A talented cook who has more than 100 customers visit her stall in Swiss Cottage each day is using her skills to raise money for a charity which all her children have enjoyed.

Elaine El-Essawy owns the Taste of the Nile Middle Eastern stall in Swiss Cottage Market in Eton Avenue and she has built up a loyal fan base over her six-years at the spot, emptying out huge vats of piping hot food each day.

And when she goes home the work does not stop as she cooks delicious dinners for her family of ten.

Next month she will be extending her skills even further by organising a charity supper club for nearby youth charity The Winchester Project, otherwise known as The Winch, which supports young people in the community,

Mrs El-Essawy will be cooking for 30 people, which is not an easy job for most, but to her, it’s just a flash in the pan.

“I’m used to it!” said the 52-year-old, who lives in Hornby Close, Swiss Cottage.

“I cook a family meal for 10 each night and 100 people eat at my stall every day – the trick is, just use a bigger pan.”

She added: “All my children have been to The Winch and I had heard The Winch was suffering and really wanted to do something to help.

“It’s an amazing service. My children went there because I thought it was a good place to socialise and I feel like they are part of the community.

“But there are some children who really need a safe and lovely environment outside of school and home.”

The supper club will have 30 places available for the meze meal of hummus, tabouleh, homemade falafel, aubergine, and other treats from close to the Nile River.

All the food will be handmade by Mrs El-Essawy, who works out of her shop also called Taste of the Nile in Ferdinand Street, Camden Town.

As well as good food there will also be performances from theatre company, Stage it Write <> and an open mic.

Mrs El-Essawy always loved to cook and she lived in Italy for 10 years, where she had access to some of the best ingredients.

But it was her husband, who is from Egypt, that inspired her to focus on Middle Eastern food.

“When I first started, there wasn’t much falafel in the UK,” said Mrs El-Essawy. “But now it’s everywhere.

“My falafel is made from scratch and from fresh ingredients. People come back for my food, it’s really gratifying.”

Ann Kenney, from The Winch said: “We are delighted that Elaine has offered to do a fundraising event for The Winch.

“We are increasing our work with local children and young people this year and supporters like Elaine recognise how hard it is at the moment for youth charities to fund the work.

“We are asking our supporters to join us in making sure our local children and young people have the support they need to face some of the challenges around growing up in London.

“I am sure this fundraising event is going to be a fabulous evening for everyone involved.”

To find out more about The Winch go to www.thewinch.org

To book one of the limited places at the supper club for a minimum donation of £30 visit www.facebook.com/the.winchester.project