FOR first-time mum Charlene McQueen, cooking is one of life's biggest challenges.

After juggling four-month-old son Brock and her regular household and cleaning chores, anything to do with the kitchen is often left until the last minute.

So when she and girlfriend Fiona Tattam bumped into 4 Ingredients author Kim McCosker yesterday - who was releasing her latest recipe book Baby Bowl - she was very pleased.

"I need as much help as I can get with cooking," she said.

"This book looks like it has some great recipes.

"Brock's still feeding but it will definitely come in use in the future."

So it was with an autographed copy of the book tucked under her arm that Mrs McQueen walked away happy.

Handing over a signed book to another customer with an infectious smile and a "thank-you hun!", author Kim McCosker explained why her books have become bestsellers throughout the country.

"When I released them I was thinking they'd be more suited to mums," she said.

"But they have really worked for everyone. They're popular with retirees, for people without much cupboard space who live in caravans; also for people who've just moved out of home and for people on a budget."

The series of books started when Mrs McCosker realised how unnecessarily complicated many recipes were.

With a full-time job and her family's mouths to feed, she sat down to put together a series of simple recipes, using only four ingredients or less.

The rest, they say, is history.

The former Stanthorpe resident, who was accompanied by mum Jennette McCosker yesterday at her book signing, said she was pleased with how the books had been received.

"It's given people an interest in cooking which I love," she said.

"It is such a busy world and people tend to over-complicate things. Sometimes it's best to just keep things simple. Often that is the best way with cooking."

Mrs McCosker said her dream was to write a book for every stage of life, with Baby Bowl being the first stage.