About

Hey there, it’s Anna! Anyone who knows me knows that I proudly wear the foodie badge, and let me tell you, choosing what to indulge in at a restaurant is my perpetual struggle. Give me a sizeable menu, and I’ll be the first to admit, I become the epitome of indecision (partly attributed to my star sign). I crave a taste of everything! Making a decision from a menu is no easy feat for me. I’ve been known to go all-in and order a trio or quartet of appetisers just to savour the diverse choice of flavours.

Over the years, I’ve thrown numerous canapé parties for family, friends, and work colleagues, all in the pursuit of everyone getting a delightful taste of everything. After all, who can resist the allure of sampling a bit of everything? Food to me, is the ultimate expression of love. However, there’s one tiny hiccup—I struggle with knowing when to hit the brakes!!

As a result, my party menus tend to stretch endlessly into the night (or day), leaving me chained to the kitchen with a relentless desire to keep the flavours flowing.

For two decades now, I’ve been creating canapés and appetisers, and I’m here to tell you, it’s possible for anyone to whip up these delectable bites by transforming everyday recipes & great ingredients into bite-sized wonders. In Australia, we’re fortunate to have an abundance of fresh ingredients right at our doorstep, and I hold that in high regard in my culinary endeavours.

Indulging in the world of food and flavours has been my key to making life absolutely delicious. Join me in the kitchen, where simplicity meets gourmet, and let’s savour the joy of turning ordinary moments into extraordinary bites! Join me as I navigate the fine line between culinary indulgence and a chef’s escape plan!

Born in New Zealand, I migrated to Australia at the age of 22 & travelled extensively in my late 20’s early 30’s, living in Saudi Arabia and London over a 4yr period, where I worked as a nurse. It was during this period that I first discovered food and culture, where the world became a tapestry of flavour and culinary harmony & my tastebuds began to mature. I began tasting the world 1 dish at a time.

I live on the gorgeous Sunshine Coast of Australia with my awesome twins Lily and Lachlan (now 11) and my long-term partner Andreas. We have 2 beautiful dogs Ruby and Millie both 9. You can see our adorable puppies below. We had a beautiful Labrador Lani also, who sadly passed away in 2021 aged 13.

I am a Registered Nurse (for a little while longer anyway) and I was also a Paramedic for 14yrs. I have loved serving the Australian community and love to advocate health & wellness but I now want to develop my other interests and delve further into my creative passions including food, flowers, photography and Growth mindset.

My culinary creations draw inspiration from my travels, coastal living, the rich cultural fabric of Australia, and the abundant fresh produce found in the Australian South East. Tailored with the busy working population in mind, I recognise the struggles of a fast-paced life, the recent surge in living costs, and the growing desire to reconnect with loved ones, especially after the challenges posed by COVID.

These factors in mind, people are wanting to entertain at home more, and looking for ways to create quick, easy & delicious bites to accompany drinks, keeping their guests gastronomically satiated.

I believe in the art of socialising and entertaining without abandon, ensuring that every dish is packed with flavour and presented with style, proving that a tight budget doesn’t always mean compromising on taste or aesthetics but a little decadence can go along way. Let’s embark on a journey where delicious morsels, become the heart of memorable gatherings!

To me, presentation is an artful blend of colour, variety, and texture. Creating a canapé menu involves a delicate balance, not just of flavours, but also of diverse ingredients, Colour & categories. I aim to cater to a broad spectrum of dietary preferences and needs. When I’m hosting, my goal is to create a menu that seamlessly incorporates choices, ensuring that no one leaves hungry.

My recipes are a testament to this diversity, reaching out to a wider audience with flavours inspired by a myriad of life experiences. I have never been much good at sticking to a recipe and usually modify the like by eliminating ingredients that don’t resonate with me and adding ones that do. I love to fuse these influences, and it’s immensely rewarding when even those with steadfast dietary preferences express their enjoyment.

There’s nothing quite like hearing someone who once declared a ‘dislike’ discover a newfound love for a dish. It’s these moments that make the culinary journey truly special. Join me in creating menus that are not just visually stunning but also a celebration of inclusivity and flavour exploration!

Some of these recipes you can part prepare the night before or 2-3 days before and freeze or store in an airtight container. I have added helpful hints which include alternative ingredients and other nice to know tips and have integrated ingredient spotlights along with wine pairings.

Follow me at Bite Size Hostess (bitesizehostess.com), as I take you on a food journey to whet your appetite and leave your guests wanting more & please feel free to contact me or leave comments on any recipes that you may try.