Bulgarian illustrator Alya Markova has been included in the shortlist of the international Gourmand World Cookbook Awards. She placed in the top four with her 'Cookbook for grown up children'. Alya, who has recently joined Radio Bulgaria’s Spanish section, participated in the "Illustration" and "Eastern Europe" categories. The authors of the shortlisted books were selected between participants from 205 countries. Competitors of the Bulgarian artist come from Chile, France and New Zealand.

The Gourmand World Cookbook Awards were founded by Edouard Cointreau. For the 29th time, they will be presented at a special ceremony in Riyadh during a festival held in the period November 27-29.

The book collects 14 recipes in the Savory category and 14 in the Sweet & Snacks category, with instructions in comics story.

• Life can be tasty, life can be fun with Alya Markova, between Bulgaria and Spain

“You hold a little cookbook to whet the appetite and the imagination. And to put to sleep the seriousness that sometimes imperceptibly creeps into the kitchen of many of us, lovers of delicious things. In other words, this is a book for anyone who likes to eat, but doesn't like it complicated," the author says.

Alya Markova was born in Bulgaria, but grew up in Spain. She has created her own culinary blog, presenting recipes in drawings. She has been part of the team of the Spanish editorial team of "Radio Bulgaria" since July.

We wish her success in the final round of the contest!