If the thought of hosting a dinner party or basting the Christmas turkey has you in a panicked sweat, you’re not the only one as a new survey has revealed that women do not become confident in the kitchen until the age of 55.

The research revealed that women who have celebrated the big 5-0 are more likely to throw random ingredients together to make something really delicious.

As well as cooking up a storm, middle aged women are less likely to be fearful of hosting a dinner party and our favourite dishes include chicken casserole, steak and kidney pie and seafood linguine, all of course cooked from scratch.

By the age of 55, women have their kitchen timing nailed and are less likely to burn and overcook their culinary masterpieces.

Helen Nunn, Head of Marketing at The Co-operative Food, which conducted the study said: “It stands to reason that it takes time to master cookery, and confidence comes with age.

“And there is some truth in the fact that you learn from your mistakes – so women need to endure dinner disasters and mishaps in the kitchen before getting everything spot on.

“The real sign of a good cook is one who doesn’t panic when things do go wrong, instead finding a solution to the problem or even admitting to those she is cooking for that dinner has gone horribly wrong!”

Inspired by programmes such as The Great British Bake Off, 75 per cent of women aged 55 and over bake regularly, and are a dab hand at churning out Victoria sponges, lemon drizzle cake, shortbread and flapjacks.

Helen Nunn added: “Although we reach cookery perfection in our fifties, it’s interesting to note that most women reach their big ‘milestones’ on their culinary journey in their twenties, with the majority of respondents saying that they hosted their first dinner party, Christmas dinner and romantic meal for two in their twenties.”