WARWICK Christmas shoppers were given an early gift when well-known cookbook author Kim McCosker stopped in to sign books at Big W on Tuesday.

Ms McCosker, who is renowned for her best-selling 4 Ingredients series of cookbooks, signed books at the Big W store in the Rose City ShoppingWorld for crowds of eager Christmas shoppers.

Ms McCosker said the books were very popular in the lead-up to Christmas.

"I've just released three new books in the 4 Ingredients series - Cooking for Allergies, Lactose Free and Diabetes," she said.

People make healthier choices when they cook at home, according to Ms McCosker.

"The healthiest restaurant in the world is your own kitchen," she said.

"People tend to be more health-conscious when they cook at home."

With Christmas less than a week away, Ms McCosker said there were a few things to remember when preparing a feast over the festive season.

"Food is first eaten with the eye - it's got to look nice," she said.

"Don't forget that flavour is the most important ingredient in any recipe."

Christmas lunch needn't be a stressful occasion, Ms McCosker said.

"Christmas meals can be as simple as going to the shops and grabbing a few chickens and a ham," she said.

"You can easily glaze your own ham at home using ingredients in your pantry."

The cookbook queen has a real love for cooking and her many fans.

"I'm very connected to the market," she said.

"I love talking to and learning from people.

"They really are the inspiration for my books."

Ms McCosker has roots in the Rose City, with a number of family and friends living in the town.

"I visit Warwick twice a year to see family," she said.

"I love the small towns in regional Queensland."

The author has established a great working relationship with her book sellers in Warwick and beyond.

"I am friendly with Craig and the team at the Warwick Big W," she said.

"They show great team effort and along with centre management make a proactive team."

Since writing her first book six and a half years ago, the passionate author has defied publishing expectations, with her debut book becoming the biggest selling self-published book in Australian history.

According to Ms McCosker, anything is possible if you put your mind to it.

"Success is for anyone with the desire to achieve."

CHRISTMAS cooking TIPS

Kim's tips for a stress-free Christmas lunch

 Create a menu plan; know what you're going to cook

 Make a shopping list; shop only for ingredients you need

 Presentation is key; garnish dishes with petals or fresh greens

 Keep it simple; simplicity is the key to success when entertaining