Hi, Hello!
My name is Hannah and I’m the main voice behind this blog (and the social accounts for Host Stand). With nearly 15 years of experience in the food and beverage industry in various roles that include: being a barista, manager, working in catering as a server and with line prep, and back-of-house. I’ve developed a strong appreciation for food and hospitality throughout each job, and new experience I have had in the industry. This blog combines my personal take on cooking from home, with my love for great ingredients, and mixes in my career background in creative direction, photography, and videography.
While I’m not a professional chef, I’ve always enjoyed experimenting with recipes, adapting them to my taste, accommodating allergies, and amplifying flavors. My approach to cooking is veggie-forward (but not strictly vegetarian/vegan), and I enjoy balancing fresh produce with meat and other delicious ingredients. I’m passionate about creating meals that are both accessible and creative, whether they’re quick weeknight dinners or dishes inspired by my own cultural exploration.
Growing up as an adoptee, I didn’t know much about my cultural background, which made me curious about cultures, languages, cuisine, and traditions at large. As part of my reconnection journey I turned to food as a way to connect with the world, and learn about people. I started cooking dishes from various countries, and as I learned more about my heritage which is European (UK), Melungeon (Spanish, North African/Muslim Moor, Native American), Italian, and Greek (and more) – I expanded my cooking to reflect that diversity. I am also in an interracial marriage, my husband Joel is Japanese, Filipino, and Chinese which means we’re always exploring new flavors and ingredients together.
I’m excited to share my recipes, photography, and videos with you—whether you’re looking for new ideas for your weekly meals or want to try your hand at something a bit different. Along the way, I’ll also be sharing tips for easygoing entertaining, and tablescapes to add charm to your nights in, and dinner parties alike.
A little about me: My perfect morning is grabbing a coffee and being at the farmers market before sunrise to pick out fresh ingredients. In my free time, you can usually find me playing pickleball with Joel, in our small town or heading into Charlotte, or the surrounding areas to try a new restaurant or coffee shop. We share our home with two pups—an Akita and a Lab/Border Collie mix—who keep things lively. I’ve dubbed this year ‘the year of the hobby’ and I am excited to take a pottery class, practice playing the banjo, learn to bake sourdough, go for more bike rides, and plant our first garden. I’m a lover of all things creative: I have 17 tattoos, a very diverse taste in music*, and I really enjoy Art Deco and Mid Century modern decor. When I need a break, and to decompress I enjoy going a museum or gallery and listening to a podcast while enjoying the art. I’m an extroverted introvert, and I’m trying to be more social on social media … I am excited to see where this community grows, I am looking forward to getting to know you along the way. Thanks for joining me on this journey, I hope these recipes inspire you to get in the kitchen, try new things, invite more people over for dinner and enjoy the process.
* My top two on Spotify wrapped for two years in a row have been Machine Gun Kelly and Noah Kahan.
