Freelance Writing with a side of Pineapple, Sage and Prawn Salad with Crispy Prosciutto

When I started blogging just over 12 months ago, it was mostly a hobby. My passion for food was ignited a few years earlier in listening to the stories of my then partners parents escape from apartheid for a new life, learning to ‘smoke the masala’ – an essential step in making fragrant curries and enjoying dahl for the first time.

Before long, food became a prominent theme in my life as I excitedly criss-crossed the city many times over with each new food adventure or search of ingredient. I threw many a themed gathering and found myself the go to person amongst my friends and work colleagues for dinner ideas and where to go next in Melbourne. I became more and more intrigued by the food stories others had to tell. Naturally, a food blog was the obvious direction in finding somewhere to channel all that energy as well as satisfy my curiosity and creative side. My wonderful Grandma Doris also provided the inspiration and theming of my blog which you can read about here.

Somewhere along the way I reconnected with the younger me who had loved to write and slowly at age 34, all the dots finally began joining together. I couldn’t put down my pen. It was a slow, steady burn until the lightbulb became so bright I could no longer ignore it. Finally, I understood what it is to find your passion…..

Back then, my teenage self had never considered writing to be ‘real’ job but in hindsight, it seems quite clear that it was where I was heading all along. Trey Ratcliff recently summed it up beautifully in his presentation at the Problogger Training Event when he said “the more you live in the now, the more the universe will unfurl the way it’s supposed to” – I’m a firm believer in this view.

Blogging has connected me with a like minded community as well as the good fortune of meeting fantastic mentors like Valerie Khoo through whom I discovered the Australian Writers Centre at my 2nd Problogger Training Event in 2012. I completed both the magazine and newspaper writing course and also traveled to Vietnam in April this year with the company to complete a food writing course with Carli Ratcliff.

This month, I realised my dream of becoming a freelance writer, beginning as the food editor for Latte Magazine and I must say, seeing your first publication in actual print is pretty damn exciting AND simultaneously a little scary!  Needless to say, I cant wait to do more.

Latte is a fantastic Australian membership based magazine by Business Chicks for corporate women and entrepreneurs which covers issues in career, lifestyle, health, beauty, travel, style and more. You can become a member here and take advantage of great networking events, e-newsletter, discounts , exclusive offers and of course, your very own copy of Latte Magazine which comes out quarterly.

This is my first ever page food and wine page below for the Spring edition of Latte;

You can find my first published recipe below;

The sweetness of the grilled juicy pineapple happily bursts with the crispy, salty hit of proscuitto and sage and sautéed garlic prawns. I made this on my gas stove top but you can also do this on the BBQ. The salad is super quick and easy to make and is a lovely light entree to serve before the main fare. Serve hot or cold.  I hope you enjoy it! xo

Pineapple, Sage and Prawn Salad with Crispy Proscuitto

Serves 4

Ingredients

1.         1 Small whole pineapple
2.         4 Tsp fresh sage (chopped)
3.         8 Slices of prosciutto
4.         8 Tiger prawns
5.         1 Clove of garlic

Olive Oil

Method

1. Spray small frypan with olive oil and pan fry proscuitto for 5 minutes until crispy. Set aside. Slice pineapple into 8 thin disks, toss with sage and panfry for 5-7 minutes until soft and slightly caramelized.
2. Panfry prawns in garlic and olive oil for 10 minutes until cooked.
3. Assemble pineapple first, top with prosciutto then arrange prawns on top and serve.

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