Welcome to My Kitchen
Hi, I’m Maya Lawson—a chef in my mid-30s with a passion for creating food that feels comforting, approachable, and inspiring. At The Food Aunt, I share the dishes that shaped my life, the flavors that ground me, and the recipes I’ve perfected through years of cooking both professionally and at home.
Cooking Philosophy
My culinary approach is rooted in simplicity, warmth, and confidence-building flavors. I believe great food doesn’t need to be complicated: it just needs heart, intention, and balance. Every recipe on The Food Aunt is created to be accessible, achievable, and deeply satisfying.
My Personal Journey
I grew up in a family where the kitchen was the heartbeat of the home. After training in culinary arts and working in several restaurants, I realized my joy came from teaching others how to cook—not just cooking for them.
The Food Aunt was born from that mission: to help home cooks feel supported, guided, and inspired.
What The Food Aunt Offers
On this website, you’ll find:
• Fully tested recipes with step-by-step instructions
• Comfort food remakes with a modern twist
• Practical kitchen tips for everyday cooking
• Ingredient breakdowns and flavor pairings
• Seasonal recipe collections
• Occasional behind-the-scenes chef notes and personal stories
My Recipe Testing Process
I take recipe accuracy seriously. Every dish goes through a structured process:
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Initial development and flavor balancing
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Multiple tests for consistency and clarity
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Measuring and timing verification
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Home-cook friendly simplification
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Final write-up and photography
Only after passing each step does a recipe earn a place on The Food Aunt.
Core Values
• Honesty in ingredients and instructions
• Inclusivity for cooks of all experience levels
• Respect for cultural food origins
• Commitment to transparency in partnerships
• Dedication to accurate, thoroughly tested recipes
Experience & Highlights
• Over 12 years of culinary experience
• Formal training in classical and modern cooking
• Recipe developer for multiple food brands
• Host of community cooking workshops and online classes
Work With Me
I collaborate on:
• Recipe development
• Food photography and styling
• Sponsored content
• Brand ambassadorships
• Cooking demonstrations
• Editorial contributions and interviews
Inquiries: admin@thefoodaunt.com
FAQ
Do you test all your recipes personally?
Yes—every recipe is developed, tested, and finalized by me before publication.
Can I request a recipe?
Absolutely. You can email requests to admin@thefoodaunt.com.
Do you work with brands?
Yes, as long as the partnership aligns with the values of The Food Aunt.
Are your recipes beginner-friendly?
Most are designed with beginners in mind, with clear step-by-step instructions.