Australian culinary icon Maggie Beer is planning to use her new title of Senior Australian of the Year 2010 to change the way people think about food.

The annual Australia Day award goes to people who continue to achieve and contribute to life after 60.

Beer was recognised for her passionate focus on cooking with seasonal produce that has helped to educate many Australians to make informed food choices.

Beer said she hopes to change the way people think about their food and inspire them to cook.

“For so many people, because of the change in our lives where both partners work, there's not been that handing down of cooking skills,” she said.

“And it's something that really is necessary for absolutely everyone."