Welcome to This Wife Cooks!
I’m Holly, the writer, recipe developer, and photographer behind This Wife Cooks. My mission is to demonstrate to home cooks how easy and enjoyable it can be to prepare tasty meals the entire family will love.
By sharing flavorful and accessible recipes, I aim to make vegan and vegetarian cooking approachable for everyone, regardless of culinary experience. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, vegan, vegetarian, or carnivore, I hope my recipes inspire you to get into the kitchen and create something delicious.
This Wife Cooks began in 2008 as a fun and practical way to keep track of kid-tested, family-approved recipes. Over the years, what started as a hobby has transformed into my full-time passion and career. As I transitioned from being a lifelong meat-eater to vegetarian (2012) then vegan (2017) and gradually back to vegetarian (2024), the blog has evolved to reflect my journey.
My Culinary Background
I am a self-taught home cook and have been cooking for family and friends since receiving my first cookbook, Better Homes & Gardens New Cook Book (the classic with the red checkered cover!), back in 1992.
My biggest cooking influence was my late father, who worked in the restaurant business and instilled in me the value of hospitality and the ability of a great meal to bring people together. Growing up, our kitchen was the heart of the home, where we shared countless meals, stories, and laughter. My dad’s passion for cooking and his knack for creating delicious dishes with simple ingredients served as an inspiration to me.
Over the years, through trial and error, countless cookbooks, and endless hours of cooking shows, I have developed my own style and a deep love for serving my family with food.
Philosophy and Inspiration
I believe that great food doesn’t have to be complicated. By using fresh, high-quality ingredients and straightforward techniques, I believe anyone can create meals that are both satisfying and flavorful.
My recipe inspiration comes from a blend of traditional family recipes, global cuisines, and seasonal ingredients. I strive to create dishes with widely available ingredients and that are easy to prepare at home using standard kitchen equipment and tools.
Media Features and Accomplishments
My cookbook, Plant-Based Vegan Meat (2021) is available through Amazon and all major booksellers.
I have been a featured guest on The Laura Theodore Podcast and The Cooking Detective.
This Wife Cooks has been featured on numerous websites and online magazines, including VegNews Magazine, PETA, Parade Magazine, Brit & Co., The Washington Post, Live Kindly, and more.
What You’ll Find Here
Here, you will find a wide range of recipes, from quick weeknight dinners to elaborate holiday feasts. Most recipes are vegan as written and all are vegetarian.
Each recipe is tested by me and my family to ensure accuracy and reliability. You will also find tips and tricks for improving cooking skills, food pairing suggestions, and ingredient recommendations to help you make informed choices.
Join the Community
I invite you to join our vibrant community of food lovers! Follow me on Facebook for daily recipes, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and a chance to interact with fellow cooking enthusiasts. You can also find me on Flipboard, Instagram, and Pinterest.
Don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for new recipes, cooking tips, and more!
Beyond the Kitchen
When I’m not cooking or working on This Wife Cooks, you’ll find me volunteering with community theater, taking care of my family, traveling as much as possible, and enjoying the freedom of the homeschool lifestyle.
Thank You!
Your support and enthusiasm mean the world to me. Thanks for stopping by! Look around, keep in touch, and come back soon!
Cheers!
