It's funny how you read one post from a blog and you just KNOW you're going to like the writer.  That's exactly what happened when I first came across Kitchen Diary.  Browniegirl is just so talented, and so wise, and shares not only recipes but also wonderful life stories, like her post this week on memories of her nursing career.  But the star remains the food – I mean… Nutella love bites, stilton soufflés, pancakes… and the yummy list continues, all made with love and usually with a story attached.  So let's get to know the lovely lady behind the blog a little better:

1. Where are you – in South Africa or out in the wide world?

I live in Fish Hoek, Western Cape,  South Africa   

2. How long have you been blogging?

I'm really a baby in the blogging sense of the word, I started writing my own blog in July 2008. I have been reading and commenting on other blogs for about 18 months before that. I love it!!!

3. What do you enjoy the most about food or wine blogging?

I think first up "meeting" so many fantastic people all over the world who share my passion for food. Also, I have learned sooo much from other bloggers since I started reading blogs and it has really got my creative juices flowing….in more ways than one, lol! The many ideas out there are wonderful. Its like owning a massive cook book!!! It got me photographing everything I attempt now in the kitchen. Family has to wait for the flashes to finish before they can tuck in!!

4. Any downsides or frustrations?

Not enough hours in the day to blog……..seriously it is time consuming if you want to do it properly and communicate with all your commentors. As a result I don't get to read all my favourite blogs as often!! Its great though I love it….kind of addictive really (blush)!!

5. What or who are your inspirations to cook, drink and write?

Firstly – my mom who was a great cook and baker in her day. More recently I love Gary Rhodes, James Martin, Rick Stein, Antony Worrall Thompson, David Lebovitz and of course Nigella & Jamie……and then those fantastic bloggers I was talking about….Warda at 64sq ft Kitchen, Ilva at Lucullian Delights, Jeanne at Cooksister (you may blush now, Jeanne!), Susan at Sticky Gooey Creamy Chewy….hmm too many to mention!! 

6. Where and when do you like to blog?

My PC is in my study. I blog anytime when I can, especially when I have just baked, taken and edited photos!!

7. What's your signature dish or favourite wine?

Oh goodness, there are so many dishes that I just love. My hubby would say my Spaghetti Bolognaise. My dog would say the gourmet chicken pasta with veg I cook for her every day, for myself my brownies…the ones with the cheesecake topping!! I enjoy a good smooth merlot and in summer I really enjoy Four Cousins sweet rose – yummy!!

8. What other food or wine blogs do you read?

Faaar too many to mention here but a few I have mentioned above and you can add all the food24 blogs and about 50 more at least onto that. Gosh I have to go now….lotsa blogs to read 🙂

9. Favourite restaurant?

For all those expats out there….sorry but I have to say this……..SPUR for a fabulous Pepper Burger!! Then there is a tiny restaurant in Muizenberg called Carla's where I tasted my first prawns last year at age 55 (that was my age not the prawns!!!) A moment not to be sneezed at!! 

10. For my last meal on this planet I would order…

Low GI/GL be damned……Prawns with lots of fresh red chilli, croiander & lime braaied over hot coals served on a bed of savoury rice and of course I would hate to exit this mortal coil without having Norwegian Salmon prepared a last time by my son in law…….wink wink nudge nudge I hope he sees this and for dessert ice cream and bar one sauce (lots of sauce!!)