Welcome to my culinary haven, about all things food. Known to family and friends as Elby, I am the face, ‘head chef’, creator, designer and photographer behind The Tasteful Pantry. More importantly, my three children and husband are the inspiration. I am delighted you are checking out my website and am confident you will enjoy many of my delicious recipes.
Today I am nestled in quiet Canberra, Australia, surrounded by great food and restaurants! From bustling markets to fine dining, Canberrans are absolutely spoilt for food choice. My travels through Europe, Asia and the UK – as well as my own vast and beautiful country – have provided cultural culinary experiences that I have experimented with in my own kitchen. I eagerly join food tours and cooking classes wherever my adventures take me. These experiences not only provide insights into diverse cooking techniques, but also foster a deep appreciation for the stories behind each dish.
Growing Up
My culinary journey traces back to the bustling kitchen of my childhood home in North Queensland. I was the youngest in a family of seven, and quickly discovered that kitchen helpers had the chance to lick the cake mix off the beaters. Clearly, this whole cooking deal turned out to be a sweet gig. With a vegetarian mum, our meals were predominantly plant-based. This exposure instilled an early appreciation for the robust flavours that vegetarian dishes can offer. Little did I know that these early influences would feed into who I have become today.
By the age of 12, I found myself taking charge of weeknight dinners for my family of seven. A culinary revelation struck when I realised that green veggies were meant to be vibrant, not resembling the overcooked brown versions from the ’80s. Turns out, they taste much better when they retain that fresh, colourful charm. Go figure!
My passion for cooking grew. By 15, I was showcasing my food at sizable family get-togethers and formal events for our extended circle. The positive responses fueled my enthusiasm.
Venturing into restaurant kitchens at 18, I experienced the thrilling hustle and bustle of this world. Despite the excitement, I soon discovered it was not the lifelong career path for me.
Now
Juggling the roles of a full-time working mum of three, has opened my eyes to facets of hospitality I never thought I’d navigate. Catering for picky eaters, crafting budget-friendly meals, exploring waste reduction and mastering time limited cooking… Being creative has become a welcome challenge.
Throughout my hospitality and culinary journey, I have discovered my passion lies with sharing my homecooked meals. Preparing meals for family and friends and, of course, now sharing the recipes that we all love. So, here you are, getting to know a bit more about the culinary adventure that is my life.
About My Team
No cooking adventure is complete without a reliable team. Mine includes the most discerning critics, enthusiastic helpers and dedicated supporters – my husband and three children. My three little ones (not so little anymore), each have their unique taste preferences. These have pushed the boundaries of my kitchen creativity over the years.
My husband, great in the kitchen, doesn’t shy away from providing feedback. His expertise in smoking meats will also be showcased in some of my recipes.
Lastly, I can’t forget Macy, our taste-testing (aka floor cleaning) canine companion. Macy loves to be in the thick of things – sometimes too much!
What a great team!
About Food Waste
In the third grade, our middle child’s introduction to environmental issues sparked a significant change. She declared a personal ban on plastic at school, and it was no surprise when she stuck to her pledge. No more sandwiches wrapped in plastic. No pre-packaged snacks and not a single fruit cup made its way into her lunch box again. How about that for commitment, and for teaching her family a thing or two.
Inspired by my daughter’s dedication, I’ve introduced a ‘waste-free’ category of recipes. These culinary creations focus on utilising ingredients already in our pantry or fridge. Not only is this approach environmentally friendly, but it also proves to be a smart move for the household budget – ensuring nothing goes to waste.
I’ve found a multitude of ways to embrace this waste-free food journey. Exploring various methods, from strategic meal planning and more frequent shopping trips to preservation techniques, preparing larger quantities, crafting smoothies, and creating freezable meals.
My aspiration is to inspire more households to embark on their waste reduction journey. I am hoping to do this by sharing my insights and tips through my site and recipes. If you’re looking for some further inspiration, explore my selection of waste-free meals.
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