HI THERE!
I am Yantina, a caterer, tutor, wife and mom. This is my little piece of the web, where I get to share my recipes and other inspirations with you.
I LOVE FOOD and cooking, a passion deeply rooted in my upbringing. Growing up among great chefs, I was constantly surrounded by culinary inspiration. I am forever grateful for my Mama (Grandma), the greatest of them all, who taught me how to cook over stone coal fires and roast breadfruits by the age of seven. May her loving soul rest in eternal peace.
A little more about me
Jesus is my King. I stand by my motto; “If He’s not in it, then I don’t want it”.
I enjoy family-time, traveling, dining out, gardening, and exploring nature. The garden and the beach are two of my happiest places to be.
I have a thing for tropical fruits, and juicy, ripe mangoes are my favorite. Roast breadfruit, saltfish, avocado slices, fried plantains, and cucumber salad, with my Mama’s cocoa tea sums up my all-time-favorite traditional Caribbean meal. Yum!
about kitchen melee
The name My Kitchen Mêlée, refers to a mix of things happening in and around my kitchen; this blog is my recipe journal, however I also share faith-based inspiration, plus tidbits on family life and my gardening journey. And you’re maybe wondering why I turned this into a faith-based homemaking blog?…because it is all connected. Allow me to explain.
HOW IT ALL BEGAN
I began creating recipes in 2017 and started my first blog in 2018 after losing our baby girl; my way of coping with grief. During that time I faced a roller coaster of challenges. We had not fully recovered from the devastation of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, and then Covid happened. Being overwhelmed I decided that a break from blogging was necessary.
I missed it and longed to build a space where anyone seeking comfort would know they aren’t alone. For a while, I hesitated to share, thinking people only cared about the good stuff. But I was wrong. We genuinely need to hear about each other’s struggles; not just the highlights, but also the real, unfiltered moments.
As my journey continues (new battles and new joys), I’m simply grateful to be alive. I’ve come to understand that even in suffering, there is a blessing to receive and a blessing to give…and life should not stop if it can be helped. No matter the season we are in, the outcome is shaped by how we choose to respond.
a new beginning
Today, I’m choosing positivity. I am choosing perseverance. I’m choosing to remember who holds my tomorrow.
I am creating recipes and cooking again. I have changed my diet and started growing some of my food, which I am excited to share. Of course the web is already saturated and dominated, but I am not here for that. My recipes are delicious and my testimony is real. I’m sharing because I believe someone will find inspiration — and if even one person does, then that’s enough for me.
So, WELCOME and be BLESSED!
Cheers!
Yantina
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