Hey there, I’m Sara!

Welcome to TheKitcheen – I’m so glad you found your way here!

My Story

I’m a 34-year-old marketing coordinator living in the suburbs with my partner and our energetic 6-year-old. Like so many of you, I spend my days juggling work deadlines, school pickups, and that eternal question: “What’s for dinner tonight?”

Five years ago, I was that person ordering takeout three nights a week and feeling guilty about it. I’d scroll through Pinterest looking at gorgeous food photos, try those “quick 30-minute meals” that somehow took me two hours, and end up with disasters that went straight to the trash. Sound familiar?

Why I Started TheKitcheen

After one too many recipe failures (looking at you, “easy” chicken tikka masala that required 15 ingredients I’d never heard of), I realized something: most food content out there isn’t made for people like us. You know – people who shop at regular grocery stores, have basic kitchen equipment, and just want to make good food without the stress.

That’s when TheKitcheen was born. This isn’t about perfect plating or gourmet techniques. It’s about real cooking for real life.

What You’ll Find Here

Tested recipes that actually work – Every single recipe gets made multiple times in my regular old kitchen before it goes live. If I can’t find the ingredients at my neighborhood Kroger, it doesn’t make the cut.

Honest timing – When I say 30 minutes, I mean 30 minutes from start to finish, including prep. No magic cooking fairy helpers assumed.

Real ingredient lists – Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and olive oil shouldn’t be the most exotic things in your pantry to make my recipes.

Budget-friendly options – Most of my meals feed a family of three for under $15, because who has money to burn on Wednesday night dinner?

Substitution suggestions – Out of paprika? No problem. I’ve got you covered with alternatives that won’t require another grocery run.

My Cooking Philosophy

Good food doesn’t have to be complicated. Some of my family’s favorite meals are the simplest ones – like my go-to sheet pan chicken and vegetables or the pasta dish I can make with whatever’s leftover in the fridge.

I believe cooking should bring joy, not stress. It should bring families together, not tear your hair out. And it definitely shouldn’t require a culinary degree or a kitchen that looks like it belongs on HGTV.

Beyond the Recipes

When I’m not in the kitchen, you’ll find me trying to keep up with my daughter’s soccer schedule, binge-watching cooking shows (for research, obviously!), or attempting to keep my herb garden alive on the windowsill. I love reading your comments about how you’ve tweaked my recipes or what your families thought – that connection is what makes this whole thing worthwhile.

Let’s Cook Together

Whether you’re a fellow working parent trying to get dinner on the table, someone just starting their cooking journey, or anyone who wants to make good food without the fuss, you’re in the right place.

I’m not a chef, and I don’t pretend to be. I’m just someone who figured out how to make weeknight cooking work for a busy life, and I want to share what I’ve learned with you.

So grab your apron (or don’t – I usually forget mine too), and let’s make some delicious, doable food together!

Get in Touch

I love hearing from you! Drop me a line at info.thekitcheen@gmail.com or find me on Pinterest and Instagram where I share behind-the-scenes kitchen moments and answer your cooking questions.

Let’s make dinner happen – the real-life way.

Happy cooking!
Sara ❤️