They say you never forget your first kitchen disaster. Mine was a pot of marinara that ended up tasting like molten crayons. I was twelve, home alone, and determined to surprise my mom with dinner. She walked in to find me red-faced and flustered, the smoke alarm screeching, and the sauce splattered across the stove like a crime scene. But instead of scolding me, she handed me a wooden spoon and said, “Let’s fix it together.”
That moment stayed with me. Not just because of the mess, but because of the way sauce—just sauce—became a moment of connection, curiosity, and comfort. My name is Emily Brooks. I’m 38, born and raised in Portland, Oregon, and I’ve spent most of my adult life chasing the perfect balance between spice, acid, fat, and umami. For me, sauce isn’t just a complement to a meal—it’s the soul of it.
I didn’t go to culinary school. My education came from late-night experiments, dog-eared cookbooks, street food stalls during cross-country road trips, and a few generous chefs who didn’t mind a wide-eyed amateur asking too many questions. I’ve made béchamel in a borrowed saucepan in a motel kitchenette. I’ve turned salsa verde into an obsession after a trip to Austin. And I’ve ruined more hollandaise than I care to admit.
This blog is my kitchen journal—a place where I share my wins, flops, and everything in between. If you’re a home cook who’s ever felt intimidated by the idea of making your own sauce from scratch, I’ve been there. That’s why each recipe I share is broken down with care, written with the beginner in mind but layered enough for the curious food enthusiast.
I believe a good sauce can turn plain rice into a feast or make a weeknight chicken thigh taste like it came from a bistro. I’m here to help you learn how. Whether you’re hunting for the perfect dipping sauce, mastering classic reductions, or just wondering what to do with the last bit of mustard in the jar—I’ve got you.
Welcome to my sauce-stained corner of the internet. Grab a whisk, and let’s get messy.