The Culinary Journey
From an early age I was baking and creating a mess in the kitchen. 'Can you cook dinner tonight? I won't be home until after 5' was something mum often said to me as she had to work. I was designated the sous chef before the age of 8. I remember looking through the Edmonds Cookbook ('Sure to Rise' forever imprinted in my mind) imagining what the dishes would look and taste like.
I was obsessed with cake from an early age - 3 years old to be exact. There are tapes of me screaming in joy for cake when I was 3. I wanted cake and only cake. I was soon helping mum with the cooking most days as she showed me the ropes of ingredients, baking and frying. I remember grabbing the cocoa powder and asking mum if I could have some. She looked at me and said 'You won't like it trust me' Of course I didn't listen and took a spoonful of it only to cough on the powder and have it up my nostrils! Sometimes we have to learn the hard way.
I was blessed with three amazing woman in my early childhood years who cooked amazing food. There was mum who was the queen of the house and who allowed me in the kitchen. Then there was nana who was well-known to be an epic cook, having her own cookbook. I remember the cheesecakes and elaborate dinners she made always with a long list of herbs and flavours I was not accustomed to. Then there was Oma on the other side of the family who lived on the vineyard and cooked hearty warm dutch dishes for us each time we visited. My upbringing was one of hearty meals, noise and fun.
I learn't how to make epic chocolate cakes before I was 10. Turkish delights came next, lemon cakes, biscuits, roasts, stews and the list went on. Mum and dad supported my love for food and drinks and often joked I would became a chef or own my own restaurant. My love for cooking led me to expand my knowledge with new dishes throughout high school. Every weekend me and my high school mates had BBQ's and I was always the cook.
High school was ending and I was constantly asked what I was going to do. In the end I decided on a year off to travel Europe as an 18 year old. To do so, I saved money working as a waiter and a bar tender in Auckland. When I wasn't pouring wine or serving food I was mixing cocktails. I travelled Europe and returned amazed by the rich culture, foods and wine I was introduced to.
I then studied at university where I earned two degrees in Wine science and Viticulture. I studied in detail the intricacies of sensory science, microbiology, chemistry viticulture science and everything to do with making fine wine. More often than not we tasted endless bottles of wine with an array of delicious foods. Not only was I honing my skills as a winemaker but also pairing the wine with foods.
I lived in Europe for 11 years where I discovered new recipes and new ways of cooking. I lived in Sweden before moving to Bordeaux France where I lived on the grounds of Chateau Mauvesin. It was here, while working as a winemaker, next to the township of Castenau-de-Medoc where I fell in love with French bread, French wine and everything to do with the French. The baguettes and other artisan breads made me realise I had been missing out on something - authentic, traditional rustic food made with real ingredients. I went on a mission to taste all the breads and pastries from the local boulangeries and I was soon cooking up a storm back in the kitchen at the chateau.
Fast forward a few years and I was creating gardens on the west coast of New Zealand in Oakura, Taranaki. I studied the seasons, the soil, plants and how to grow things fast and efficiently. My love of growing food connected me more with the produce I was eating and what was in-season.
I was brewing home kombucha and baking sourdough breads and wholemeal loaves every few days by now. This love of fermented things branched out and I was soon creating meal ideas for morning, lunch and dinner. Every meal became a time to create and celebrate food that was in season. I now cook daily, recreating old family favourites from my childhood with a plant-based twist on meals I've discovered in my journey of life. My journey into food and cooking in connection with winemaking and gardening is just beginning and I hope you come along for the ride!
