Welcome
We’re Tressa and Shariq, a husband and wife team dedicated to sharing the recipes you actually want to make.
Shariq takes care of the website’s design and functionality. I focus on creating delicious recipes and writing the stories that bring them to life.
Tressa’s Story
I didn’t grow up cooking. Honestly, most of my meals came straight from a box. I guess that makes me a self-taught chef—and if I can learn how to cook, so can you!
My passion for cooking began while working in small, locally-owned restaurants in high school and college. Rubbing shoulders with some of the best, I learned many fundamental skills to help me around the kitchen. As a recipe developer and food blogger, I share that knowledge through helpful kitchen tips and tasty recipes.
I have a deep appreciation for global cuisine and food stories. Part of this comes from growing up in the Southwest, where I shared meals with many of my Hopi and Navajo friends. Sharing meals and cooking with them exposed me to new recipes, like savory mutton stew and blue corn mush. Their teaching about food’s role in community and family relationships inspired my curiosity.
Later, I became a pastor for international students for over a decade. I continued to learn about other cultures while cooking alongside my students to prepare meals that reminded them of home. Now, I cook with my mother-in-law (ami), who expertly prepares authentic Indian and Pakistani recipes while allowing me to put my unique spin on them.
Where Have You Seen Me Before?
- I was a semi-finalist in the Favorite Chef Contest, benefitting the James Beard Foundation.
- I regularly contribute to Reddit, Pinterest, and Samsung Food (Whisk).
- My recipes are shared on MSN and Copy Me That.
Fun Facts About Me
- During my younger years, I lived in a small town called Bullfrog with a population of about 200 people. When I make tasty meals my husband often jokes and says something like, “okay Bullfrog!”
- I pretended to have a chocolate allergy growing up so I didn’t have to explain to people that I didn’t like chocolate.
- I am not a perfectly curated home chef. Instead, you will find me in my kitchen with an oversized band shirt singing 90’s music as I cook.
- I could eat salad every day of my life and never tire of it.
What You’ll Find on Recipes they Want
- Healthy and nourishing meals for a well-balanced diet, with recipes for those with allergies and specialty diets.
- International recipes with a focus on Pakistani, Indian, and Middle Eastern cuisine.
- Life is busy, and as a business owner and mom, I need quick dinner ideas for everyday cooking. You will find quick air fryer recipes, meals for the Instant Pot, and meal prep ideas for those who enjoy planning ahead.
Keep in Touch
- Comment on my post. I love hearing your feedback on my recipes and how you personalize them, and make them your own.
- Follow me on social media. Check out my Instagram, Facebook page, and see what I’m sharing on Pinterest and Samsung Food (Whisk).
- Shoot me an email. Reach out to me directly through email.
- Get free recipes. You can sign up to have my recipes emailed right to you.