

Your guide to the culinary world
Hi, Iβm Kelsey! Let me be your guide to the wonderful world of cooking and eating.
Elevated Eating
~
Elevated Eating ~
Cook
Jonesing for a new recipe to try? Check out my recipe blog and find everything from comfort foods to learning how to craft sushi.
Eat
Looking for a place to eat while you travel? Check out my culinary travel guides and explore my favorite spots to eat in Colorado and beyondβ¦
Learn
Cooking tips and tricks from beginner cooks to experienced chefs looking to hone their skills. These are my favorite tricks to use in the kitchen.
Latest From The Blog
Learn how to make traditional Japanese dashi with kombu and katsuobushi. This simple umami-rich broth is the base for miso soup, udon, sauces, and more!
Craving something crunchy, tangy, and addictive? These quick pickled cucumbers are made with pantry staples and no fermentation fuss. Enjoy them right away or stash them in the fridgeβtheyβre perfect with rice bowls, grilled meats, or as a refreshing snack. Totally customizable and super versatile!
These homemade meatballs are everything you wantβjuicy, flavorful, and endlessly versatile. Whether you bake, pan-fry, or smoke them, this meatball recipe starts with a rich combo of beef, pork, and veal (or lamb!) and packs in garlic, Parmesan, and fresh herbs. Perfect for pasta night, sandwiches, or meal prep.
Tired of bland chicken noodle soup? This Asian Chicken Noodle Soup is the upgrade you need! Infused with ginger, lemongrass, and a savory soy-based broth, this cozy, customizable soup is perfect for cold nights, sick days, or anytime youβre craving big, bold flavors.
If youβre looking for a salad thatβs fresh, flavorful, and anything but boring, youβve just found it! Vietnamese Chicken Salad (Gα»i GΓ ) is packed with juicy poached chicken, crunchy veggies, fresh herbs, and the most addictive fish sauce dressing. Itβs light, healthy, and incredibly customizableβperfect for a quick meal or meal prep. And donβt worry, poaching chicken is way easier than it sounds (I promise!). Get ready to upgrade your salad game with this vibrant, umami-packed dish!
Avocado toast just got a major glow-up! This Japanese Avocado Toast is packed with umami, customizable for the whole family, and a ridiculously easy way to make breakfast way more exciting. Think creamy avocado mashed with soy sauce, topped with furikake, a jammy egg, and a drizzle of Kewpie mayo. Itβs the perfect balance of savory, crunchy, and downright delicious. Ready to take your toast to the next level? Letβs go!
Looking for a quick, family-friendly dinner thatβs packed with flavor? Anna Paulβs viral Turkish pasta is a must-try! This creamy, garlicky, and savory dish is as comforting as it is easy to make. Plus, Iβve given it a healthy twistβusing whole wheat pasta for extra fiber and swapping in lean ground turkey or chicken for a lighter take. Ready in under 30 minutes, this one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights. Keep reading to learn how to make this TikTok-famous pasta at home!
These Asian turkey burgers are a healthier, flavor-packed alternative to beef, featuring ground turkey, shoyu, furikake and panko for a juicy, umami-rich bite. The special ingredient? A creamy, spicy wasabi mayo that elevates every bite! Whether you serve them on a toasted bun, over rice, or protein style, these versatile burgers are an easy weeknight meal. Perfect for meal prep, grilling, baking or air frying.
Hello, Delicious - The March Edition is up! This month, Iβm sharing my review of 2 viral TikTok recipes, my favorite ground turkey recipes and how to have an elevated omakase experience at home. Check it out to learn all my tips and tricks for elevated spring eating.
These Soy Sauce Marinated Eggs (Mayak Eggs) combine the rich umami of Japanese shoyu eggs with the sweet-savory-spicy kick of Korean Mayak eggs. Marinated in soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, and a touch of sweetness, these jammy eggs make the perfect topping for ramen, rice bowls, or a quick, protein-packed snack. Easy to make and packed with flavorβyour new favorite meal prep staple!
This Asian meatloaf recipe is a game-changer! A bold twist on the classic comfort food, this version is packed with ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and panko crumbs for incredible flavor and a perfectly tender texture. The best part? Itβs super easy to makeβjust 20 minutes of prep! Plus, youβll learn my special dipping sauce recipe that takes this dish to the next level! Whether you're making it for dinner, meal prep, or leftovers, this Asian-inspired meatloaf is sure to become a new favorite.
Japanese Caesar salad with creamy miso dressing is full of umami and endlessly customizable. This salad is sure to become a favorite. Get the recipe and add it to your rotation!
Quick, easy and delicious! Learn how to make chicken katsu in the air fryer - a satisfying dinner or bento lunch.
Change up your baked potato recipe with this Japanese sweet potato version. Miso butter is the perfect savory compliment to the sweet and nutrient rich potatoes. Top your potatoes with anything youβd like. Some favorites include; broccoli, radishes, furikake sprinkles and garlic chili oil.
Welcome to my new blog series! Iβll be recapping my favorite eats each month, and this month is special because Iβm highlighting my dining experience at Noma. Wondering if Noma truly lives up to the hype? Iβll take you through my Noma experience, from the ambiance to the unforgettable dishes that made this one of my most memorable meals.
Everything you need to know about udon noodles! Learn what udon is, how to cook it, essential ingredients, and delicious hot and cold variations to try at home.
Warm up on chilly nights with this hearty Kale, Sausage, and Tortellini Soup! This easy-to-make recipe features savory sausage, tender tortellini, and nutrient-packed kale for the ultimate winter comfort food. Customize it to your liking and enjoy a cozy, satisfying bowl in no time!
Learn how to make easy homemade pork dumplings with this step-by-step recipe! Dumplings are a universal comfort food enjoyed across Asian cultures, and this version features a savory pork filling wrapped in crispy, golden perfection. Perfect for the upcoming Lunar New Year!
Simple, cozy, and full of family memoriesβthis hamburger and pea okazu is a no-fuss Japanese-style stir fry that comes together fast and hits all the comfort food notes.
Leftover turkey congee is a delicious twist on traditional congee that makes the most of your holiday turkey. This silky, savory rice porridge is the perfect antidote to post-holiday fatigue, blending the hearty richness of homemade turkey stock with bold Asian-inspired garnishes like chili garlic crisp, green onions, and furikake.
Shepherdβs pie is a winter favorite. For a Japanese twist, letβs add Japanese Curry! Itβs flavorful and hearty to keep you warm on the chilly winter nights. This comes together in an hour and the leftovers taste just as great. Perfect for all Japanese curry lovers.
Elevate traditional spaghetti with a kick of spicy green chili! Eat over noodles or as a regular chili topped with shredded cheese, onions, cilantro, and Tabasco.
Combining two classic comfort foods from two different countries equals a winning combination. Learn how to make an Asian version of American pot pie with savory Japanese curry.
No potluck or gathering is complete without Spam and Egg Musubi! This easy-to-make Hawaiian classic combines savory caramelized Spam, fluffy tamago (egg), and perfectly seasoned rice wrapped in nori. Learn the secrets to making it at home, plus tips for fun toppings like shoyu green chili.
Spice up your deviled eggs for the holidays with this amazing, umami version! These are sure to be a crowd pleaser.
Craving that tangy, spicy hot and sour soup from your favorite Chinese restaurant? This homemade version is quick, customizable, and way more satisfying than takeout.
Looking for a colorful winter salad thatβs anything but boring? This Fuyu persimmon salad is bright, crunchy, and perfectly balanced with roasted veggies and seasonal greens. Inspired by Japanese ingredients and winter produce, itβs an easy, show-stopping salad thatβs full of flavor and cultural roots.
This Hawaiian-style Furikake Chex Mix is the ultimate holiday snackβsweet, salty, crunchy, and totally addictive. A nostalgic treat perfect for gifting or snacking!
This Asian-inspired roasted veggie salad is a warm, satisfying twist on your usual leafy bowl. With toasty vegetables, a sesame oil vinaigrette, and punchy toppings like chili crunch and scallions, itβs the perfect way to upgrade your veggie game.
My Favorite Culinary Trips
-
San Francisco
The Bay Area is known for itβs cuisine, here are my favorite picks.
-
Colorado
Find the best restaurants in the Mile High City and beyond.
-
Chicago
Exploring the culinary prowess of the Windy City.
-
Mexico City
The best places I found to eat in CDMX.
Master the basics of miso soup with this easy, comforting Japanese recipe. Made with dashi, miso paste, and your favorite add-ins, it's a cozy, customizable bowl of umami youβll want on repeat.