About me

Hi, I’m Iris your cozy kitchen companion and the heart behind MeltMeal.com. If you’re the kind of person who finds comfort in the aroma of something simmering on the stove or who believes that even a simple grilled cheese can brighten a rough day, then we’re already kindred spirits.

I live in the heart of Chicago, in a little apartment that smells like cinnamon in the fall and garlic in the spring. My kitchen isn’t fancy no marble countertops or six-burner ranges here. Just a well-loved cast iron skillet, a collection of mismatched mugs, and a fridge full of possibilities.

At first, I wasn’t a trained chef just someone who fell deeply in love with the way food can gather people, tell stories, and offer comfort. But over time, through countless hours of cooking, tasting, and experimenting, that passion grew into something more. After a little journey filled with small successes, happy accidents, and lots of delicious memories, I decided to take a new step: to become a chef myself. Not for the titles or the prestige, but for the joy of creation the chance to dream up new dishes that blend comfort, creativity, and heart.

From my grandmother, who cooked by feel and not by measurement, I learned that food is more than fuel it’s love, memory, and connection. And now, with my own chef’s journey, I carry that lesson into every recipe I create, always searching for flavors that spark joy and moments that linger.

These days, I spend my time not only dreaming up cozy, crave-worthy recipes but also crafting new dishes that reflect both tradition and imagination. I’m still sipping chai while scribbling ideas on the backs of grocery receipts, still chasing golden kitchen light with my camera, but now with a deeper sense of purpose: to share food that is comforting, inspiring, and a little bit magical.

And while I’m the main cook behind MeltMeal, I’m not stirring the pot alone.
You’ll sometimes find posts from Sara, a dear friend and fellow food lover who shares her own delicious twists and thoughtful kitchen stories. Her writing brings a fresh spark to our cozy table a different flavor of comfort, but always made with the same warmth.

Whether you’re a college student learning to boil your first egg, a tired parent needing a 20-minute dinner, or a fellow food lover excited to try something fresh and new, I’m so glad you’re here. Let’s make something delicious together.

What you’ll find on MeltMeal:

🍽️ Step-by-step guides that make recipes foolproof (even if you’ve never chopped an onion)
⏱️ Quick & easy meals that fit into real, everyday life
🌱 Creative twists and original creations inspired by my chef’s journey
❤️ Comfort food with a personal touch warmth, nostalgia, and joy in every bite
👩‍🍳 A welcoming space for all skill levels no judgment, just good food and good vibes

MeltMeal isn’t just a recipe site it’s a love letter to the home cook in all of us, and now also a canvas for my own chef’s creations.
So come on in. The oven’s warm, the playlist’s on, and there’s always a seat at the table for you.

With love and a full heart,
Iris