Welcome!

 I'm somewhat of a foodie, that seems to surprise a lot of people. Having battled an eating disorder for the past ten years they often assume that my interest in food would either be a total aversion to the kitchen, or simple, bland, and obsessively calorie-counted, weighed and measured. For a long time that was the case - though never bland! During my teenage years I would always be making cakes or biscuits, not for me but for others. I loved the process of making food, and then exercising my control by not eating something so delicious, not giving in to it. My recovery hasn't been easy and I'm by no means 100% there, but learning more about nourishing myself and using food to look after my body - rather than as a means of control - has really helped me. And what better way to do that than combining it with another of my passions: creative writing!

Picture courtesy of a my lovely friend Mink of Mink-Owl Crafts. Their first harvest of the year!

 The name pays homage to my many kitchen disasters, not cocking up meals but about the numerous injuries I've given myself in there. Case and point, I am no longer allowed to cut pizza. That's Paul's job. After I nearly lost a finger tip to a Sonic Screwdriver pizza cutter you can see why I delegate this task. Between that and stabbing myself in the leg while loading the dishwasher I've just about learned my lesson: sedatives and sharp objects (and kitchen floors...) don't tend to agree with me. Thus Calamity Kitchen was born!

 All recipes will be vegan, but by all means they can be adapted for meat eaters; though may I suggest trying them as they are first? Even by cutting down on the amount of meat you eat, you're making a kinder choice for animals, yourself, and the planet. There will be a lot of emphasis on snack foods too, foods to eat when you're on the go, not feeling well (physically or mentally), or for whenever you have the munchies. I'm the type of person who loves spending hours on end in the kitchen, but as this isn't convenient for everyone I'll do my best to give realistic times for quick meals. Another factor is cost. I'll be honest, I'm skint. You won't find fancy ingredients, like rare herbs only found in the densest rain forests that will cost you an arm and a leg and the soul of your firstborn. None of that here, just simple yummy food. The majority of my kitchen equipment were also gifts. Including the offending knife and pizza cutter mentioned above. And I have yet to meet anybody else in their early twenties who asked Santa for new saucepans last year.

 So there you have it! First recipes will be up soon. Thanks for stopping by :)

Lizi x