About

Hi, I’m Maxine, the face behind Dontmissmyplate.

I'm a home cook and blogger with a deep love for food, travel, and exploring global cuisines. Fusion cooking sits at the heart of my approach. It shapes how I build flavor, layer techniques, and keep home cooking both exciting and approachable. I value health and wellness, while still believing there’s always room for a little indulgence.

Since 2017, I’ve immersed myself in the food world through commercial kitchen experience, personal chef opportunities, blogging, and influencer partnerships with food brands. Each chapter has strengthened my commitment to creating recipes that are bold in flavor yet realistic for everyday cooking.

Dontmissmyplate is a space for curious eaters who want to cook vibrant meals at home while maintaining balance. It celebrates culture, creativity, and community, from supporting local businesses to drawing inspiration from diverse culinary traditions.

Why the name “Dontmissmyplate”?

It carries a double meaning. Don’t let a plate go without something memorable on it, and don’t overlook a dish that deserves attention. Whether it’s your plate, my plate, or a table shared with others, the goal is the same: make it worth savoring.

If you’d like to collaborate or have questions about a recipe, feel free to reach out at dontmissmyplate@gmail.com.

How did this all begin?

I didn’t grow up dreaming of becoming a chef. However, when I was younger I did bake cakes with my mom for special occasions, and at one point I even tried selling them to fund my latest Nokia phone obsession. My dad quickly redirected that entrepreneurial energy toward school, and that focus eventually earned me a scholarship to New York City.

Before moving there, I was quietly becoming fascinated by food through shows like Chopped, MasterChef, and Iron Chef. It was not until university, when I had no meal plan and a roommate who made nearly everything from scratch, that cooking transformed from obligation into art.

What started as necessity became exploration.

I began cooking more intentionally, dining out with curiosity, and studying flavor the way some people study theory. When I later moved to the DC area, I discovered an entire world of food content creators, from recipe developers to critics and storytellers. I realized there was space for someone like me. A home cook with a camera, an experimental streak, and a constantly evolving palate.

My culinary perspective has been shaped by a life lived across continents: growing up in Southern Africa, spending half my life in America’s vibrant food capitals, and following my curiosity from food blogging to recipe development. What started as a hobby has now evolved into a full-fledged culinary journey.

I haven't trained in Michelin-starred kitchens. I have learned through experimenting, repetition, risk, and a deep love of flavor, and I’m still figuring it out every time I step into the kitchen. Join the ride!