Hi There
Thanks for Stopping By!
I’m Joanne Andrea – the creator, photographer, and recipe developer behind The Salty Pot.
These days, my kitchen (and this blog) are evolving with small households in mind. I’m focusing on easy, familiar recipes that feel manageable, cook once when it makes sense, and leave you with practical leftovers (sometimes portioned or frozen) so future meals are easier and nothing goes to waste.
This blog is in the middle of that shift. Some older recipes may not yet include updated portioning or make-ahead notes, but I’m working through them steadily, one dish at a time.
Grab a fork, get comfy, and let’s dig in!
How It All Started…..
Before The Salty Pot existed, my first love was photography. For years, I photographed people, food for local restaurants, chefs, butchers, and even some beef and pork producers. My work has appeared in print and online, including Avenue Magazine.
But eventually, I realized I didn’t just want to photograph food…. I wanted to create it. My cooking roots run deep: inspired by my Grandma Mary’s Ukrainian cooking and preserving traditions, and my father’s Dutch food stories and hearty classics. Those influences planted the seeds of my passion for cozy, comforting, no-fuss meals.
I’m a single gal with a small household that includes my two sidekicks, Bayo and Dougie … my dogs, who are always “helping” in the kitchen. I love cooking big, hearty meals, but I don’t always want to eat the same thing all week. These days, I lean on small-batch cooking and smart portions (sometimes setting aside single servings for later) so dinner doesn’t have to be a full production every night.
Also, cooking for my mom, who lives independently with Parkinson’s, has also shaped the way I cook. I focus on meals that are easy to reheat, simple to eat, and still taste amazing. This ties back to my background in college, where I trained as an Occupational Therapy Assistant focusing on mental health in the geriatric population. I’ve always been passionate about making daily life easier and more dignified for people, and food is one of the best ways I know how.
What Kind Of Recipes You’ll Find Here…
✅ Simple – no complicated steps or fussy ingredients.
✅ Freezer-Savvy – portioning, storing, and reheating tips built right in.
✅ Budget-Friendly – stretching a grocery budget without skimping on flavor.
✅ Creative with Leftovers – because yesterday’s meal deserves a tasty “second act.”
✅ Rooted in Heritage – inspired by Ukrainian, Dutch, and old-school comfort food traditions.
What About EazyGrub?
Alongside The Salty Pot, I also run EazyGrub – my fun, slightly cheeky kitchen where every recipe is made with six ingredients or less. This is where I play with quick, clever meals that use “helper” ingredients (like cans of soup or seasoning packets) to get hearty, budget-friendly dishes on the table quickly and easily. Think of it as comfort food with a shortcut! The recipes are tasty, filling, and perfect for those days when you just want dinner to be easy.
But EazyGrub isn’t just for grown-ups who are tired and hungry! It’s also a kid-friendly playground. The recipes are quirky, kitschy, and easy enough for little hands to help with. From silly snacks to fun dinners, it’s all about getting kids interested in cooking, giving them wins in the kitchen, and turning mealtime into memory-making family time.
Why I Do This….
For me, cooking is about connection……the comforting smells from Grandma’s kitchen that I remember, the joy of experimenting with flavors, and the satisfaction of making life easier for those I love, including you, my readers.
I’m not a trained chef, but I’ve spent years tinkering in the kitchen, figuring out what works and what doesn’t so you don’t have to.
My goal?
To help you feel your own kitchen magic, whether you’re throwing together a quick meal after a long day or batch-cooking to make life simpler.
Let’s Hang Out!
So, grab your favorite coffee, tea, or a glass of wine, and explore the blog! You’ll find easy recipes, cooking tips, and plenty of inspiration to make life in the kitchen simpler and tastier.
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Have a question or just want to say hi? Reach out through my contact page – I’d love to hear from you!
Thanks for stopping by – you just made my day!
