About

I’m Nataša, a Serbian-born recipe developer, food photographer, and the voice behind Cookhouse Diary.

Growing up in Serbia, food was always at the heart of everyday life: comforting stews, flaky pies, and layered cakes filled our kitchen and brought people together around the table. That deep connection to traditional flavors is what fuels my work today, blending heritage with creativity in a way that feels both personal and shareable.

I started this blog to preserve and celebrate the flavors of the Balkans, making them accessible to home cooks everywhere. Whether you’re new to Serbian cuisine or grew up with these dishes, I hope that you’ll find joy, comfort, and a bit of nostalgia here.

What We Mean by Balkan Cuisine

When I say Balkan, I’m referring to the rich and diverse culinary traditions of Southeastern Europe, particularly countries like Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, and Bulgaria, with cultural influences from Greece, Romania, and Turkey as well.

These countries share a centuries-old history, seasonal ingredients, and beloved recipes, such as sarma, burek, ajvar, and baklava. While each culture has its own distinct voice, there’s a beautiful thread of rustic warmth, celebration, and hospitality that runs through every dish in the region.

My Serbian Roots and Culinary Focus

I moved to the U.S. in 2013, carrying with me the taste memories of šape (walnut cookies), apricot swiss roll, djuveč, and tender lard biscuits. Those recipes, humble, festive, and full of heart, form the foundation of my cooking philosophy.

As Cookhouse Diary continues to grow, I’m building my content around four core categories that reflect the heart of Serbian and Balkan cuisine:

These themes will guide both new recipes and upcoming guides, bringing cultural context, authentic methods, and modern twists to traditional meals.

The Story Behind Cookhouse Diary

Although I began my professional journey in the tech industry, with two bachelor’s degrees in Computer Science and IT Management, as well as a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership, my heart was always in the kitchen.

For almost a decade, I’ve worked in IT, most recently as a Scrum Master, guiding teams through agile practices and continuous improvement. However, a growing passion for food photography, recipe development, and visual storytelling has inspired me to start Cookhouse Diary.

Today, I blend my structured mindset with creativity, testing each recipe multiple times, styling dishes with purpose, and writing stories that celebrate both flavor and cultural heritage.

What you’ll find on Cookhouse Diary

Authentic Serbian & Balkan Recipes: These are the soul of Cookhouse Diary – nostalgic, comforting dishes inspired by family traditions. From flaky gibanica and creamy sutlijaš to festive desserts like šampita and buttery cookies like gurabije, I share recipes that reflect the flavors I grew up with in Serbia.
Rustic Breads, Pies & Pastries: Buttery, flaky, and rich in heritage, this category celebrates the heart of Balkan baking. You’ll find savory staples like phyllo potato pie and proja, with more traditional pies and pastries coming soon.
Seasonal Salads, Soups & Comforting Meals: From crisp shopska salad and Serbian potato salad to cozy bowls of Serbian chicken soup, these simple, everyday dishes are rooted in tradition and made to bring people together.
Creative Cocktails & Homemade Beverages: From fruit syrups and nostalgic šerbet to refreshing lattes and signature cocktails, you’ll find drink recipes that blend tradition with visual flair, all tested and easy to make at home.

A Bit More About Me

Natasa sitting on a chair in a coffee shop next to a brick wall.

I live in the U.S. with my husband Luka and our Shih Tzu-Bichon mix, Mini, who is always eager to “help” with taste tests and photo shoots.

I’m completely self-taught in food photography and recipe development, learning by doing and continuously exploring the stories behind every dish. When I’m not in the kitchen, you’ll find me reading, journaling, or planning my next series of recipes rooted in tradition and taste.

Featured On

My work has been featured on Trivet Recipes and Foodgawker, and several of my food photos have been highlighted in the customer gallery at Replica Surfaces.

Behind the Blog: Your Questions

Can I use your photos?

I’m flattered that you enjoy my photos! If you’d like to use them, please get in touch with me first to discuss permission and ensure proper credit. I take pride in my work and appreciate when it’s shared respectfully.

Do you follow a specific diet?

I don’t follow any strict diet. My recipes showcase a variety of everyday meals, from hearty comfort food to light smoothies and seasonal dishes, with a strong emphasis on traditional Serbian and Balkan cooking.

What does “Cookhouse Diary” mean?

This blog is my personal collection, or diary, of tested, photographed recipes inspired by my heritage, daily life, and culinary curiosity. “Cookhouse” evokes warmth, simplicity, and the comfort of homemade meals.

Where do you find inspiration for your recipes?

Inspiration comes from many places: my Serbian heritage, seasonal ingredients, favorite restaurants, and even travels. I love reimagining traditional recipes and adding my twist, blending familiar flavors with new ideas.

Are your recipes traditional or modern?

Many of my Serbian and Balkan recipes are traditional, having been passed down through family or rooted in cultural heritage. Others are modernized or simplified for today’s kitchens, especially for readers outside the region. I always note when something is a twist or adaptation.

How do you test your recipes?

Every recipe on the blog is tested multiple times in my home kitchen. I adjust ingredient ratios, pan sizes, and bake times to achieve the best results, and when helpful, I share extra insights and behind-the-scenes tips in the “Recipe Notes From My Kitchen” section.

Can I substitute ingredients if I’m unable to find Balkan products?

Yes! I often include substitution tips, such as using feta in brine for kajmak or semolina instead of griz. If you’re unsure what to use, feel free to ask in the comments. I’m happy to help.

Can I request a specific recipe?

Absolutely! I love hearing from readers and getting suggestions for new recipes. If you have something in mind, feel free to reach out, and I’ll do my best to create a recipe inspired by your request.

Do you work with brands or offer sponsorships?

Yes, I occasionally partner with brands that align with my values, which benefits my readers. If you’re a brand interested in collaborating, please reach out via my contact page for more details.

My Top Recipes

Thank you so much for stopping by! I hope you enjoy exploring the recipes here as much as I’ve loved creating and testing them, from traditional Serbian comfort food to refreshing drinks and quick everyday meals.

I’d love to hear from you:

Try a recipe and leave a comment. Your feedback truly means the world.
Follow along on Instagram or Pinterest for food photography tips, behind-the-scenes moments, and recipe inspiration.

Let’s keep sharing this delicious journey together, one dish at a time.