My Culinary Journey
Hello! I’m Josie Brook, a classically trained chef and lifelong recipe tinkerer based in Asheville, North Carolina. Cooking is woven into my earliest memories, standing on a milk crate next to my Grandma Evie, learning how simple ingredients can transform into meals that nourish both body and soul. That sense of wonder and community has guided me ever since.
After graduating from a nationally accredited culinary school in Providence, I embarked on a whirlwind of professional kitchen experiences. A New Orleans externship taught me the rhythm of Cajun kitchens, and five intense years on the line at a Brooklyn bistro honed my skills in everything from seafood to soufflés. Those years weren’t without mishaps (ask anyone who witnessed my tray of molten chocolate cakes slide off the pass!), but each challenge shaped the cook and teacher I am today.
From Culinary School to the Bistro Line
Today, I split my time between developing recipes and raising my eight‑year‑old daughter, Sadie. Together we film the messy bits and the magic, showing that great cooking isn’t about spotless counters or perfect camera angles, it’s about experimentation, laughter, and learning from mistakes. You’ll often see Sadie’s creativity (and love of TikTok‑worthy cheese pulls) in our kitchen adventures.
Cooking at Home with My Daughter
These days, I’m home again, teaching my eight-year-old daughter, Sadie, the same lessons Grandma Evie taught me, though Sadie’s more interested in TikTok-worthy cheese pulls than in perfectly crimped pie shells. Together we film the messy bits and the magic alike, because I want her (and you) to see that greatness in the kitchen isn’t about spotless counters; it’s about tasting, adjusting, laughing when the caramel goes from amber to asphalt, and trying again with fresh sugar. My guiding philosophy is simple: if the food sparks conversation and a second helping, it’s worth making, and if it doesn’t, we’ll learn why and call pizza.
What You’ll Find Here
On Recipes by Josie, you’ll discover:
- Tested recipes: Every dish is developed and tested in my home kitchen, drawing on my professional training and global travels. I’m passionate about Southern produce married with flavors from Oaxaca to Hokkaido.
- Practical tips: I share Grandma Evie’s handed‑down secrets, my own hard‑won tricks from restaurant kitchens, and kid‑friendly adaptations for busy families.
- Global inspiration: Expect everything from classic comfort food to trending recipes, always adapted with care and personal experience.
- Transparency: I’m not a dietitian or medical professional; any wellness or weight‑loss recipes are based on research and personal testing. Please consult a qualified health‑care provider for personalized advice
Staying Connected
Cooking is a conversation. I love hearing from readers and fellow food lovers, whether you’re a seasoned chef plating micro‑herbs with tweezers or a new cook wondering which burner is “low.” You can connect with me via the Contact Us page or follow our daily kitchen adventures on social media.
There’s always room at our table. Thank you for being here!
With love and butter,
Josie