Hi, I’m Elia

Welcome to my kitchen, my second home, and now, maybe yours too.

If you ever walk into my house around 5 p.m., you’ll probably find a soft mess of flour on the counter, a half-finished pizza crust being shaped by tiny hands, and the sound of laughter bubbling up between spoonfuls of tomato sauce. That’s because I’m not just a chef. I’m also a mom, a storyteller, a playful mess-maker and food is how I connect with the people I love most.

Elia being kissed by her daughter — Because some moments in the kitchen are more about love than food.

I live just outside Portland with my daughter, Emma, who’s already convinced she’s the better cook (and honestly, she might be right). We wear matching t-shirts more often than I’d like to admit, and most of our days in the kitchen feel like a mix between a science experiment and a birthday party. Cooking with her reminds me every day that food doesn’t have to be perfect it just has to be shared.

My love of food began in my grandma’s kitchen. She was Polish, proud, and could stretch a handful of ingredients into the kind of dinner that made you feel like royalty. I still remember standing on a little stool just to reach the counter, stirring slowly while she told stories I’d never forget. That magic stayed with me, and now, I try to pass it on to my own little one, one doughy memory at a time.

Elia and Emma blowing flour — Our kitchen might be messy, but it’s full of joy.

I created Elia World Recipes for anyone who’s ever felt unsure in the kitchen,and also for anyone who just wants to make something delicious without fuss or judgment. Whether you’re a total beginner trying to figure out what “sauté” even means, a busy parent juggling dinner with toddler chaos, or a seasoned pro looking for comforting flavors with a twist, you’re in the right place.

Playing with food with Emma — Cooking isn’t just about recipes — it’s about play, too.

You’ll find recipes here that travel the globe but come straight from the heart. From warm Moroccan tagines and creamy Tuscan pastas to gooey chocolate chip cookies made with one hand while the other holds a child ,these dishes are rooted in joy, not perfection.

Cooking, to me, is about connection. It’s about the scent of cinnamon reminding you of home. It’s about teaching your kid how to crack an egg without making a disaster (okay, maybe just less of a disaster). It’s about that moment when everyone finally sits down together, tired and happy, and someone says, “This is so good.”

That’s what I want for you.

So pull up a chair, bring your curiosity, and don’t worry about making a mess – I promise, the best kitchens always are.

With love,
Elia