Thanks for dropping by. Pleased to meet you!
My name is Melissa and there are very few moments in the day I’m not preoccupied with food. So why not start a food blog and monopolize those limited leftover bits?
When I’m not developing recipes, photographing, or writing about food, I’m exercising while browsing through food magazines, making lists of food I want to make, or trading recipes with my mom and sisters.
Food and I are BFFs.
Sometimes BFFs can get a little needy and consume all your time, though. With four kids and a husband, I curse food a lot too.
The grocery lists, meal planning, cleaning up one meal to start another, unwarranted complaints from kids, weeknight dinners, packing lunches, hurried breakfasts, and the incessant “I’m hungry, Mommy” all make it seem like a rollercoaster I will never get off.
Why do I go through all the extra effort? It’s how I create, show love, and provides me with moments of glorious salvation when I finally sit down to enjoy it.
Or, if I really want to get psychoanalytical about it, it might stem from being raised with five brothers and sisters where I always had to hoard, hide, or seize food quickly before it vanished.
Why a food blog?
MamaGourmand is the culmination of what occupies my mind, heart, and time – my family and food. Being a mother, I have to balance the hours in the kitchen with other practicalities, such as everyone having clean underwear.
I believe in the importance of nightly family meals because it’s the one moment everyday we are all together. Unfortunately the catalyst for making that happen is YOU – the person who cooks.
My recipes help you tackle the family meal with ease. There’s no need to be a total nut job while trying to pull it off!
I use simple directions, streamlined steps, affordable ingredients, and, most importantly, make sure it’s absolutely rewarding to eat.
This blog is an extension of me, how I juggle it all, get overwhelmed by it all, and love it all. It’s how a foodie feeds a family.
Wait. This is Gluten Free??
I grew up in a gluten utopia with an Italian mother and grandmother shunning store-bought pasta, bread, or desserts. We always sat down to THE BEST homemade meals.
When I had to become gluten free, (if you really want to get all up in my business you can read more about my health struggles here) I refused to be dependent on processed, expensive gluten free products or complicated recipes.
MamaGourmand’s recipes use simple ingredients, you can buy at your neighborhood grocery store, that are naturally gluten free. My (gluten loving) family and I enjoy all the same homemade meals that are just as comforting and delectable as the meals I grew up on.
So, yes,all the recipes are either gluten free or have gluten free adaptations, but more importantly it’s just good home cooking that all will enjoy!
PAUL JONES says
THE RECIPE FOR THE BEST CINCINNATI CHILI DOES NOT STATE WHAT TYPE SPAGHETTI (ANGLE HAIR/REGULAR) & HOW MUCH FOR THIS RECIPE. WOULD YOU PLEASE INFO. THX, PJ.
Melissa says
Hi Paul,
Traditionally the Cincinnati Chili tops regular spaghetti, but it can go on any type of pasta. If you click through to the recipe, it also gives other serving suggestions, such as hot dogs or baked potatoes. As for the amount of pasta to cook, I usually just prepare as much as I plan on serving. For my family of 6 we usually use a 1 pound box. If you have chili leftover, it freezes great too. Hope this helps!
Best,
Melissa
Debra says
I am Celiac and your site has really added to my recipe bin!!! It is nice to feel normal and to get a recipe that works for me!!!! I am now once of your biggest fans! THANK YOU ONCE AGAIN!!
Melissa says
Hi Debra,
This truly made my day! Thank you so much and I’m so appreciative you taking the time to write and let me know. I am so happy you found the site as well. Welcome and please let me know if I can help you with anything!
Best,
Melissa
Debra says
New recipes are really appreciated when one is celiac!!! Thankyou so much!!
Melissa says
I agree, Debra! So glad you found the site!
Best,
Melissa
Jacqueline Jimenez says
Hi I’m looking for a good donut glaze without corn syrup can you help me? Thank you
Melissa says
Hi Jacqueline,
I wish I could, but I don’t have a recipe for that. Good luck!
Best,
Melissa
Lora L Bowman says
Would honey maple syrup and butter and tapioca flour work???
Melissa says
Hi Lora,
That sounds like a great idea! Thanks for chiming in!
Best,
Melissa