Hi all! Welcome to My Homemade Roots. This is the place where I share my favorite homemade, from scratch recipes (OK, mostly from scratch because I do enjoy a shortcut here and there!) I also share my best garden and home tips, recipes for canning and preserving, ideas for DIY projects and crafts, and some inspiration for simple and seasonal living.
A little bit about me…
Hi folks. I’m Melissa, and I live in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in southern Appalachia with my husband and our two furry kids. Originally, I grew up in the northern Appalachians of Pennsylvania and have also called Georgia and Florida home. My husband’s career as an engineer has taken us to various places, and you’ll see the flavors of these regions reflected in my recipes—ranging from southern classics to dishes rooted in my Pennsylvania heritage.
Much of what I know about cooking, gardening, and homesteading comes from the generations before me. I was raised in a time when cooking from scratch, gardening, preserving food, and hands-on craftsmanship were simply part of everyday life. These skills shaped my approach to food and living. Later, I went on to study permaculture and home food preservation, obtaining certificates in both.
Before I ventured into food blogging, I had quite a diverse career path. I worked as a wildlife biologist, a paralegal, and later, a web developer. Throughout those years, cooking remained my daily joy and passion—a hobby that I never imagined would evolve into a fulfilling career. These days, this website is my full-time career. You can find more of my writing and recipes in publications like Mother Earth Living and Capper’s Farmer.
While I may not be a professional chef, I pride myself on being a good home cook—a country cook dedicated to crafting delicious, easy, and budget-friendly recipes. I cherish familiar, classic dishes from my upbringing and aim to create simple, comforting meals. That said, I enjoy experimenting in the kitchen and can whip up more intricate recipes when the mood strikes—I’ve even made it through several rounds of MasterChef and met Gordon Ramsay’s wife, who was a judge!
I also share more than just recipes. I’m passionate about living simply and in harmony with nature, and I draw inspiration from the beautiful seasons in the mountains. You’ll find ideas for gardening, food preservation, seasonal crafts, and helpful tips for your home.
If this resonates with you, I invite you to come back and visit often! I’m excited to share everything handmade, homemade, and homegrown with you!
-Melissa Lynn