About Me - Jeri Walker - Winding Creek Ranch

Simple Recipes and Big Flavors, From My Kitchen To Yours

Jeri Walker standing in front of her Pit Boss pellet grill ready to take off a smoked spatchcock chicken.

Hi! I'm Jeri!

The founder and face behind WINDING CREEK RANCH, a food blog full of easy and delicious family recipes. Here, we turn ordinary days into amazing ones with:

Easy family recipes to make your life simpler
Delicious meals for all seasons and occasions

My Background

I live in the country on an old working cattle ranch. I have 3 grown kids (2 boys and a girl), a giant Saint Bernard dog, Bruno, and one cat, Lucy.

I love experimenting in the kitchen (or outside on one of my pellet grills/smokers) and creating new recipes.

A collage of Jeri and her family, along with a few fun facts about her.

More About Me

My husband, Bill, and I have a greenhouse, a root cellar, and an enormous garden where we grow enough vegetables for the entire year.
When I went to college, I had to learn how to cook, so I poured through cookbooks and magazines and watched cooking shows on TV.
I used to have a business selling homemade perogies with a friend in my early 20s.
I love traveling to new places and trying new food.
I am currently obsessed with my air fryer, two pellet grills (yes, sometimes a girl needs two), and electric smoker.
My husband, Bill, and my kids are my taste testers (and anyone else who happens to be over). If they don't go back for seconds and declare it blog-worthy, it doesn't make it onto the blog, period.

Jeri and Bill Walker standing on the beach in Maui, Hawaii.

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

Jeri and Bill Walker standing in front of a waterfall in BC, Canada.

Exploring in British Columbia, Canada.

Jeri's daughter scooping up a piece of Chicago deep dish pizza at Giordanos in Chicago.

My Inspiration

I love to make dishes from all the places we have traveled, whether it's a bowl of seafood chowder like the one I had in Victoria, BC, a taco like the one from a food truck on the beach in Hawaii, or a deep-dish pizza like the one we had in Chicago.

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Where This All Began

After I had kids, I used to search Google and Pinterest for easy dinner recipes. I love photography and cooking, so it seemed like a natural step to start my own food blog, which I did in early 2021.

My mission is to provide easy-to-follow recipes that use simple, everyday ingredients, while also embracing the unique flavors that come with different seasons and special occasions. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner (Air Fryer Shrimp Tempura), or something special to serve at your backyard BBQ (Smoked Pork Butt), you'll find plenty of options here.

And if you're just starting out in the kitchen, don't worry. 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 To Find Here...

Easy Dinner Recipes. Many of these recipes can be made in under 30 minutes, and some in less than 15 minutes!
Check out my quick and easy Air Fryer Recipes.
Short on time? Check out my Instant Pot Recipes.
Do you have a smoker? Then you HAVE to check out my delicious Pellet Grill + Smoker Recipes.
Check out easy-to-make-yet-they-look-fancy coffee recipes in Beverage Recipes.
Want the perfect dessert to finish off your meal? Browse my Dessert Recipes.

Want to see ALL the recipes on the blog? Check out my Recipe Index—over 300 easy and delicious recipes your family will love!

You also might want to visit The Beverage Snob, a second blog I started with my daughter. 🙂

Awards

I'm thrilled to announce I was awarded the Best Comfort Cuisine Family Recipe Blog in 2024 by the Global Business Awards 2024.

Podcast Appearances

FAQs about Jeri and the Blog

What is your cooking experience?

I have over 40 years of cooking experience. I also worked in an elementary school teaching students basic cooking skills, as well as in a high school Foods class before blogging full-time.

How do I find a specific recipe?

To find a specific recipe, use the search bar at the top of the page or browse the recipe index by category, ingredient, or recipe name.

What Readers Are Saying

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!

- our reader, Michael

I really enjoy your recipes with your personal touch.

- our reader, Scott