Hi there! Welcome to the Cookhouse Diary! I’m Natasa, the recipe developer and food photographer behind this blog.
A Little Background About Me
I was born and raised in Serbia, a small but beautiful Eastern European country. So, naturally, you will find some of the traditional recipes from that area or my version of them.
I moved to the USA in 2013 and have lived here ever since. I have two bachelor’s degrees in computer science, math, and IT management, and currently working on my master’s. I have worked in the IT industry for the past seven years and find it enjoyable.
My blog, on the other hand, is my creative outlet. Before I picked up the camera and took my first food photo a few years ago, I knew nothing about food photography and styling.
In a short time, I developed a passion for creating and enhancing my skills. I like experimenting with light and composition and capturing the most mouth-watering food photos that will enhance the flavor and texture of the dish or beverage I make.
None of this would be possible without the support of my family and my partner in crime, my fantastic husband, Luka. We have been inseparable from the moment we met over 11 years ago.
Our family is only complete with our furry family member, Mini, the shih tzu – bichon mix. Usually, you can find her under my tripod, “helping me” photograph the recipes.
What you’ll find on Cookhouse Diary
- Decadent cocktails and barista-style beverages: Cocktails and beverages are my passion. I like experimenting and creating new cocktails or making my version of some of the staple recipes worldwide. In most cases, I am using minimal equipment, and no complicated steps are required.
- Wide variety of smoothies: Smoothies are a great way to start your day or have a healthy snack. It’s also a great way to implement various fruit and veggies in your diet. With plenty of options, from dairy-free, banana-free to some traditional flavor combos, you will find your favorite smoothie flavor.
- Some of the traditional Serbian and Eastern European recipes: Some of the most popular recipes on the blog are Serbian or Eastern European recipes. Those recipes have been in my family for generations.
- Quick and easy dishes: I also have a lot of recipes for busy weeknights, whether a main dish, appetizer, or a side dish. You will make tasty recipes with simple steps and usually less than 30 minutes.
More About Natasa and the Blog
All photos are copyrighted. Please do not use my images without permission. Please contact me, and I will provide the pricing for specific usage.
I don’t follow a specific diet or count calories when eating. That said, it’s important to mention that I eat everything in moderation. I am not a nutritionist, so I suggest you talk to your doctor or nutritionist before changing your diet.
I started this blog to share what I eat and collect family recipes. A home for me represents a place where I cook almost daily, and the food is shared with friends and family. So, a cookhouse name originated from that idea.