About

My Cooking Story

I've been cooking seriously for over 25 years, and my journey with food has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my life. What started as cooking for my family has evolved into a lifelong passion for creating recipes that make home cooking feel accessible, enjoyable, and deeply satisfying.

My love for cooking truly ignited when I began hosting friends and family gatherings. There's something magical about bringing people together around a table filled with homemade food, and those experiences taught me that the best recipes aren't necessarily the most complicated—they're the ones that bring joy and create lasting memories.

Over the years, I've cooked through countless family dinners, holiday celebrations, birthday parties, and casual weeknight meals. Each experience has shaped my approach to recipe development and deepened my understanding of what home cooks really need: recipes that work, taste amazing, and don't require hours of preparation or hard-to-find ingredients.

My Experience & Training

While I don't have formal culinary school credentials, I've spent more than two decades building my skills through hands-on cooking, continuous learning, and real-world experience. I've completed several specialized home-cooking and baking courses over the years, always seeking to refine my techniques and expand my knowledge.

Before launching PiperPlates.com, I spent years doing small-scale catering for family events, which taught me how to cook efficiently for groups, plan menus that appeal to diverse tastes, and deliver consistent results under pressure. I've also been involved in recipe blogging for many years, developing hundreds of original recipes and learning what resonates with home cooks across the country.

Today, I develop and test every recipe in my own Midwest kitchen. My family—my spouse and our two grown kids—are my most trusted taste-testers, and if a recipe doesn't meet their standards (and mine), it doesn't make it onto the site. I also regularly cook for friends and extended family gatherings, which means my recipes are constantly being tested in real-world scenarios with real people.

My Cooking Philosophy

My approach to cooking is grounded in practicality and accessibility. I believe that delicious, satisfying home-cooked meals shouldn't require specialty ingredients, advanced techniques, or excessive time in the kitchen. Great food comes from understanding the basics, using quality everyday ingredients, and following clear, reliable instructions.

At PiperPlates, you'll find recipes that are:

• Simple and straightforward – No unnecessary complexity or confusing steps
• Made with everyday ingredients – Items you can find at any grocery store in the U.S.
• Thoroughly tested – Each recipe is made multiple times to ensure consistent results
• Family-friendly – Dishes that appeal to a wide range of tastes and ages
• Practical for real life – Honest prep times and realistic expectations
• Visually clear – Detailed photography so you know exactly what to expect

I focus on no-fuss, practical cooking that fits into busy lives while still delivering on flavor and comfort.

What You'll Find at PiperPlates

Since launching PiperPlates.com in 2023, I've published over 200 tested recipes covering a wide range of categories. My recipe collection includes easy home cooking staples, comforting classics, quick weeknight dinners, fresh salads, hearty soups, baked goods, and seasonal specialties for holidays and celebrations.

Whether you're looking for a reliable Sunday roast, a quick Tuesday night dinner, a show-stopping dessert for a party, or festive treats for the holidays, you'll find recipes here that are approachable, delicious, and designed for real home cooks.

My target audience is busy American families, home cooks of all skill levels, and anyone who wants to put homemade meals on the table without stress or intimidation. If you're a mom looking for easy dinner ideas, a beginner cook building your confidence, or an experienced home chef seeking reliable new recipes, PiperPlates is here for you.

Life Beyond the Kitchen

I'm based in the Midwest, where seasonal cooking, family gatherings, and hearty comfort food are deeply ingrained in our culture. My life revolves around cooking and creating, and I'm fortunate to do what I love full-time.

Beyond recipe development, I handle all the food photography for PiperPlates. My background in photography has allowed me to create clear, helpful images that show you exactly how each dish should look at every stage of preparation. I believe that good food photography isn't just about making things look pretty—it's about giving you confidence that you're on the right track.

I'm also an avid gardener, which influences my cooking, especially during the growing season when fresh herbs and vegetables are abundant. Additionally, I'm involved in community cooking events where I get to connect with other food lovers and share the joy of home cooking.

My family life plays a huge role in shaping the content on PiperPlates. As someone who regularly hosts family gatherings and cooks for various occasions, I understand the importance of recipes that are both impressive and manageable. I know what it's like to juggle multiple dishes, accommodate different preferences, and still want everything to taste homemade and delicious.

My Mission

PiperPlates.com exists to make home cooking feel achievable and rewarding. I want to help you create meals that your family will love, that fit into your schedule, and that don't leave you feeling overwhelmed or exhausted.

Every recipe on this site has been developed, tested, and photographed in my own kitchen using everyday ingredients and standard equipment. I share what works, what my family and friends genuinely enjoy, and what I believe will make your time in the kitchen more successful and satisfying.

Cooking should be a source of joy, not stress. My goal is to give you the tools, inspiration, and confidence to create delicious homemade meals for the people you care about.
— Piper Hayes, piperplates.com

Let's Connect

I love hearing from readers! Whether you've tried one of my recipes, have questions, or want to share your cooking successes, I'd be thrilled to connect.

Email: [email protected]
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/piperplates
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/piperplates

Thank you for visiting PiperPlates. I'm honored to be part of your cooking journey, and I can't wait to see what you create in your own kitchen.

Happy cooking,
Piper Hayes