Simple Recipes and Big Flavors, From My Kitchen To Yours

Hi! I'm Jeri!
The recipe developer, photographer, and voice behind Winding Creek Ranch, a food blog with over 450 easy, flavor-packed recipes that make home cooking feel simple again. With more than 1.91 million pageviews and 1.15 million users in the past year, it’s become a go-to resource for real people looking for real food.
You're In The Right Place If You're Looking For...
- Easy family dinners that come together fast.
- Smoked, grilled, and air-fried recipes that actually work.
- Homemade sauces, sides, and desserts to round out the meal.
- Hearty breakfasts, fresh salads, and real-food basics.
- Sourdough and homemade bread recipes that actually rise.
- Easy canning recipes and freezer-friendly preserves for extended storage.
- Appetizers and party snacks that are simple but crowd-pleasing.
- Copycat recipes inspired by your favorite restaurants and cafés.
- Beverage recipes - from cozy drinks to coffee shop favorites made at home.

Why Trust Me?
I have over 40 years of hands-on cooking experience and a background teaching cooking skills to students in both elementary and high school. Every recipe on this site is developed and tested by me—often multiple times—so you can follow it with confidence, whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been cooking for years.
I style, photograph, and film every recipe in my own kitchen—and if it’s not a hit with my family, it doesn’t get posted.
A Bit About Me
- I live in the country on an old working cattle ranch with my husband Bill, our Saint Bernard Bruno, and our cat Lucy.
- I have three grown kids.
- I have a massive backyard garden that keeps us stocked all year long. We also grow vegetables and herbs in a greenhouse and store produce in a root cellar.
- I'm currently obsessed with my air fryer, two pellet grills (because one’s never enough), and my electric smoker.
- Food has always been my thing. I LOVE reading cookbooks, flipping through recipe magazines, and watching cooking shows.
- I even ran a homemade perogy business with a friend in my early twenties.
- I love recreating dishes we’ve tried while traveling - like seafood chowder from Tofino, tacos from a Hawaiian food truck, or deep-dish pizza in Chicago.

Exploring in British Columbia, Canada.

Enjoying the sunset in Maui, Hawaii (My hair does not handle humidity, lol).

Deep dish pizza in Chicago.
Where It All Started
I started Winding Creek Ranch in early 2021 after years of googling “easy dinner recipes” for my family. With a love for photography and a passion for food, launching a recipe blog was the next step. What began as a way to organize our favorite meals has become a full-time job—and a growing online community.
My mission is to provide easy-to-follow recipes that use simple, everyday ingredients while embracing the unique flavors that come with different seasons and special occasions.
With clear instructions and helpful tips, I'll guide you through each recipe step by step so you can confidently prepare delicious meals for yourself and your loved ones.
What You Can Expect Here...
You’ll find recipes that are:
- Quick to prep, with simple instructions
- Made from everyday ingredients
- Family-tested and picky-eater approved
👉 Try These Categories First:
- Pellet Grill + Smoker Recipes - outdoor cooking made simple
- Air Fryer Recipes - quick and easy meals
- Dinner Recipes - many recipes can be made in under 30 minutes, and some in less than 15 minutes
- Instant Pot Recipes - dinner in a flash
- Beverage Recipes - coffee shop vibes, made at home
- Dessert Recipes - everything from fruit crisps to brownies
Want to see ALL the recipes on the blog? Check out my Recipe Index—over 450+ easy and delicious tested recipes your family will love!
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Awards + Recognition
🏆 Best Comfort Cuisine Family Recipe Blog — Global Business Awards 2024
🏆 Recipe Platform of the Year — Corporate LiveWire Global Awards 2024/2025
From Readers Like You
I have to say that of all the food bloggers I have followed over the years, you are hands down the best. Your expertise in all cooking methods—air fryer, grilling, and smoking—is crazy good!
- Michael
I really enjoy your recipes with your personal touch.
- Scott
FAQs
I’ve cooked for over 40 years, taught cooking in schools, and now blog full-time. Everything I publish is tested and family-approved.
Use the search bar or browse the recipe index by category, ingredient, or name.
Contact
You can reach me by email at jeri@windingcreekranch.org or by message on Facebook or Instagram. You can also ask a question in any comment section below any recipe, and I will personally respond.
Thanks for stopping by—I’m so glad you’re here. I can't wait to help you discover your new favorite recipe. Let's get cooking!
Love, Jeri ❤️
my top 8
✨ Popular Posts
- Best Smoked Salmon on Pellet Grill Recipe
- Best Fall Off The Bone Smoked 3-2-1 Ribs Recipe
- Extra Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings With Baking Powder
- The Best Smoked Beef Brisket Recipe in Electric Smoker
- Pit Boss Smoked Chicken Wings
- Ninja Creami Cookies and Cream Ice Cream
- Juicy Air Fryer Bone In Pork Chops
- Smoked Spatchcock Chicken On Pellet Grill
These recipes have been tried, tested, and loved by readers—perfect starting points for exploring the flavors of Winding Creek Ranch.