Meet Melissa

Meliss, author of Persnickety Plates, standing in kitchen smiling.
  • I’m a self-taught home cook who loves helping you feed your family with confidence.
  • I live in Metro Detroit, Michigan with my husband and two daughters.
  • I started Persnickety Plates back in 2009—which officially makes me a blogging grandma 👵🏻.

Ever since I was little, I’ve loved food. After school, I’d watch cooking shows and pretend I was hosting one while making weekend breakfasts in our kitchen.

One of my favorite early memories is learning how to make pizza biscuits in my middle school home ec class. In high school, I worked my first job in a retirement home kitchen, gaining hands-on experience and a deeper appreciation for cooking.

One of my most treasured possessions is my grandma’s collection of vintage cookbooks, filled with her handwritten notes and personal touches.

I’m a self-taught cook, always learning and experimenting. I truly believe that with a well-written recipe and a few simple ingredients, anyone can make something impressive.

plate of copycat chick fil a chicken nuggets with a cup of sauce and waffle fries.
  • Simple, approachable recipes for every skill level.
  • These are tried-and-true recipes I’ve tested and perfected, so you can count on reliable results at home.
  • I use everyday ingredients—no fancy or hard-to-find stuff here!
  • You’ll also find plenty of slow cooker favorites. Don’t forget to join my Easy Slow Cooker Recipes Facebook group for even more ideas and inspiration!