Interests, passions, dreams, tell us everything about you!
“I am a food writer, so I am living a dream job apart from the usual office politics glitches.”
“My husband, Kym, makes me laugh. He has a great sense of humour and has passed that to our children. Also, I love people who can laugh at themselves. Apart from that it varies so much. I have had the biggest, longest giggle or belly laugh at the most inane things at times, which shows that your whole mood and situation are what drives your sense of humour.” Well, it seems like it’s not too difficult to laugh at Dianne’s place.
Dianne enjoys simple pleasures: “If I had some free time, I would chat with my children. They are 21 and 22, and I still love it when they lie on the bed and talk to me. Apart from that, I would sleep and cook. And enjoy the luxurious moments when there is time to play a few word games on the iPad.”
When she talks about her passions, she gets straight to the point: “The truth and family.”
What about your cooking experience?
Her mother was her first example: “My mother used to toss in a bit of this, a bit of that. Even in baking she didn’t have all the right measuring spoons, just the ones from the cutlery drawer. I like cooking like that. I think watching this gave me the confidence to experiment. Later, I wrote a cooking column on all my disasters and how to fix them. That was fun. Fortunately not too many mistakes these days.”
If some friends come over for a last-minute dinner, she’ll find something to cook in her fridge: “A platter of bits and pieces… there are always plenty of them in the kitchen, along with a good wheel of cheese. I am great at wrapping up tiny bits of leftovers and then melding them into something tasty. I also like fussing over platters and making them look so appetizing that everyone digs in and no longer needs a big traditional meal.”
The dish she is most proud of is a pork belly for her son’s 18th. “He wanted a pork themed big family meal with an Asian focus. I was proud of it because it was based on a recipe by Pete Evans who said it was a difficult dish and he would be impressed if anyone could make it. Did that, and later even had the chance to tell him so.” Well, congrats, Dianne!
More than a recipe, our host would like to master a technique: “Tempering chocolate. I love chocolate.”
According to Dianne, a successful meal “tastes good, looks good and has some nice twists that make it memorable. I have a chef friend who constantly inspires me to step outside the box. I think she likes some of the things I do.”
How would you describe your place?
“We have quite a large open-space home, with a big formal dining room… but its modest in style and I believe people like to come here because it is still a welcoming place, we are always up for a drink and nibbles, or a full meal. For bigger events, the court and pool also help the party. Hours just pass when people are around.” Your place seems to be great, really!
What do you think of Cookening?
“I like the idea of throwing different people together and seeing how all the ice breaks over good food and wine. In this case, there’s a chance of international flavour which dovetails to our love of travelling too.”
“Haven’t had any queries/bookings yet! Can’t wait. I believe I am the first to sign up in Australia, so perhaps I need to give it a bit of time.” Yes, Dianne, it’s just a matter of time…
If you want to meet Dianne and attend a meal at her place, click right here!
Do you want to be part of Portraits or Stories on the Art of Cookening? Contact us!