Familiar comfort food, made with extra time, care, and layers of flavor. A photo for every step!

Heyyy, my name is Erin! ᯓ ♥

Welcome to The Flavored Mind! This is where I share flavor-packed recipes inspired by comfort food, creative twists, and the simple joy I find in cooking.

I call the Mitten State home, cheer for the Detroit Tigers, the Lansing Lugnuts (Go NUTS!), and now PWHL Detroit too!

I design every recipe with clear organization, manageable steps, and a photo for every stage, so you can cook with confidence at your own pace. Living with ADHD, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and panic disorder has made me especially mindful of how quickly unclear instructions can turn an enjoyable experience into an overwhelming one.

That same emphasis on simplicity carries into the food itself. I am far more interested in making something taste incredible than making it look picture-perfect, so flavor always comes first. Whether I am putting a new spin on a familiar favorite or simply making a really good dinner, my goal is to create recipes that are approachable, dependable, and worth making again.

If you would like to learn more about me and The Flavored Mind, check out my About page.

A mascot with a purple face and baseball jersey stands beside a woman wearing sunglasses and a balloon hat, smiling.
Creamy Finnish salmon soup in a white bowl, garnished with green onions, dill, carrots, and a lemon wedge.
Golden brown chicken quesadilla slices on a white plate, showcasing melted cheese and crispy edges.
A stylized brain split with abstract lines on one side and colorful flowers on the other against a green background.

Top 10 Kitchen Tools

  • 12-inch, 3-inch-deep nonstick skillet with lid
  • Dutch oven (5–7 qt)
  • Instant-read digital thermometer
  • Rimmed half-sheet pan
  • 8×8-inch baking dish
  • Chef’s knife (8-inch)
  • Large cutting board
  • Silicone spatula
  • Flat whisk
  • Measuring cups and measuring spoons

My Flavor-Building Pantry

  • Seasonings: kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme
  • Flavor Builders: Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, Better Than Bouillon (or your favorite quality stock)
  • Cooking Essentials: butter, canola oil, all-purpose flour
  • Acids: apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar, lemon juice
  • Optional Flavor Boosters: MSG, fish sauce, anchovy paste, cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes
  • Herbs & Warm Spices: dried dill, oregano, rosemary, parsley, nutmeg, allspice
  • Sweeteners: granulated sugar, brown sugar, honey, maple syrup
  • Baking Essentials: baking powder, baking soda, cornstarch, vanilla extract, cocoa powder
  • Canned & Jarred Staples: tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, canned beans, roasted red peppers
  • Specialty Flavor Enhancers: espresso powder, malted milk powder, apple butter, toasted sesame oil