Hello, Hello

I’m Mel, and I am so happy you are here!

I’ve been posting my favorite, tried-and-true recipes on Mel’s Kitchen Cafe since 2008. I find tremendous joy in making other people (real life or virtual friends!) happy through crazy delicious, amazing food.

Even now, all these years and millions of readers later, my motives for food blogging haven’t changed. I simply want to share the best of the best recipes that will help you (and me!) feel like a rock star in the kitchen. 

I also share tips, tutorials, and occasional glimpses into real life. I work really hard to keep this space unsponsored and 100% authentic.

Feel free to email me at contact@melskitchencafe.com for questions, comments, or to share your favorite recipes with me (the best!). 

7 More Things About Me
15 Favorite Recipes in the History of Ever


7 More Things About Me

1. My husband and I currently reside on 25 acres in the southwest part of Idaho (moved here from Northern Minnesota by way of Wisconsin and Utah) with our five kiddos: four boys and one girl.

2. We also have managed to acquire 12+ chickens, 7+ cows, 4 kunekune pigs, 2 miniature donkeys, 2 golden retrievers, and a swarm of honey bees. It’s chaotic, dirty and fun *most of the time*

3. I am fiercely loyal to my little family, and I have a strong belief in Jesus Christ

4. Dark chocolate, forever and always.

5. I am a huge advocate of sun care and sun safety. You can read more about “the why” in this post about my journey with skin cancer. And other skin cancer/sun safety posts here.

6. I am not not a huge social media fan, but I have found that other than right here on the blog, Instagram is my second favorite spot to connect with you guys (although I do take Friday through Monday off from all social media). I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: I truly have the best readers on the internet. And I love connecting with you so much. You guys keep me going day after food blogging day. 

7. I am a homebody to the core. (Also, I very much hate wearing socks.) 


15 Favorite Recipes in the History of Ever

1. Black and White Cheesecake Brownies
2. Hawaiian Chicken Teriyaki Veggie Bowl
3. Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken
4. Beach Street Lemon Chicken Pasta
5. Applesauce Spice Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting
6. The Best Cinnamon Rolls on the Planet
7. Easy Homemade French Bread
8. Peanut Butter Kitchen Sink Cookies
9. Big Fat Double Dark Chocolate Cookies
10. Overnight Creme Brulee French Toast Bake
11. The Best Spinach Artichoke Dip
12. Banh Mi Meatball Sandwiches (My Favorite Sandwich Ever)
13. Copycat Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Recipe
14. Crazy Good Korean Beef Tacos with the Sauce to End All Sauces
15. Vanilla Bean White Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake


If you have a specific question, check out the FAQ page; your question may be answered already! To get new recipes straight to your inbox when they go live, subscribe via email here

For more information on privacy policies and affiliate disclosures, click here.

Disclaimer: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.