About
Hey there, I’m Márcia!
I’m the creator and the voice behind Packed Plate, and cooking is something I genuinely enjoy making time for! I love creating and testing new recipes, especially when an idea starts with a few simple ingredients and turns into something I’m excited to eat.
But… I work hospital shifts and I’m studying, so I appreciate recipes that are straightforward enough for a busy day and especially easy to prep ahead. That doesn’t mean cooking has to feel boring! Sometimes an easy dinner is exactly what I need, and other times, I just want to try something new because it sounds delicious… (at least in my head, haha).
More About Me
I’m a nurse from Portugal and currently studying for a master’s degree with a specialization in obstetrics, and I’ve been blogging for more than five years. Cooking may have started out as a necessity in my first year of university. I had to feed myself between studying and everything else, and there’s only so far you can get without figuring out a few proper meals.
So I learned as I went. I started with simple food I could actually make again (thanks, mac and cheese!) and somewhere along the way, cooking stopped being just another task and became something I really enjoyed. Oh, and I have two of the sweetest cats, you can see them below!
I enjoy fitness and regularly go to the gym, so protein-rich meals naturally interest me. Beans and whole grains turn up often too, usually with plenty of vegetables. But not every recipe needs to earn a healthy label… I also enjoy flavorful creamy food, comfort food, desserts and something a little richer just because it sounds delicious.
Most days, I’m after a simple satisfying meal. Some days, the food demon has other plans… usually involving chocolate, cheese, pastry or more cream than the original plan allowed!!
You’ll find everyday meals here, along with snacks and recipes that can be prepared ahead, I really hope you find some new favorites!
A Little Help While You Cook
Sometimes, we all need a little help in the kitchen and that’s exactly what I want this little corner to offer too!
I’m a mama of two cats. I know… they contribute absolutely nothing to the recipes, but they’re part of my life and remain firmly convinced that the kitchen belongs to them. Quite confident for a pair with no culinary qualifications!!
But when you’re following a recipe, measurements are only part of what helps. How thick should the sauce be? What changes if you swap an ingredient? A short note about texture or timing can really help when you’re wondering what to do next. And that’s my goal here, to share easy recipes anyone can make at home, with helpful tips along the way.
