Hi, my name is Melissa and I’d like to welcome you 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…
I live in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina (which is in the southern part of the larger Appalachian mountain range), where I make my home with my husband and my two fur kids. But before I lived here, I grew up in the northern Appalachians of Pennsylvania. And I’ve also lived in Georgia and Florida. My husband is an engineer, and in the past, we have moved around a bit for his job! I tell you this because you will see these places I’ve lived and loved reflected in my recipes. You’ll find both southern recipes as well as recipes from my PA heritage.
I have always loved to cook and bake. I grew up in a time and place where cooking from scratch, growing a garden and preserving food were just what everyone did. These things weren’t a way to make a living but were just part of regular life. And back before food blogs were even a thing, I had other careers. I was a wildlife biologist and then later became a web developer. And during this time, cooking was something I did every day for my family (and was also a hobby and passion). But I never dreamed that it would one day become a career for me. It’s something that I’m grateful for every day.
So I’m not a professional chef, but more of a good home cook. A country cook who makes delicious recipes that are easy and frugal. I like the familiar, classic recipes that I grew up with. I make food that is simple and comforting. (But don’t get me wrong – I consider myself a pretty accomplished cook and I’m not afraid to whip up something more involved like Julia Child recipe on occasion!) And fun fact: although I didn’t make it to the final round to actually make it onto television, I did make it through several rounds of Master Chef and met Gordon Ramsay’s wife who was a judge!
But in this space, I share more than just recipes. I’m also a maker and I have a passion for living simply and close to the land. Living in these beautiful mountains really encourages me to live according to the seasons. And I like to share my inspiration here. You’ll find ideas for growing and preserving food, seasonal crafts, and tips for the home.
So if this all sounds good to you, I hope you’ll come back and visit often! I’ll be here and sharing everything handmade, homemade, and homegrown!
