About

Welcome to Cook With Lara

Hi, I’m Lara Whitman – I’m so happy you’re here!

Cooking, to me, is about so much more than just following recipes – it’s about stories, connection, and the sheer joy of sharing something delicious with others. I started Cook With Lara with one simple belief: great food brings people together, whether it’s a cozy breakfast with family or a big, laughter-filled dinner with friends. I’ve spent over 12 years immersed in the world of food – from winning the Midwest Regional Bake-Off in 2019, to being featured in Foodie Daily, collaborating with renowned chefs on farm-to-table events, and teaching hundreds of home cooks through my popular virtual cooking workshops. Along the way, I’ve learned that food isn’t just fuel; it’s a bridge to new experiences, cultures, and lifelong memories.

Every step of my culinary journey has taught me that even the simplest meal, prepared with love and curiosity, can become extraordinary. The kitchen is my creative playground, and I love pushing boundaries, experimenting with flavors, and learning new techniques. But what I cherish most is the spark of joy when someone tells me they’ve made one of my recipes and it’s become a family favorite. That’s the real magic.

How It All Started

My love for recipes began in my grandmother’s sun-filled kitchen, where the scent of warm cinnamon rolls meant Saturday mornings were for stories and second helpings. Watching her cook from memory, a pinch of this and a handful of that, I realized recipes are a living legacy. I still remember the first meal I ever cooked alone – it was a slightly overdone frittata, but the pride I felt was unforgettable. That spark stayed with me through culinary school, restaurant kitchens, and countless hours of home experimentation.

What I love most about recipes is their power to bring people together – to turn an ordinary day into something special, to spark laughter around the table, and to create new traditions. That’s why I started Cook With Lara: I wanted a place to document my kitchen adventures, share what I’ve learned, and hopefully inspire you to find your own joy in cooking. This blog is my way of opening my recipe box to you, with all its triumphs, flops, and flavor-packed surprises.

Why You Can Trust Me

I bring over 12 years of hands-on experience in cooking, baking, and recipe development. My background includes everything from running pop-up supper clubs to working the line in bustling bistros, as well as hosting virtual classes that have reached thousands of food lovers worldwide. I believe in quality, not shortcuts. Every recipe on Cook With Lara is carefully researched, tested (and retested!), and thoughtfully photographed so you can trust it will work in your kitchen.

I’m obsessed with details – from perfecting the rise of a soufflé to balancing flavors in a classic stew. Before any recipe lands on the blog, I’ve spent days (sometimes weeks!) tweaking ingredients, adjusting methods, and ensuring every step is crystal clear. My approach is equal parts curiosity, precision, and a deep love for food.

I also care deeply about the way food looks. All the photos on this site are taken by me, using natural light and plenty of patience to capture that just-right golden crust or the swirl of cream in a soup. Visual storytelling is half the joy for me – I want you to feel like you’re right in the kitchen with me, smelling the cinnamon and hearing the sizzle.

When I’m not cooking, I’m hiking forest trails, scouring farmers’ markets for the next great ingredient, or curled up with a good food memoir. I’m always learning, always exploring – whether it’s new cuisines, cooking science, or the stories behind classic dishes. That ongoing curiosity shapes everything I share here, and it means you’re always getting my freshest ideas, insights, and discoveries.

Let’s Connect!

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just finding your way around the kitchen, I’d love to hear from you. Have a question about a recipe? Want to share your results or just say hi? Here’s how you can reach me:

Thank you for stopping by Cook With Lara. I hope you’ll join me on this delicious journey – and I can’t wait to see what you’ll cook up next!

Meet the Team

Lara Whitman — Founder & Head Recipe Creator
As the founder of Cook With Lara, I develop all the recipes and photograph every dish. I draw on 12 years of professional and home cooking experience, culinary school training, and a lifelong love of sharing food. My approach is all about making cooking joyful, accessible, and just a little bit adventurous. When I’m not in the kitchen, I’m exploring new food markets or hiking the local trails.

Julia Chen — Recipe Tester & Food Writer
Julia is my right hand in the kitchen, testing recipes to make sure they work perfectly every time. With a background in nutrition and food journalism, she helps write clear, detailed instructions so you feel confident with every step. Julia loves experimenting with global flavors and believes in the magic of a great meal shared with friends. She’s an avid gardener and grows most of the herbs we use!

Marcus Lee — Content Editor & SEO Specialist
Marcus ensures our recipes are easy to find and even easier to follow. With over 7 years in digital publishing, he refines every post for clarity and searchability. Marcus is passionate about food photography and often helps style our shoots. He’s a dad of two, and his kids are our toughest taste-testers!

Priya Singh — Community Manager
Priya keeps our community vibrant, answering questions, sharing tips, and managing our Pinterest and email newsletter. With a background in hospitality and communications, she’s all about making everyone feel welcome. Priya loves hosting dinner parties and brings that spirit of warmth and inclusion to everything she does here.