The art of creating and sharing
KIWI Instagramer Polly Markus has just a few rules when it comes to cooking — it has to be a good time, always make enough for leftovers and flavour, flavour, flavour.
Markus has always loved food and sharing food with friends and family. She even spent three years working as crew chef on a super yacht. So she started her Instagram account, Miss Polly’s Kitchen, in 2020 as a place to share recipes with those closest to her.
‘‘Following al fresco weekend lunches at friends’ houses or Sunday dinners with my extended family, people would often ask how to recreate certain dishes.’’
Then Covid19 hit and her job as a commercial real estate agent temporarily came to a halt.
‘‘I threw my energy into the place that felt most natural — the kitchen.’’
She had the time she never had before to create and share recipes.
‘‘It just so happened that everyone else had turned to cooking too; they were filling their time with it, including a few friends who were following my account.’’
Markus says one of her biggest fears has always been the prospect of going hungry.
‘‘Outrageous I know. Beyond that, I have a knack for honing in on the one thing I feel like eating at any given time.’’
She starts out with protein — fish, prawns, halloumi, chicken — before deciding on ethnicity and then she writes down all the flavourings she can think of and works out how she can ‘‘magic that up into a dish’’.
A big fan of Asian cuisine, due to its fresh and bold flavours as well being big on herbs, and adoring anything Middle Eastern, Markus believes what underpins the perfect dish is the social aspect of sharing a meal.
‘‘Ever since I can remember, my parents have hosted dinner parties and get togethers at home where there was an abundance of amazing food, often with a Mediterranean bent.’’
These days, Markus operates her own home with an open door policy.
‘‘My friends and family know I am never far away from
❛ It’s the best feeling to be able to take the pressure off everyone in the room by preparing food while everyone else relaxes and eventually, sitting down together to enjoy it
preparing or eating a good meal. Furthermore, I’m a people pleaser and a very social person.’’
The real pleasure in cooking is to do it for others, bringing people together.
‘‘It’s the best feeling to be able to take the pressure off everyone in the room by preparing food while everyone else relaxes and, eventually, sitting down together to enjoy it.’’
Most of Markus’ recipes are written with entertaining in mind and the book is divided into chapters starting with brunch, light ideas, sides and then into sections on the main proteins before finishing with dessert.
She says her recipes are best enjoyed sitting outside with a lightly chilled rose or chilli margarita.