The Novice Chef
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About me

Michelle Nelson crafting a recipe with flair

Behind the Recipes

Cooking is My Canvas

Hello and welcome to my blog! I’m Beverly Amanda, and I’m thrilled to have you here. I live with my wonderful husband, who not only tastes all my dishes but also helps with washing the dishes from time to time! We have a wonderful group of kids who keep our lives lively and full of energy. They are usually engaged in various activities, whether it’s exploring new interests or simply enjoying playtime, which brings a lot of joy to our daily life. In my free time, I love to visit my favorite spots, play volleyball, and read books. Although, let’s be honest, this doesn’t happen very often with the busy pace of life! I started this blog in the fall of 2010, driven by frequent requests for my recipes from friends and family. After following a few recipe blogs, I thought, “Why not start my own?” And that’s how this journey began. My blog is continually evolving as I learn more about blogging and the art of cooking. I hope you enjoy what I share as much as I enjoy creating it. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Hotel/Restaurant Management from Clemson University. I trained professionally in a university kitchen, learning how to prepare large quantities of food as well as intimate meals in small settings. This experience has helped me develop recipes that are easy and flavorful. My goal is to offer simple and easy recipes using ingredients you likely have in your kitchen. I want to provide you with family-friendly options that make cooking at home a rewarding experience, even amidst the busyness of life. Trust me, I’ve been there, and I still am!

Think of me as your kitchen muse, here to inspire with bold ideas and smooth techniques. From silky sauces to crisp pastries, I’m obsessed with the details that turn meals into moments.

My Story

Roots in the Kitchen

My love for cooking began in my grandmother’s kitchen, where the air was thick with the scent of simmering pots and the sound of laughter. Those early days shaped me, turning every chop and stir into a piece of my story.

Now, through Michelle Recipes, I’m weaving those memories into dishes for you—simple yet soulful, crafted to spark your own kitchen tales. From heirloom recipes to new twists, it’s all about flavor and feeling.

Fresh ingredients for Michelle Recipes

My Philosophy

Flavor Meets Purpose

Cooking isn’t just about eating—it’s about creating. I’m all in for fresh, seasonal ingredients that sing with bold flavors, paired with techniques that anyone can master.

I’m also big on purpose—using every scrap, cutting waste, and making meals that matter. Michelle Recipes is where simplicity meets adventure, one delicious bite at a time.

Explore My Recipes →
Michelle Nelson finding inspiration in a farmer's market

What Inspires Me

Life in Every Bite

Inspiration strikes in the hum of a market, the glow of a summer sunset, or the chill of a winter morning. My recipes capture those fleeting moments—turning seasons and stories into flavors you can taste.

It’s the smiles around the table that drive me—whether it’s a dish from my travels or a memory from my mom’s kitchen. Cooking connects us, and I’m here to share that joy with you.

In the Kitchen

Tools of the Trade

Every dish I create leans on a few trusty companions—a cast-iron skillet for that perfect sear, a knife that cuts like a dream, and a wooden spoon worn by years of love.

I keep it simple and real—these tools make cooking a breeze. Want to level up your kitchen game? Peek at my go-to picks!

See My Favorites →

Milestones

A Recipe for Growth

2019

Kicked off Michelle Recipes with a chili recipe that warmed hearts and homes.

2022

Reached 10,000 subscribers and cooked live with my amazing community.

2025

Launched video tutorials to bring my kitchen straight to you.

Join Me

Stir Up Some Fun

Michelle Recipes is a kitchen party, and you’re invited! Let’s whip up new dishes, swap ideas, and savor the magic of food together—week after week.

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