About Expert Eats
Expert Eats was born out of sisterly love, a passion for food, and the need to finally be true to ourselves, which includes having a bit of fun. Our names are Jennifer Beachey and Jessica Malcolm and together we are on a journey to create positive change, build confidence and empower both ourselves and others to be happier and healthier versions of who we are today, through food and nutrition.
In 2019, we were catapulted from our successful careers into the unknown. Like many other major events in our lives, this change happened to us both at the same time. Unlike the joys of getting married or having babies though, losing our job, career and identity at the same time was really difficult. After spending time feeling sorry for ourselves, reflecting on life, and soul searching, we both realised that we had the opportunity to combine our different talents, experiences and skills and to build a business of our own. It was our time to do what we love and help other people in the process.
Country kids to the core
Our journey started long ago before we realised that milk came in plastic cartons, and eggs were packaged into dozens. We grew up in Kinglake, which is located at the end of the Victorian Great Dividing Range, where we lived a “free-range” childhood on our farm, surrounded by mountains, animals and lots of home-grown produce. We would often come home to find a hessian bag at the back door full of peas, potatoes or unrecognisable veggies. At nights, while our parents and big sister would return from the city, we would cook dinner based on a selection of random ingredients (Jen was always the “Head Chef”) and serve up our creations to our appreciative family. During this time we learned the basics of cooking and meal preparation, the value of eating well and the joy of seeing how food could bring people together. It is amazing how these lessons have formed the foundation of who we are today.
Our Foodie Future
Today we are both self-proclaimed “Foodies” and enjoy tasty home cooking, local produce, good nutrition and avoiding waste. We have both worked in food and nutrition but have approached it from different perspectives. Jen as a home food producer, restauranter, cook and food writer, while Jessica as a dietitian, home cook and community nutritionist. We love simple, tasty food that nourishes our body and our brain, that we can share with family and friends, and that makes us feel happy. We both understand the value of food in creating enjoyment and confidence in our world, so we can look after ourselves and those around us.
We want to share what we know so others can feel the same way. So they can feel confident in their knowledge and ability to feed themselves and those they love. We can’t ignore that the past few years have been really tough, with personal situations and world events causing a great deal of anxiety and depression. Food and nutrition provides a positive way forward, and with the mounting evidence that supports the link between eating well and positive mental health, we believe that everyone can benefit from eating delicious, nutritious food.
Let us help you on your journey too.
XX Jessica & Jennifer
Expert eats was born out of sisterly love, a passion for food, and the need to finally be true to ourselves, which includes having a bit of fun.
Our Stories
Jessica Malcolm:, BSc, Masters of Nutrition and dietetics, Accredited Practicing Dietitian (APD) with Dietitians Australia.
With over 20 years of experience as a dietitian, manager and lecturer, Jessica has strived to support people to be the best they can be, and central to this has been food and nutrition. As a dietitian, Jessica has worked with individuals and groups in the community to tailor nutrition services that meet their needs and worked closely with a organisations and businesses to promote healthy eating and healthy food environments. Jessica managed allied health teams that provided health and counselling services to vulnerable individuals and groups, including people who experience poor mental health. More recently, Jessica has been lecturing in nutrition for both undergraduate and Master students in nutrition education, public health and community nutrition.
As a person who has type 1 diabetes, Jessica also understands the complexities of managing a chronic disease and eating well for our ever changing physical and mental health needs. By putting nutrition knowledge into practice through cooking and conversation, Jessica hopes to inspire and empower people to be confident and comfortable to make food choices that are positive and satisfying for both themselves and those around them
Jennifer Beachey -Amazing cook, Sales & Marketing (Assoc. Diploma)
For many years Jennifer’s career revolved around bringing people together, re-framing their careers and developing relationships within some of the UK’s leading brands and corporate institutions. Along with the pace of the corporate world, also came the opportunity to travel and dine in Europe’s top food destinations. Jennifer’s desire to learn about culinary arts led her to writing for food magazines and evolving into a passionate foodie.
After moving from London back to Australia, Jennifer and her family used the move as an opportunity to change the pace from corporate life to creating a self-sufficient lifestyle in beautiful Kyneton. Nurturing a small farm, growing seasonal produce and working closely with her community. Her passion for supporting local food and wine producers was highlighted while as a restaurant owner as well as through sharing her knowledge of growing and cooking seasonal food featured in Australia Cooks (ABC produced cookbook), in local magazines, and as a featured writer for the local paper. Jennifer lives her passion through sharing simple, nourishing recipes based on seasonal ingredients. Her purpose for Expert Eats is to teach everyone how to feed themselves with nutritious meals, build confidence and food competence, to improve wellbeing and mental health. A life skill that has never been more important than it is today.
