, taking our handmade marshmallows to food shows across the country. It was a wonderful way to meet people face to face and share our passion for good food.

Experience & Awards

I’m proud to have been awarded three Great Taste Awards for my marshmallow recipes – recognition that means a great deal in the food world.

I also hold a City & Guilds Level 2 Food Safety and Hygiene Certificate, ensuring that everything I develop and share meets professional standards of food handling and safety.

Great Taste Awards for Sarah James Recipes

What You’ll Find at Tales From The Kitchen Shed

My recipes focus on food that feels generous, seasonal and dependable.

You’ll find:

  • Traditional and enriched bread recipes
  • Reliable cakes, biscuits and traybakes
  • Slow cooker meals for busy days
  • Seasonal jams, chutneys and sauces
  • Homemade food gifts for sharing
  • Comforting savoury meals made from scratch

Every recipe is written and photographed by me and before it’s published, I test it – often more than once. Ingredients, timings and instructions are adjusted to ensure my recipes work every time. My goal is to provide clear step by step instructions to deliver consistent results.

I cook in a real home kitchen, using ingredients you can actually find, and I aim to make every method easy to follow – whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out.

If you’d like to browse by category, you can explore the full Recipe Index or head straight to your favourites:

Work With Me

Tales From The Kitchen Shed partners with selected brands and businesses whose products align with my cooking style and values.

Opportunities include:

  • Sponsored recipe development
  • Brand collaborations
  • Product reviews
  • Media features

If you’re interested in working together, please visit the Contact page.

Let’s Stay Connected

I love hearing from readers – whether it’s about a recipe, a success story from your kitchen or simply to say hello.

You can find me on:

If you have a question about a recipe, you can always reach me through the contact form.

Thank you for visiting Tales From The Kitchen Shed. I hope you’ll pull up a chair, preheat the oven and stay awhile.