Living in Melbourne ignites your senses to all things food and lifestyle, and for as long as I can remember, I’ve been fascinated with the magic of the kitchen, spending time developing and mastering my recipes. What began as an eagerness to be in the kitchen (even if it meant washing dishes) led to pursuing Food Technology and Cake Decorating courses at Strathcona Girls Grammar and a hospitality course at William Angliss Institute.

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I believe that good health starts from within, and as our bodies are the most precious thing we own, fuelling ourselves with foods that nourish, grow and satisfy should be at the top of our list. Being active is an inherent part of my lifestyle, and moving my body every day is something that has helped me through some of the most challenging periods of my life. In 2016, I discovered reformer Pilates, and like any guilty-pleasure love story, I fell in love at first sight. Two years later, I turned my passion into a reality and I began teaching reformer Pilates, after which I also started coaching strength and conditioning. My love for fitness and my love for food have, instead of being at odds, blended into a beautiful mess of recipes that I’ve spent hours poring over in my kitchen in order to perfect.

 

Food is the fuel for our bodies. Beyond that, it is the spark for our creative energy. I truly believe that balance is a vital part of any lifestyle, for anyone who is aiming to be healthier and live a more fulfilling life. This is the guiding principle I follow closely as I craft my recipes, ensuring that what I eat is what my body needs, and feeds my soul with happiness every day. Food is the universal language of joy. It presents such an intimate opportunity for family and friends to gather, giving us a delicious excuse to enjoy glasses of wine late into the night. But beyond that, food holds the innate power to transform our bodies from the inside out.

 

Sometimes I still wonder – in a vaguely nostalgic way – how did I get here? How did the young girl, thrilled to be mum’s ‘little helper’ as she prepped and cooked her way through spread after spread, end up writing her own cookbook? What started as an eager admiration for my elegant party-hosting mum – a vision in her high heels but a force to be reckoned with in our kitchen – led to a newfound passion that would fuel my life journey in the years to come. If only mum’s ‘little helper’ had known where she’d be now.

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I’d love to be a part of your journey in creating and cooking recipes that’ll feed you, your partner and your family and friends, and will leave your kids polishing off every last bite. It doesn’t have to be a battle in the kitchen to whip up balanced, crowd- pleasing dishes; I was inspired to create this book to bring you the recipes I have crafted that will empower you in your kitchen.

 

This book contains near 100 different recipes covering a range of meals for Breakfast, Refreshments, Lunch and Dinner, Sides and Salads, Sweets, Treats, and Dog Treats. It is a blend of healthy and comfort food recipes for when you just need a little pick-me-up. Spanning a variety of dietary categories – including gluten-free, wheat-free, dairy-free, vegan, vegetarian, sugar- free, refined sugar-free and even dog treat recipes – means that when I say there is something for everyone here, there truly is.

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I’m excited to begin this journey creating wholesome and delicious foods with you, and I look forward to seeing how you will turn these recipes into something that’s uniquely yours. A new chapter awaits... It’s time to start on this journey that will last a lifetime.