I’m an amateur foodie. In my professional life, I’m an editor and copywriter. But once the laptop closes, I’m standing in front of the fridge, contemplating what to cook (and therefore eat) next.

Let’s be clear from the start: I don’t have any culinary training. What I know (or think I know) comes from watching cooking shows, reading cooking books and blogs, and doing what seems right. Sometimes, it’s wonderful and sometimes it’s…not. Calvin had the noodle incident and I had the flourless pancake incident.

My approach to food is simple: healthy but yum. 

Yeah, yeah. Save the eyerolls and sighs. I’m not preaching a raw diet or insisting you never eat junk food again. Just hear me out:

We (my fiancé and I) have chosen a healthier lifestyle. He is vegetarian (with the odd exception of fish and eggs) and, recently, gluten-intolerant. I’m lucky enough not to be allergic to anything, but I prefer chicken over red meat. Now, because South Africa is very much carnivore central, eating out isn’t always easy. Vegetarian options are often restricted to cheese and tomato toasties or pizza. And even braaibroodjies become overrated when that’s all that’s on offer.

So, I took it upon myself to cook for us. Just because it’s healthy doesn’t mean it can’t be satisfying and make you go “yum!”.

We’ve progressed a long way from 2-minute noodles and canned tuna. And I want to share that journey with you. I’ll discuss what’s worked for us, what hasn’t, and all the new things we pick up along the way. I also want to learn from you, so please share any ideas and recipes via email or Instagram.