About

Our Story

Hi, I'm Elizabeth Smith the cook, recipe creator, and writer behind Cooking Savory Bites. My passion for cooking began the moment I realized that food has a remarkable power to bring people together. Growing up in North Carolina, I developed a deep love for Southern comfort food, the kind that warms you from the inside out. Over time, as I explored global flavors and broadened my culinary horizons through formal training, I found myself blending those familiar, comforting roots with fresh, creative twists.

After years of experimenting in the kitchen, pursuing professional culinary education, and connecting with fellow food lovers in my community, I decided to share that journey by launching Cooking Savory Bites in 2025. What started as a personal passion has grown into a warm, welcoming community of over 15,000 home cooks — all united by a love for home-cooked meals that create lasting memories.

What You'll Find Here

Every recipe at Cooking Savory Bites is built around a few simple promises:

Comforting & Flavorful: From hearty family dinners to indulgent desserts, every dish is crafted to bring warmth and joy to your table.

Fresh & Seasonal: I prioritize fresh, in-season ingredients to bring out the best flavor in every bite.

Simple & Approachable: Whether it's a quick weeknight dinner or a special celebration dish, my recipes are designed to be easy to follow and incredibly satisfying.

Sweet & Savory: Explore a wide range of hearty meals and delicious desserts, because life is too short to choose just one.

I believe cooking should feel fun, not stressful. That's why every recipe I share is thoroughly tested in my own kitchen before it ever reaches you, so you can feel confident it'll work beautifully the first time.

My Philosophy

Cooking is about connection, creativity, and confidence. That's the heart of everything I do here. You'll find:

Step-by-step instructions with photos to guide you clearly through every stage of a recipe.

Ingredient substitutions to accommodate dietary needs or pantry limitations — because cooking should be flexible.

Culinary insights that explain not just how to cook something, but why — so you build real skills, not just follow instructions.

Food is meant to bring people closer, and that's exactly what Cooking Savory Bites strives to do — help you create meals that foster connection, joy, and a little bit of magic around the table.

Credentials & Experience

Education & Training

• Diploma in Professional Cookery — Johnson & Wales University, Charlotte, NC (2015)
• Culinary Arts Fundamentals (Level 2) & Pastry and Baking Arts (Level 3) — Johnson & Wales University (2016)
• Food Safety Manager Certification & Allergen Awareness — National Restaurant Association (ServSafe), Raleigh, NC (2017)
• Artisan Breadmaking Workshop — The Chef's Academy at Indiana University, Indianapolis (2019)
• Advanced Pastry Masterclass with Chef Marcus Whittaker — Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), New York (2021)

Professional Experience

• Founder & Recipe Creator, Cooking Savory Bites (2025 – Present)
• Private Caterer & Supper Club Host across North Carolina, specializing in Southern-inspired menus and seasonal dishes (2018 – Present)
• Contributor to AllRecipes.com (2022 – Present)
• Collaborator with local farmers' markets and food producers across North Carolina to champion seasonal, locally sourced ingredients (2019 – Present)

Press & Recognition

• Shortlisted for the Food Blogger Awards 2024
• Featured in The Carolina Chronicle (2023)
• Interviewed on WUNC North Carolina Public Radio, discussing Southern cooking and its modern evolution (2024)

Community & Teaching

Food is best when it's shared, and I take that seriously beyond the kitchen.

I host monthly cooking workshops and classes across North Carolina, covering everything from weeknight meal planning to baking fundamentals and smart meal prep. I also volunteer with local food banks, helping families prepare nutritious meals on a budget, and I support programs that introduce children to the joy of cooking at home.

Join Our Community

You'll always find a warm welcome here. Join over 15,000 home cooks who receive:

• Seasonal recipes delivered straight to their inbox
• Practical cooking tips and kitchen tricks
• Exclusive behind-the-scenes updates from my kitchen

Sign up for the newsletter below, or reach out to me directly — I'd love to hear from you.

Let's Connect

📍 North Carolina, United States 📧 elizabeth@cookingsavorybites.com 🔵 Facebook | 📌 Pinterest