Hello. I’m Helen from Sydney, Australia. As the name of my blog suggests I’m always hungry and have been a fussy eater since childhood. I was the ‘difficult’ one to feed, the one who required supervision during dinner time to ensure I consumed more than a buttered bread roll. My mum was actually a great cook (as most Greek mothers are) so perhaps it was just a way of asserting my independence? Who knows? However one thing remains, I am still somewhat fussy. I just can’t eat bad food. My obsession is GREAT food – the taste, the smell, the sound, the texture.
In my past corporate life I was a Marketing Manager. I spent over a decade marketing your favourite chocolate, coffee, cereal, snack, drink and toothpaste brands for the biggest companies in the world. Ten years ago a colleague suggested I start a food blog. My response: “what’s a blog?”. Times have certainly changed. Since that conversation I left the corporate world, became a mum to three gorgeous active children and spent more time at home finessing my cooking skills. This led me to ponder my next move. Blogging seemed the obvious answer. A food blog allowed me to have five careers in one – recipe developer, food stylist, photographer, writer and art director. What more could I ask for?
In 2007 I discovered I was a coeliac. I was advised by my doctor to adhere to a strict gluten free diet for the rest of my life. Not words a foodie wants to hear, but finally an explanation for the lethargy, anaemia and stomach problems. My first thoughts were of all the foods on the ‘banned’ list – mum’s flaky baklava, mouthwatering lasagna, Tim Tams!! Surely he wasn’t suggesting I survive on boiled rice and poached pear alone?
The initial change in my diet was challenging but after 10 years of gluten free cooking I believe I have mastered the art of baking and working with gluten free ingredients. My food philosophy is simple, fresh and flavoursome. The recipes on this blog are easy to follow and don’t require you to spend hours over the stovetop. I understand that in reality, most of us are very time poor.
My recipes are the express route to delicious gluten free dishes. You won’t have to deal with the stress, tears and tantrums that come with discovering that perfect gluten free chocolate cupcake recipe. Your gluten ‘enabled’ friends won’t even know your new creations are gluten free. These are achievable recipes that all your friends and family can enjoy.
Welcome to my blog. Happy reading and happy eating.
Helen Tzouganatos.
