About

I’m Rachel, a Culinary School graduate with a passion for all things food and beverage. After culinary school I took off for an internship in France, where I traveled from Paris to southeast France. I lived with my French chef and his family, working in their restaurant, soaking up as much I could. I realized many of the tricks and techniques were perfected over years of practice and experience. This trip was not only humbling and incredibly invaluable, but it also fed into my passion.

I have since spent many years working in the industry, in a number of different positions and high volume kitchens. I am not currently working in the restaurant industry, but I believe there is so much more to food and hospitality. My true passion is recipe development and food photography. I love helping brands tell their story through food.

I would love to share restaurant recipes fit for a crowd or French delicacies I learned along the way. But, I find most people are looking for simple holiday cookies they can share with friends and family, one-pot soups that makes clean up a breeze, or fun snacks & appetizers you can take tailgating. A collection of recipes simplified for the home chef! All content you see is mine – I develop, test, and shoot each recipe you see!

Thanks for stopping by, subscribe to my email list so you can stay up to date on all of my hearty recipes, even if it’s just to look at the photos!

Work with me!

I love using recipe development and food photography to help brands tell a story. I am committed to working with companies that share my quality and passion for food. I have been honored to work with several amazing brands over the years, such as the AE Dairy, Hamilton Beach, Proctor Silex, Red Gold Tomatoes, Nielsen Massey, and many more. If you would like to collaborate send me an email at [email protected] – I look forward to working with you!

I am available for both freelance and partnership work. Media kit and rate sheet available upon request. I am also available for small caterings and custom orders – find order information here!

Current Favorite Recipe:

Creamy Cottage Cheese Queso Dip

Q & A

Where are you from?

I was born and raised in Iowa, I currently still reside here!

How did you know cooking was your passion?

I’ve had a passion for cooking since I was about 10. I have always loved experimenting with new ingredients and techniques. Growing up I was able to cook at home a lot, which helped me make my decision to go to culinary school. Between restaurant work and culinary school – I knew cooking would always be a passion of mine. A scholarship to France opened my eyes to a whole new side of food and culture. I can only hope to continue experiencing international cuisine!

What is your favorite part about food blogging?

Recipe development is my favorite part hands down. I love messing around with ingredients and finding the perfect ratio of ingredients, especially with baking. I also love seeing people make my recipes and I’m always happy to answer questions!

Why did you decide to start a food blog?

I was still in culinary school and one day I just decided to start a blog. I loved the idea of coming up with recipes and the photography side of things. I had no idea what I was doing when I started and I have learned so much since I began. I look forward to adding to my recipe archive and seeing where the blog takes me!

Do you prefer cooking or baking more?

I personally love both, I find cooking and baking both very relaxing. I find baked goods easier to photograph so I often put more of those recipes on the blog. Cooking is more of my style as you can be as creative as you want and it is not as much of a science. I also love messing around with new cocktails and preserved/fermented foods!

What do you like to do outside of blogging?

Outside of working on my blog, I love to spend time with friends and family. I love cooking for people, getting together over drinks, trying new local spots. I have a 6 year old rescue dog, he keeps me on my toes! I enjoy anything artsy – I am always trying new DIY projects, teaching myself new skills, and working on new business ideas. I love a good thrift find, I frequent vintage stores, thrift stores, and estate sales for the perfect blog props and other cool finds!

Other Favorites:

  • One-Bowl Easter M&M’s Cookie Bars

    One-Bowl Easter M&M’s Cookie Bars

    These One-Bowl Easter M&M’s Cookie Bars are rich, fudgy, and festive. Not only are these bars made in one bowl but they do not require a mixer or chill time! Loaded with pastel M&M’s and decadent chocolate chips. These cookie bars can be made with any type of chocolate candy – add pastel sprinkles for…

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  • Easy Air Fryer Southwest Chicken Egg Rolls Recipe

    Easy Air Fryer Southwest Chicken Egg Rolls Recipe

    This easy air fryer southwest chicken egg rolls recipe is an easy and delicious recipe. Tender chicken, sautéed veggies, seasonings, and shredded cheese are mixed into a flavorful filling. Fill and roll the egg rolls, spray lightly with cooking spray, and air fry until golden brown and crispy! Perfect for game day or as an…

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  • Crispy Nashville Hot Chicken Taquitos

    Crispy Nashville Hot Chicken Taquitos

    These crispy Nashville hot chicken taquitos are the perfect quick snack or appetizer! Crispy corn tortillas filled with shredded chicken, cheese, cream cheese, and AE Dairy Nashville hot sour cream dip! These are baked but they could also be fried or cooked in the air fryer. Serve these for an easy week night dinner or…

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  • Copycat Starbucks Iced Shaken Espresso with Oat Milk

    Copycat Starbucks Iced Shaken Espresso with Oat Milk

    This copycat Starbucks Iced Shaken Espresso with oat milk is a super easy, make at home coffee drink. Fresh brewed espresso shaken with syrup and served with ice cold oat milk. You can use any sweetener you’d like for this recipe, such as honey syrup, brown sugar syrup, or traditional simple syrup. If you don’t…

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  • What to Serve with Chicken Enchiladas (35 Easy Sides)

    What to Serve with Chicken Enchiladas (35 Easy Sides)

    Wondering what to serve with your chicken enchiladas? This post will help you decide What to Serve with Chicken Enchiladas (35 Easy Sides) from salads and soups, to rice and salsas. Perfect for a family dinner with kids, large crowd gatherings, or a small dinner for two! Instant Pot, Air Fryer, and Slow Cooker options…

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  • Instant Pot Beer Cheese Soup Recipe with Cauliflower

    Instant Pot Beer Cheese Soup Recipe with Cauliflower

    This instant pot beer cheese soup recipe with cauliflower is rich, comforting, and full of flavor. Tender cauliflower, onions, peppers, and seasonings blended into a creamy soup with whole milk, beer, cheddar cheese, and stock. I love the topping options with this cheesy soup – homemade croutons, herbs, and bacon bits add even more flavor…

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