Inside Out: Chrissie Rucker

Chrissie lives with her husband, Nick Wheeler, and four children in Thame, Oxfordshire. She recently moved into a house with a flourishing kitchen garden and is determined, despite an often hectic work schedule, to spend as much time there as possible.

Much of her childhood was spent in the countryside. Her mother was fanatical about horses and spent most of her time riding. 'She was never really into cooking,' says Chrissie. 'By the time I was 12, I could quite happily cook for a dinner party. If I didn't cook, we wouldn't have eaten.' Now a devoted Jamie Oliver fan, she often serves his fish pie with huge green salads.

She loves foie gras, and is 'totally addicted to chocolate pudding', but asparagus and beetroot are definitely off the menu. Although she has eaten all sorts of things on work trips abroad, she's not experimental. 'Having a clam is adventurous for me,' she laughs.

Despite a taste for rich foods, she tries to stick to a healthy diet and makes an effort to get on the treadmill at least twice a week. She also does Pilates whenever possible.

Who would join you for a sofa supper?
My husband and four kids, although we don't eat on the sofa - it would get very messy.

What's on the menu?
Big bowls of pasta. My favourite is spaghetti with pancetta and mushrooms, served with all sorts of fresh vegetables. We live in the middle of nowhere, so takeaways are not an option.

And to drink?
We've started a new rule where we only drink alcohol when we go out, but we're not doing very well. I'm a white wine girl and my husband likes red. The kids love to make smoothies.

What's for pudding?
My son adores making pancakes.

What's on the box?
Any James Bond film. We love them all.

What are your favourite restaurants around the world?
Kasbah Agafay in Marrakesh is the most magical place, where you can eat fabulous tagines, surrounded by candlelight. It really is the polar opposite of anywhere here. Asia de Cuba in New York is really good fun and has the most amazing cocktails. I love Asian fusion food and the atmosphere is fabulous. E&O in Notting Hill is a regular haunt. I always tell the waiter to order for me. The Sir Charles Napier near Thame is a wonderful pub. I go there with my husband for supper. 202 Cafè; at Nicole Farhi on Westbourne Grove is a favourite for breakfast. They do delicious scrambled eggs.