Hi there, I’m Alae—a 41-year-old self-taught chef born and raised in the United States, and still proudly rooted here. My kitchen is my sanctuary, a place where I get to mix memories, flavors, and just a touch of chaos into dishes that speak straight to the heart. For me, cooking isn’t just about food; it’s about connection, comfort, and creativity.

I didn’t grow up dreaming of being a chef. In fact, I took a long, winding path to get here. I worked in retail, dabbled in graphic design, even tried my hand at carpentry for a while. But I always found myself coming back to the kitchen—hosting friends, experimenting with spices, watching people close their eyes with that first blissful bite. That feeling? It’s addictive. And that’s when I knew: this is where I belong.

I’m a big believer in making food approachable. I’m not into perfection or fancy plating; I’m into flavor, fun, and learning through trial and error. Burnt a batch of cookies? Been there. Forgot the salt? More times than I care to admit. But every mistake has taught me something new, and every success—no matter how small—feels like a celebration.

Living in the U.S. has given me access to such a rich melting pot of cultures and cuisines. I love taking traditional recipes and giving them a little twist—maybe a dash of cumin where you’d least expect it, or folding in something seasonal from the farmer’s market. Cooking this way keeps me curious, keeps me humble, and keeps my guests on their toes.

These days, I spend most of my time sharing recipes, tips, and stories with fellow home cooks. Whether you’re brand new to the kitchen or have been chopping onions for years, my goal is to help you feel a little braver, a little bolder, and a whole lot more joyful when you’re cooking. If I can pass on even a fraction of the warmth and wonder that cooking has given me, then I’m doing something right.

So come on in, pull up a chair, and let’s make something delicious together.