About LJ Stahl

I spent 25 years climbing the corporate ladder—PowerPoints, performance reviews, and more jargon than any normal person should endure—before doing what any rational person would do: I quit to start a food blog. It wasn’t a midlife crisis. It was a plan. I did my homework, got my finances in order, and walked away on purpose (with spreadsheets to prove it).

I grew up in a small town in Indiana as the only Asian kid around, which meant being a little different came early. My parents, a spicy Korean mom and a quick-witted American dad meant the food had heat and the humor had bite.

After college, I spent three years teaching in Ecuador and Guatemala. Those years taught me more about people, patience, and flavor than any boardroom ever could.

These days, I’m a certified nutrition nerd (Precision Nutrition Level 1) and a 14er-hiking, weight-lifting, running, yoga-loving human who truly enjoys sweating before eating and sipping. Balance, right? Also, I believe rosé tastes great however you like it—better on ice. Preferences are personal and I will be over here feeling fine and hydrated.

My approach to cooking started with my husband—a charming Scotsman who outweighs me by about 100 pounds (and yes, he sounds like James Bond). Cooking for both of us became a fun challenge: how to make one meal that fits two goals? The answer: one recipe, two moods. Think lighter/wholesome meets rich/satisfying.

All my nurturing energy goes into feeding and educating people on food that is our first line of medicine for health. When having guests over I make sure no one leaves my house hungry or thirsty.

If you’re here for food that’s flexible, flavorful, and maybe a little unique—you’re in the right place. Welcome.

Dual-Dish Design: Healthy vs. Hedonistic

Yin and Yang represent the dualistic nature of food as nutrition and hedonistic sensory joy, where opposite elements are complementary and interconnected. Complementary as they are born from the same base ingredients. Interconnected in that those base ingredients can magically be transformed to the other side with a few twists. Yin is the side of healthier lightness while Yang is the side of indulgent richness. The concept reflects the dynamic balance and harmony found in the natural world of food. 

Explore The Recipes New? Start here!

LJ’s Favorite Recipes

More Favorites

Get to Know Me

go-to coffee order

black coffee at home

Couldn’t live without

lash extensions

All Time Favorite meal

kalbi with steamed rice

I’d rather be

in the mountains

My Favorite Memory

climbing Mt Buet

Take my money

designer bum bags

You can always find me

listening to podcasts

On Repeat

Elton, CCR and Taylor

FAQ

Risotto grains softly simmer, absorbing rich broth and a dash of parmesan, creating the perfect umami-filled experience. Tender chicken breast grills to golden perfection, with a squeeze of lemon adding a bright twist. Quinoa, seasoned with fresh herbs.

Risotto grains softly simmer, absorbing rich broth and a dash of parmesan, creating the perfect umami-filled experience.

Risotto grains softly simmer, absorbing rich broth and a dash of parmesan, creating the perfect umami-filled experience.

Risotto grains softly simmer, absorbing rich broth and a dash of parmesan, creating the perfect umami-filled experience. Tender chicken breast grills to golden perfection, with a squeeze of lemon adding a bright twist. Quinoa, seasoned with fresh herbs.

Risotto grains softly simmer, absorbing rich broth and a dash of parmesan, creating the perfect umami-filled experience. Tender chicken breast grills to golden perfection, with a squeeze of lemon adding a bright twist. Quinoa, seasoned with fresh herbs.

Risotto grains softly simmer, absorbing rich broth and a dash of parmesan, creating the perfect umami-filled experience.

Shop My Favorites

Shop my curated collection of tools, pantry staples, gadgets, and decor that I use and love in my own kitchen.

Visit the Shop