About Me

Hi there! I’m Natasha, a mom of three amazing kids (two wild and wonderful boys and one sweet, strong girl), a wife, a home cook, and the heart behind NatashaPlate.com.

I live in Illinois, where the seasons change often but my love for home, family, and good food stays the same. Life here isn’t always picture-perfect, but it’s full of love, laughter, and the smell of something cooking on the stove, and honestly, that’s what matters most to me.

How It All Started

If you had told me 10 years ago that I’d be running a food blog, sharing recipes and stories with people all over the world, I probably would’ve laughed and said, “Who, me?” But sometimes, life takes you in beautiful, unexpected directions, and this blog is one of them.

I wasn’t born in a fancy kitchen, and I never went to culinary school. My cooking journey started in the most ordinary way: standing on a wooden chair next to my grandmother while she stirred a big pot of something that made the whole house smell like heaven. She’d hand me a wooden spoon that was too big for my hand, and I’d “help” while sneaking little tastes when she wasn’t looking. That’s where I learned the most important lesson about cooking: it’s not just about food, it’s about love.

As I got older, I started cooking more for my family. At first, it was out of necessity — busy days, growing kids, and the need to get dinner on the table fast. But the more I cooked, the more I started to enjoy it. It became my therapy, my creative space, and my love language.

Life as a Mom

Being a mom of three is equal parts beautiful and chaotic. My two boys have energy for days, and my daughter is small but mighty, full of questions, giggles, and the kind of wisdom that makes you stop and think. They’ve taught me so much about patience, joy, and how to find magic in the everyday.

Cooking for my family became one of the ways I express love. Whether it’s a slow Sunday breakfast, a quick school-night dinner, or baking cookies just because — those little kitchen moments have turned into some of my favorite memories.

Our kitchen isn’t perfect. There are crumbs on the floor, fingerprints on the fridge, and usually at least one kid asking, “What’s for dinner?” before I’ve even figured it out myself. But to me, that’s the heart of a real home.

Why I Started This Blog

NatashaPlate.com was born out of a simple dream: to share my recipes and stories with others who are looking for good food made with real ingredients and real love.

I wanted to create a space that feels like sitting around my kitchen table — where you can find easy, comforting recipes that don’t require a culinary degree or five trips to the grocery store. I believe cooking doesn’t have to be fancy to be special. Some of the best meals I’ve ever made were simple dishes that brought people together, filled hungry bellies, and made someone smile after a hard day.

This blog is my little corner of the internet where I share:

• Family-friendly recipes that are tried, tested, and loved by picky eaters and grown-ups alike
• Stories from my kitchen (and sometimes from my heart)
• Tips for busy parents who want to cook more but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen
• A reminder that food can be joyful, healing, and powerful

A Few Things I’ve Learned Along the Way

I’ve learned that it’s okay to burn the toast sometimes (I’ve done it more than I’d like to admit).
I’ve learned that cooking doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be made with love.
I’ve learned that kids are more likely to eat veggies if they help cook them.
And I’ve learned that feeding the people you love is one of the most meaningful things you can do.

I’ve also learned that I’m not alone — there are so many moms, dads, caregivers, and food lovers out there just like me, looking for something simple, warm, and real. If you’re one of them, welcome. You’ve found a friend in me.

What You’ll Find on NatashaPlate.com

You’ll find recipes for cozy soups, fun desserts, easy weeknight meals, and maybe even a few surprise dishes inspired by my childhood or the wild cravings that come with motherhood.

Every recipe is written with care, tested in my home kitchen (with plenty of interruptions), and shared with honesty. Some are quick and practical, others are meant for weekends when you have a little more time, but all of them are made to bring joy to your table.

And even more than recipes, you’ll find a story, because every dish has one.

Thank You for Being Here

If you’ve made it this far, thank you. Really. Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for letting me share a little bit of my life with you.

I know there are millions of food blogs out there, and it means so much that you’ve chosen to spend some time on mine. Whether you’re here for inspiration, connection, or just a good mac and cheese recipe — I hope you find what you’re looking for.

And I hope you always leave this site feeling full, not just in your belly, but in your heart, too.

With love,
Natasha 💛
Founder of NatashaPlate.com