Hi, I am Jezelle! :))
A curious, self-taught home cook and the heart behind Barely Salted. I’m in my late 20s and living on my own, which has shaped how I cook and how I move through everyday life. I’ve always been a bit of a perfectionist, but cooking has taught me to embrace a little mess.
How My Love for Cooking Started
Even as a kid, I was drawn to the kitchen. Cooking for our family always made me happy, and I remember feeling a little thrill every time my parents complimented my food. I also loved collecting recipes from product packaging, books, and TV shows. Each recipe felt like a little treasure hunt for new ideas. Those early experiences sparked the curiosity that still drives me in the kitchen today.
Cooking Philosophy
I grew up learning how to make the most of what was already in the kitchen, and that mindset has stayed with me. I’m frugal and budget-conscious, so I get creative with simple ingredients and find ways to make them go a long way. My wallet keeps me inventive (lol), sometimes more than my taste buds would like, so I focus on meals that are practical, satisfying, and realistic for everyday life.
I also love trying new recipes and exploring dishes from different cultures, including traditional recipes from other countries (even ones I haven’t been to yet). It’s my way of connecting with the world and discovering a little about each place.
How Barely Salted Started
I never in my wildest dreams imagined I’d have a food blog. I’ve always been curious about how things work, even if I didn’t always love the technical side of it, and seeing a friend run her own blog gave me the idea to start one too. She encouraged me to bring it to life, and that’s how Barely Salted became my space to share recipes and ways I express myself.
Daily Life & Kitchen Rituals
I usually work from home, and cooking has become something I always look forward to. I like to start my day with a little exercise or meditation to feel centered. Watching films inspires me in life, and I often have music playing in the background while I cook, which keeps things fun.
My go-to meals are oats champorado, boiled eggs, and sweet potatoes. Noodles, potato chips, and fried chicken are three guilty pleasures I never say no to.
What You’ll See Here
On Barely Salted, you’ll find a mix of recipes and experiments that reflect how I enjoy cooking. From simple everyday meals to flavors inspired by other countries, this is where I share the things that make the kitchen fun for me. I also like to sprinkle in little glimpses of life, like music I love, films that inspire me, or random thoughts that make me smile.
Ways You Can Support This Site
If you enjoy Barely Salted, there are simple ways to help keep it going. Sharing posts with friends, saving recipes, or following along on social media all mean a lot.
Some links on the site are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them (see my affiliate disclosure here). This comes at no extra cost to you and helps me continue sharing recipes, experiments, and the things I love.
You can also support Barely Salted directly. If you’d like, you can make a one-time contribution via PayPal, Ko-Fi or explore my Storefront to see items I recommend or love. Every bit helps, and I appreciate it more than I can say.
Thank you for being part of this space. It means a lot to me, and I’m happy you found your way here :))
Current Obsessions
Music
I don’t know what it is about this song, but it makes me feel something I can’t exactly explain.
Film
I’m a sucker for classic romcoms. The last film I got completely lost in was Ball of Fire (1941), and the famous ‘yumyum’ moment always cracks me up.
Food
I recently got obsessed with this recipe: Japanese Asian Carrot Salad with Kewpie Sesame Dressing, and I even made my own version. Hoping to post it in the next couple of days.
Love,
Jezelle