hi hello, so happy you're here!
I'm Emma!
I am the photographer, videographer, recipe developer, and writer behind Essence Eats. Here on Essence Eats, you will find modern spins on traditional comfort food dishes!
a little background about me
Growing up with a single hard working mom and three siblings, I was primarily the one cooking meals. We had no access to high quality ingredients, just lots of ramen, hot dogs, mac and cheese, white rice, and spam (ironically I love mac and cheese with hot dogs now).
I began really experimenting in the kitchen in my teen years in an effort to spice up dishes for myself and my family. This still wasn’t anything extravagant but getting more comfortable in the kitchen and more inventive in cooking. Like cooking white rice in broth instead of water or making my own cheese sauce for mac instead of the powder packet. I loved being able to create new dishes that my family loved!
So how did I get here?
I think it’s clear my love language has always been cooking. And once I met my now husband and we moved in together, the kitchen quickly became my favorite place to be. I loved having a special someone to cook for!
I fell in love with cooking and nothing could stop me from learning more and to keep creating! Even though we lived in a small apartment I was constantly hosting family and friends. I would invent new recipes constantly and share them with my loved ones.
Once the pandemic hit, everyone was forced to be cooking since most places were closed. People would be reaching out for recipes for dinner or desserts. And that’s when it hit me that I want to turn this passion into something bigger.
Here I am 3 years later, being able to create recipes everyday for people that appreciate delicious food and mean a lot to me… you! I am so happy that you are here in my little corner of the internet to cook and grow with me!
what will you find on EssenceEats
- Modern comfort food recipes (both savory & sweet) that are bursting with flavor and made with love in my own kitchen!
- Details on recipe ingredients, including variations, substitutions, and the best places to buy high quality ingredients.
- Outlined step-by-step instructions for visual learners.
- Tips & tricks to nail the recipe every single time!
- Thorough follow-along videos that you can play alongside making the recipe.
more about emma
I definitely like to create soup recipes the most. Probably because they are one of my favorite things to eat, but also because it is so much fun to meld flavors in a pot and come out with a delicious bowl of soup!
Definitely my brown butter banana bread! It takes only one bowl, 10 minutes to make, and an hour to bake.
I love cooking with herbs! I know that is not one ingredient but please don't make me pick just one herb that I love! Herbs add so much flavor and depth to a dish and they are such an accessible ingredient.
First of all, you're here & you got this! That is the first step. My best piece of advice is be open minded. Cooking is not that serious and often the best creations can be when you make a mistake or make a dish your own.
If you are wanting to push yourself, try making my loaded pierogi with sour cream dough. This recipe uses a lot of cooking techniques that are advanced. It also is so fun to learn how to make the little pierogi pockets.
featured in
emma's favorite recipes
let's be friends!
You can find Essence Eats on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Youtube! Never be afraid to message me on any platform. I'd love to chat and be friends!