Busy retiree turns recipes into cookbook
The 87-year-old said her son and his partner are assisting with some of the book’s elements, but she hasn’t thought of a title yet.
Best-selling Morehill artist Katinka Meiring’s (87) talents have long been the talk of the town, but now she has added ‘author’ to her impressive portfolio.
Known for her beautiful art pieces and pottery, Katinka is penning a cookbook. It will explore many facets of how to cook easy and healthy vegetable-based meals. The illustrated book, which will comprise her own recipes, will be published on digital platforms in a few months.
“I started writing the book a few years ago after realising there is great diversity in vegetables and plant foods. There are so many ways to cook a simple vegetable like green beans, carrots or cabbage.
“Each chapter will explore how to cook a particular vegetable, and the book will offer interesting recipes that will be easy for modern, busy young people to prepare in the evenings.”
Katinka said although she’s not a vegetarian, eating organic vegetables for their health benefits is vital. Her son and his partner are helping her with some of the book’s elements, but Katinka has not yet titled it.
Many hats
Despite having lost her daughter to cancer, experienced a divorce and undergoing two knee and hip replacements, this artistic resident has consistently defied the odds and thrived in her career.
She is a qualified radiographer and has worked at various State and private practices in the Free State and Johannesburg, among other places, and worked for two reputable banks as an insurance broker.
In her early adult life, Katinka was a successful potter, and the Benoni City Times featured her work in 1971.
Katinka began painting at the age of 61 when she retired.
“I started exhibiting with Benoni’s Artists Working Together, of which I am a founding member. We used to make good money from my art pieces then, but the market has changed over the years.”
To keep busy and productive, Katinka got involved in community projects. She also oversees the financial management of her area’s security enclosure and penned many a newsletter to inform her community about who had passed on, who had a baby, who had matriculated, etc.
“As a retired professional, I have ensured I stay involved in life and do this through volunteering for charity work. I retired early due to ill health, and I needed to find a reason to get up in the morning.
That is when I realised you can only do that if you are committed to something.” When Katinka’s not working on her cookbook, she’s planting vegetables, painting, knitting or cooking.
Also Read: Morehill resident hopes to shoot his way to world champs
Also Read: A brush with local artists: meet Katinka Meiring
