About Me

Hello There. I’m Stephanie, the face and flavor behind Pepper Backs It. You might be wondering, “Who’s Pepper?” That’s me, too. As a child, my beloved Grandma Pat called me “Peppermint.” As I grew older, I shortened the nickname to Pepper. It became a truly valued alter ego as my cooking life flourished and I realized how much I adore the spice, pepper.  I also just love spicy food. Pepper Backs It stands for my passion project, where casual home cooking meets learning and sharing.

Sharing is a gratifying practice to me. Throughout my life, I have had many opportunities to coach, mentor, advise people. Helping people learn is kind of like a talent of mine, I guess. Here at Pepper Backs It, I hope to share some recipes, nifty quick meals, and general kitchen wisdom I’ve accumulated over the years. Please know this site is not all about recipes; I also delve into the ‘why’ and ‘how’ so you can cook smarter, not harder. I will mix life stories with a bit of science behind the food we enjoy daily. The kitchen is my laboratory, and I want to pass along the “eureka” discoveries that make cooking a delightful experience. Whether you’re a kitchen newbie or a seasoned cook looking for a fresh perspective, you’re in the right place.

Ultimately, I seek satisfaction for my soul. I hope you will join along and find satisfaction for your soul, as well.

From Disappointment to Discovery: My Food Philosophy

I was once like you, facing the kitchen with a mix of hope and hesitation. I started cooking at home many years ago, driven by disappointment with restaurants that too often left me underwhelmed or, even worse, unwell from foodborne illnesses.

You’re probably asking, ‘Why does that matter?’ Here’s why: each unsatisfying meal was a nudge towards the stove, each bout of illness a reminder of the hidden hazards in my favorite dishes. These experiences weren’t just setbacks; they were my call to culinary arms.

In my opinion, cooking at home offers an element of control that dining out can’t match. It invites you to interact intimately with your ingredients, to understand the whys and hows of each recipe. I find this process empowering.

I’ve found joy and pride in perfecting the classics, experimenting with flavors, and occasionally (let’s be honest, frequently), surprising myself with the results. Now, I’m here to help you do the same.

So what’s the essence of my food philosophy? It’s simple: make it delicious, make it safe, and make it an experience to savor. Through my journey, I’ve honed a collection of recipes that I can’t wait to share with you.

As we continue to learn and grow together, I promise to feed not just our bellies but our curiosity for food science and the techniques that elevate our home cooking. I really believe that everyone deserves to cook with confidence and to enjoy meals that are a true reflection of their taste and care.

Tune in to Pepper’s Picks: Tested Trusty Tools & Treats

Bonus prize content! I’m not just here to showcase my favorite recipes, I’m here to cut through the clutter and get you straight to the good stuff. That’s right, I take time out of my schedule to rigorously test and select kitchen tools and ingredients that I truly believe in – because I want you to experience the best in your culinary adventures, and beyond.

If you’ve ever felt lost in the aisles of a kitchen store, wondering which gadgets are worth your hard-earned money, then you’re exactly where you need to be. My kitchen is your kitchen, and I’m constantly on the lookout for products that are not just good, but great. It’s not just about making a meal, it’s about making a statement with tools and treats that stand the test of time and taste.

Here’s a little secret: I never intended to become the go-to person for kitchen advice. But after seeing the impact of my recommendations on my coworkers and friends – how a simple suggestion can turn into a kitchen revolution for them, I knew I had to share what I’ve learned with a wider audience. Think of me as your culinary curator, filter, and friend. I’m here backing it all up with experience and passion.

Finally, I want our journey in Pepper Backs It to be bright, delightful, and, most importantly, fun! Cooking is a celebration of flavors, life, and togetherness. Let’s make sure every time we step into the kitchen it’s with a smile, ready for an adventure. Remember, I’m here with you every step of the way, sharing knowledge, excitement, and maybe even a few laughs. Here we GO! Roll up your sleeves, grab your favorite apron, and let’s create some fantastic food memories together!

As I hone in on the direction I want this site to go, I will feature various topics and products. I have no desire to try to compete with online chefs. I am literally simply sharing my life.

Remember: We are seeking satisfaction for our souls.

Me!
Pepper, aka, Stephanie

Advantages Of Cooking At Home

I was tired of getting food poisoning eating out. Trusting food preparation, whether in a restaurant or from manufactured goods, seemed like a game of chance that I was increasingly uncomfortable with. That’s when I began to see the kitchen as a sanctuary where I could ensure both the enjoyment and the safety of my meals.

It turns out, I’m not alone. Many people have faced this kind of uncertainty about eating out, worrying that the next meal could have unpleasant consequences. There’s something to be said for the peace of mind that comes with personally selecting and preparing your food. Knowing that your hands are the ones chopping, stirring, and seasoning adds a layer of safety that you just don’t get elsewhere.

For me, cooking is really relaxing and very enjoyable. It became my daily unwinding ritual. Not only did I rid myself of the anxiety over potential food issues, but I also stumbled upon an activity that allowed me to decompress after a long day. There’s a simple pleasure in the sizzle of onions in the pan and the fragrance of garlic in the air that is incredibly soothing.

Read further for inspiration to cook at home, where you’re going to find out about making dishes that are not only safer for you but also bring a host of other advantages. Cooking at home isn’t just about avoiding bad experiences; it’s about creating new, positive ones—and I’m here to help you on that journey to discovering your own joy and safety in home cooking.

The Health and Wellness Benefits of Cooking at Home

Now, let’s get to the heart of why cooking at home can do wonders for your health and mental wellness. If you’re hesitant about the idea, don’t worry too much about your current skill level. Everyone starts somewhere, and the journey to wellness through cooking is well worth it. And that is why I have this website.

By taking charge of your meals in your own kitchen, you can cater to your specific dietary needs and preferences. Whether it’s gluten-free, low carb, or rich in probiotics, you call the shots. There’s no mystery meat or unpronounceable preservatives here; you choose everything that goes on your plate.

Want to sidestep the risk of food poisoning? Cooking at home means you’re the boss of cleanliness and food safety. You can ensure that your meat is properly cooked and your veggies are thoroughly washed. You’ll lower your risk of foodborn illnesses, not only keeping you healthier but potentially saving you from a bout of food poison-induced downtime.

Here’s something else to consider: cooking isn’t just about feeding your body; it can nourish your mind too. Many find the process of chopping, stirring, and sauteing to be a soothing rhythm that melts away the stress of the day. It’s a way to unwind and focus on something tangible and nurturing.

Additionally, when you commit to cooking at home, you’re signing up for a course in culinary skills and nutritional know-how. Bonus prize, no tuition needed! In my opinion, there’s no better way to get to grips with what constitutes a balanced diet than by getting hands-on with the ingredients that should fill your plate.

If you stick with it, you’re going to find out about a whole world of flavors you might have never experienced had you relied solely on takeout or microwave dinners. Home cooking opens the door to food exploration, discovery, and a deepened knowledge of food cultures from around the world.

Inspiration to Embark on Your Home Cooking Adventure

I’m here to help you with the nudge you might need to begin your journey into home cooking. Hopefully, what I present will not be daunting, rather approachable. It’s not just about safety and health—it’s also about the sheer pleasure it brings. You’re going to find out how embracing the art of cooking at home can transform your daily routine and even your outlook on life.

Choose something that resonates with you. Maybe it’s the idea of whipping up cozy comfort food or the thrill of trying exotic recipes. Start small with dishes that are within your comfort zone, and gradually experiment with more complex meals as your confidence grows.

Don’t worry too much about making everything perfect on your first try. Cooking is a skill that gets better with practice, and it’s perfectly okay to have some flops along the way. Remember, your first attempt doesn’t need to be your last. I am going to share my own cooking fails because I think that will be fun.

If you want to connect with others who share your newfound passion for cooking, there’s a lot of opportunity in joining cooking classes, online forums, or local foodie groups. These platforms can provide you with tips, recipes, and the encouragement needed to keep improving.

I really hope that these insights inspire you to take the leap and start cooking at home. Trust me, the rewards are worth it—from the pride in creating a meal to the peace of mind that comes with knowing exactly what’s on your plate. So, why not give it a shot? After all, the next delicious meal could be the one you make yourself.

Charcoal Grilling

Charcoal lighting basket

Charcoal grilling. First, grab a simple Weber charcoal grill and a coal chimney (in featured photo), if you like. Get ready for the soul satisfying event of cooking on this grill. There’s just something special about gathering around a charcoal grill, the smoky aroma wafting through the air. It’s an experience that taps into our primal love for fire and flavor. Grilling transforms a simple meal into an outdoor event.

Charcoal grilling offers a level of authenticity you can’t get from other methods. In my opinion, the unique taste that charcoal imparts to food is unparalleled. Whether it’s the slight smokiness in a perfectly grilled steak or the crispy edges of a juicy burger, the flavor profile is robust. There’s also the undeniable charm of the rituals involved – from lighting the briquettes to the satisfying sizzle as food hits the grill.

Don’t be afraid of grilling with charcoal. Let’s get started!

Simplicy is good. Life is good.

 

Why am I (Pepper) here

I have a concept. I believe I can bring an entertaining, more simplistic version of a cooking website for people to enjoy.

Short Attention Span

I don’t know about you, but I get really bored slugging through giant websites full of WAY too many words, just to get to a recipe. I do want to see beautiful pictures of the food people make. And lets share little tips as we go. I am hoping to see and share home cooked dishes and you own description of whatever you’d like to share about ingredients, preparation, taste, etc.

Let’s just share and have fun

I hope to find an audience who will find this site and share their own experiences with our followers. NO judgement zone.

We are not looking for professional dishes nor professional photos. You be YOU.

Humor

I really love a good laugh. Please share fails as much as successes.

Conclusion

This site is super basic right now. I know. Hey, everyone has to start somewhere, right? Let’s just go! Let’s make something really fantastic together. I’m excite to hear from you.

Please submit your creation and or ask questions in comments below.