Hi there! I’m Lauren Saunders, a 37 year old self-taught chef nestled in the foothills just outside Asheville, North Carolina. My first attempt at cooking was a disaster.
I tried to make a grilled cheese sandwich in a toaster oven when I was nine, and let’s just say the smoke alarm got more action than the sandwich. But that kitchen mishap sparked something in me. It was the beginning of a journey filled with flavors, mistakes, and the kind of joy that only food can bring.
My path to the kitchen wasn’t exactly conventional. I studied environmental science, worked with community gardens, and even spent time behind a camera as a freelance photographer. But no matter what I was doing, food kept finding its way into my life. Cooking became my creative outlet and a way to connect with people. I started by hosting casual dinners for friends, then pop-up suppers in my neighborhood. Before I knew it, I was deep into sourdough starters and fermenting just about anything I could fit into a mason jar.
What I love most about cooking is its invitation to play. I believe the best meals come from a mix of intuition, a dash of courage, and a willingness to get a little messy. My style is warm and welcoming—slow-cooked stews with a surprise twist, cookies with a hint of sea salt and rosemary, and seasonal dishes that make the most of what’s fresh and local. I don’t chase perfection; I chase comfort, connection, and that “wow, I made this?” moment.
Nowadays, you’ll find me testing recipes in my home kitchen, recording laid-back cooking videos, and chatting with fellow home cooks online. I especially love encouraging beginners to trust their instincts and enjoy the process, whether they’re tackling their first roast chicken or figuring out how to jazz up a weeknight pasta.
If you love to experiment, embrace the occasional kitchen flop, and find joy in feeding the people you care about, we’re going to get along just fine. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and let’s cook something beautiful together.
