Hi, I’m Alyssa! Mom of four, self-taught cook, and the creator of The Recipe Critic. I started this blog back in 2012 as a way to share the recipes I was making for my family, and it’s grown into one of the most trusted food blogs for home cooks around the world.
As a kid, my grandma taught me the art of baking from scratch – pancakes, bread, and cookies were her specialties. Those early kitchen adventures sparked a lifelong passion for creating delicious meals. Fast forward to adulthood, with four kids of my own, I realized I wanted to share that same joy of cooking with others. And so, The Recipe Critic was born.
Here’s a little about me:
- I’m a self-taught cook. I didn’t go to culinary school. I learned by doing—starting with family recipes, a lot of trial and error, and figuring out how to make food my kids would actually eat.
- I’m a mom of four. My kids are my inspiration and also my taste testers. If they don’t love a recipe, I don’t post it.
- I started this blog after moving away from home. I was figuring out how to cook for myself and my family on a tight budget, and I wanted a place to share what I was learning in the kitchen.
- I live and work in Utah. I run The Recipe Critic from a studio kitchen right behind my house, alongside an incredible all-women team.
- I keep my recipes realistic. You’ll find meals that are affordable, family-friendly, and easy to get on the table—even on a weeknight.
- In 2024, I published my first cookbook. The Tried & True Cookbook is a collection of 150+ of my most-loved recipes, including everything from air fryer dinners to slow cooker favorites.
This blog has always been about helping people feel more confident in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a full house, I hope you find recipes here that make your life a little easier—and a lot more delicious.
From Blog to Brand
Since starting The Recipe Critic in 2012, I’ve grown this blog into one of the most-visited cooking sites, reaching millions of readers every month. What began as a personal project turned into a full-time career I never could’ve imagined—and I’m so grateful for every bit of it.
Here’s what I’ve been up to along the way:
- Over a decade of recipe development. I’ve written and tested thousands of recipes that are now used every single day in homes around the world!
- Author of The Tried & True Cookbook (2024). This cookbook features over 150 of my most-loved recipes and was designed to make everyday meals easier and more approachable. You can find it here.
- Featured on national TV. I was invited to Good Morning America to share quick and easy meals from my cookbook with a national audience.
- Regular guest on Utah local news. I’ve been featured on KSL Studio 5 and Fox 13 News Utah where I’ve shared recipes, kitchen tips, and my journey as a food creator along with news articles about my life as a food blogger as shown in the Salt Lake Tribune.
- Covered by national media. My recipes and story have been highlighted by outlets like the New York Times, BuzzFeed, Parade, PureWow, Woman’s World, and ABC News.
- Social media reach of over 12 million. My audience continues to grow across Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube, where I connect with home cooks daily through recipe videos and tutorials.
Building The Recipe Critic has been one of the most unexpected and rewarding experiences of my life—and it all started with one simple goal: to make home cooking easier for families like mine.
Outside the Kitchen
When I’m not in the kitchen testing recipes or working behind the scenes on the blog, I love spending time with my family and getting outdoors. We have a cabin in the mountains, and it’s one of my favorite places to relax, unplug, and reset. Whether it’s summer hikes, snowy winters, or just sitting on the deck with a good meal, the cabin is our escape.
I also love to travel—both to discover new food and experience new cultures. Exploring local markets, trying new dishes, and getting inspired by flavors from around the world plays a big role in how I create recipes back home.
My family is everything to me, and a lot of what I share on The Recipe Critic is inspired by the way we actually live: busy schedules, real meals, time together, and a love for good food—wherever we happen to be.
Connect with Me
I always love hearing from readers, brands, and anyone who shares a passion for food. Whether you have a question about a recipe, are interested in working together, or just want to reach out, I’d love to hear from you.
Email: alyssa@therecipecritic.com
You can also connect with me here:
I genuinely appreciate every message and comment I receive. Connecting with this community means a lot to me, and it’s what keeps me inspired to keep sharing recipes and cooking tips. Thank you for being here.
