WhaleyCooks isn’t just a website; it’s a chronicle of our family’s culinary adventures. A melting pot of time-tested family favorites, each recipe has a story, be it passed down through the ages or discovered during our wanderlust-driven journeys. And oh, have we journeyed! From the icy terrains of Antarctica (not quite, but it sure does roll off the tongue better) to the vibrant streets of Asia, we’ve set foot on 6 of the 7 continents, savoring the unique flavors of over 100 countries.
Yet, for all our global escapades, WhaleyCooks is rooted in practicality. We aren’t gourmet chefs with unlimited time; we’re a family of passionate food enthusiasts juggling work, school, and life’s many commitments. That’s why you’ll find recipes tailored for the modern-day hustler. Many come with handy shortcuts, tips for advance prep, or freezing instructions, ensuring that even on the busiest of days, a delectable homemade meal is never out of reach.
Being spread across 3 continents and 4 countries, our recipes often dance to the tune of local ingredients. But one thing remains constant: they are versatile, and adaptable, and promise success in varied kitchens worldwide.
Beyond the recipes, WhaleyCooks is a culinary school of sorts. It’s about understanding the ‘why’ behind the ‘how’, maximizing what we have, and celebrating the kitchen as the pulsing heart of a home. After all, isn’t it magical how the whiff of freshly baked bread can transport us to childhood picnics or how a particular spice blend can evoke memories of a distant Moroccan holiday (OK, Algerian and Tunesian)? From festive cookie-baking traditions to the universal love for a hearty Sunday roast, WhaleyCooks is our ode to the profound connections and memories that cooking forges.
Join us in this flavorful journey where every recipe is a ticket to a treasured memory or a new adventure waiting to unfold.
Who are the authors?
Alexander Whaley: Main Author
My culinary journey began in the vibrant alleys of Algeria, with a simple recipe book plucked from a children’s magazine. Back then, our pantry was a mosaic of tinned produce, predominantly from France. I still vividly remember, at the tender age of 10, whipping up my inaugural dish – a humble pasta mingled with peas and tinned sausages. It might not have been a gourmet delight, but it was a testament to my budding passion.
The foundations of my gastronomic legacy are deeply rooted in my childhood. The elegance of French cuisine from my Algerian upbringing, the heartiness of English Sunday lunches from my paternal lineage, and the exotic allure of Indonesian flavors courtesy of my maternal grandmother. These diverse influences painted my early culinary canvas.
To me, food is more than mere sustenance; it’s a profound expression of love. I often find myself transported back to those cherished mornings when my grandmother would gently rouse me during holidays, offering a warm cup of Dutch cocoa and a biscuit. Sometimes it was a piece of Dutch toast adorned with chocolate sprinkles, or just a simple spoonful of sugar. I can recreate these dishes today, but the magic infused by a grandmother’s love? That’s irreplaceable.
As time unfurled, my culinary horizons expanded, much like the pages of a well-loved book. No longer confined to the delicate nuances of French dishes, my travels across continents – from the savannas of Africa to the bustling streets of Asia, the cultural melting pot of the USA, and the rich tapestry of Europe – have enriched my palette. Today, I effortlessly juggle curries with braais, and bake breads as I flip burgers.
My kitchen shelves stand as a testament to my culinary adventures: brimming with inspirations from Tex-Mex, Creole, Indonesian, Indian, Greek, French, Italian, Dutch, German, Argentinian, American, Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Lebanese, and South African cuisines. Each book, each recipe, is a chapter in my ever-evolving global gastronomic story.
Kiaramel:
Kiaramel, Kiki for short, is our daughter… Just starting in her cooking career, with a definite bent towards cakes and deserts – like the saying goes, sugar and spice and all things nice…
Kiki draws inspiration, as all modern teens seem to do, from TikTok. Not one for reading and following a recipe book, Kiki will happily play in the kitchen, headphones on, and woe betides the mere mortal who dares enter her kingdom…
We look forward to discovering her next experiments.
