Hi there, I’m Evan Russo, and if there’s one thing you should know about me, it’s that my kitchen is my happy place. I’m 40 years old, born and raised in a small town in upstate New York, and I’ve been in love with cooking since I could reach the stove. My grandmother, a fiery Italian woman with an endless supply of stories and sauce, was the first person to teach me that food is more than just sustenance—it’s love, memory, and celebration all wrapped into one.

I didn’t go to culinary school, but my education came from Sunday dinners, holiday feasts, and late-night experiments that sometimes turned into disasters (ask my wife about the infamous ghost pepper gumbo incident). I started out cooking for friends and family, then for neighbors, and eventually for just about anyone who would let me into their kitchen. These days, I run a cozy little supper club out of my home in Rochester. It’s not fancy, but it’s full of heart. I believe the best meals are shared, and that you don’t need expensive ingredients or a Michelin star to make something unforgettable.

My approach to food is simple: cook with curiosity and without fear. I’m always tinkering, trying out new spices, reinventing old family recipes, or learning techniques from cultures around the world. I love talking with other home cooks—swapping ideas, trading secrets, and just sharing the pure joy of a well-cooked meal. Some of my best dishes came from unexpected mishaps, and I wouldn’t trade those lessons for anything.

When I’m not behind the stove, you can find me fishing in the Finger Lakes, flipping through old cookbooks, or hosting impromptu cook-alongs with my kids. Cooking brings people together, and that’s what I live for. If my food can make someone smile, slow down for a minute, or remember a moment they thought they’d forgotten, then I’ve done my job.

So whether you’re just learning to boil water or you’re already the go-to cook in your circle, I hope my story and my food give you something to savor. Let’s keep the burners hot and the stories flowing.

You can also find more of my quick recipes and kitchen adventures at: PrepQuickRecipes.com.