About the Blog
Welcome to One Creative Cook!
This is your go-to place for simple recipes that can be made anywhere, no matter your kitchen setup. Every recipe on this site has been tested and photographed in real-life, less-than-ideal cooking spaces - from short-term rental kitchens to my family and friends' homes, and over campfires while camping.
As a digital nomad, I know the challenges of cooking with minimal equipment, and I’m here to show you that great food doesn’t require a fancy kitchen. Wherever you are, I hope my recipes inspire you to get creative and make something delicious!
About Me
Hi, I’m Reem,
the voice and creator of One Creative Cook.
I’m a 33-year-old formally trained professional chef living out of a suitcase with my husband, traveling, cooking, and writing this blog.
With over 15 years in the kitchen, I’ve held various roles, from Garde Manger to Executive Chef in restaurants across Toronto, Canada. My passion for food runs deep, and I believe that cooking should be both fun and accessible.
A Little About My Journey
My husband and I have traveled all over the world, from getting married on Sairee Beach in Koh Tao, Thailand, to camping across Canada and the U.S. We’ve become seasoned travelers and love exploring new places together.
We met while working at the same restaurant, shortly after I finished chef school, and hit it off right away. With my background as a chef and his front-of-house skills, we were a great team and ended up co-managing a Toronto restaurant for several years.
The pandemic was tough on our industry, but it gave us a chance to rethink how we wanted to live. After years of hard work, we got the opportunity to travel again. That’s when we realized we wanted to make exploring the world a lifestyle rather than just a vacation.
Though I’ve spent most of my life in Canada, I was born in Baghdad, Iraq, during the Gulf War. Despite the challenges of that time, my memories are filled with warmth: our house had a chicken coop, fruit trees, date palms, and grapevines. Traditional Iraqi recipes passed down through generations were a central part of my childhood and continue to influence my cooking today. We left Iraq when I was 5, eventually settling in Canada by age 7.
My Influences
Growing up with electrical engineer parents, my dad’s love for explaining things at the molecular level fueled my curiosity and scientific approach to cooking.
My mom, on the other hand, sparked my passion for food - she’d hold me while cooking, and those early experiences left a lasting impression.
As I got older and started experimenting in the kitchen, my two older brothers became my dedicated taste testers, encouraging me to pursue my passion and go to chef school.
Over the years, I’ve built a broad skill set in savory cooking, butchery, and pastry arts. I can break down whole animals, bake fresh pastries, and make pretty much anything from scratch. My recipes and menus often feature local seasonal ingredients, blending flavors from all around the world.
Let’s Get Cooking!
The culmination of my upbringing and professional training has led me here, a place where I can hopefully impart some of my knowledge and teach you something new. All while continuing to learn and grow my skills as a cook, blogger, teacher, and traveler.
Wherever you are, make yourself at home. If you need anything, I’d be happy to hear from you or answer any questions you might have!
