About Cooking Up Memories

Jill Machovsky in a pink sweater in a kitchen with veggies on the counter.

WELCOME TO Cooking Up Memories

Where Food and Memories Come Together!

Hey there, fellow foodies! I’m Jill Machovsky, the culinary creator behind Cooking Up Memories. Here, I’m on a mission to bring delicious recipes, mouthwatering food photography, and a whole lot of flavor to your kitchen table.

Hi, I’m Jill!

I’m a Midwest food blogger who believes that great meals don’t have to be complicated. I have lived in Kansas City my whole life, and I love it here!

Growing up, my busy working mom relied on Midwest comfort food with shortcuts—think canned soups and quick-fix dinners. When I started cooking (mostly after getting married) I wanted to upgrade those familiar recipes with homemade sauces and simple, real ingredients.

How I Started Blogging

Before starting this blog, I owned a meal prep business for 12 years, creating and selling easy-to-prepare dinners, appetizers, and side dishes to busy families. I saw firsthand how much people needed simple, delicious meals that took the stress out of dinnertime.

After selling my business, I realized I still wanted to help home cooks get flavorful, homemade meals on the table—without the fuss. That’s why I started Cooking Up Memories—to continue sharing the kind of trusted, easy-to-follow recipes I had developed for years. I started the blog after selling my business in 2018 and I have loved every minute!

Testing Recipes

Every recipe on my blog is carefully developed and well-tested. I start by writing the recipe with the flavors I want to achieve, then test it in my own kitchen with my family as the first taste testers. After making adjustments, I share it with a neighbor for feedback and then send it to three recipe testers for final testing. Their input helps me refine the recipe before I make it one last time, capturing photos for the blog. The result? A reliable, flavorful dish that’s been tested and perfected!

What You’ll Find on Cooking Up Memories

  • Easy, approachable homemade recipes – Perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, and every occasion.
  • A helpful email newsletter – Get new recipes and weekly dinner inspiration straight to your inbox to make meal planning easier.
  • Comfort food with a Midwest twist – From quick appetizers to 30-minute meals and family favorites that bring people together.

I’m so glad you’re here—let’s start Cooking Up Memories together!

Recipe Development

Are you looking to spice up your brand’s recipe collection? I specialize in recipe development that’s not only delicious but also tailored to your brand’s unique identity and audience. Whether you’re a food manufacturer, a restaurant owner, or a culinary startup, I’ll work closely with you to craft mouthwatering recipes that showcase all your products in the best possible light.

Commercial Food Photography

They say we eat with our eyes first, and nowhere is that more true than in the world of food photography. As a professional food photographer, I know just how important stunning visuals are for capturing your audience’s attention. From vibrant flat lays to tantalizing close-ups, I aim to make your products shine on every screen. Contact me at jill@cookingupmemories.com for availability and project rates.

See my portfolio here.

Let’s Collaborate

Whether you’re a brand looking to elevate your culinary content or a fellow food enthusiast eager to share your latest kitchen triumphs, I’d love to hear from you! Drop me a line at jill@cookingupmemories.com, and let’s whip up something amazing together.

Stay Connected

Don’t forget to follow me on social media for daily recipe inspiration, behind-the-scenes peeks at my creative process, and plenty of mouthwatering food photos. Let’s connect and cook up some memories together.

Thanks for stopping by Cooking Up Memories. Get ready to embark on a delicious culinary journey with me!

Happy cooking, 

Jill Machovsky

Check out some of my recent recipes!

These recipes work great for weeknight family dinners as well as for get togethers with friends and family!

Oatmeal Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins on a plate with a couple bananas int he back ground.

Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Muffins

Mexican Chicken Salad with fire roasted corn and cilantro.

Creamy Mexican Chicken Salad Recipe

Chicken Wings in an air fryer basket.

How To Reheat Chicken Wings In Air Fryer

Italian Meatballs with Ricotta cheese served on a white plate with parsley and red sauce.

30-Minute Oven Baked Ricotta Chicken Meatballs

Buffalo Chicken Meatballs on a white platter with ranch dressing drizzled over them with green onions sprinkled over the top.

Buffalo Chicken Meatball Recipe – All the Flavor of Wings Without the Mess!

Homemade teriyaki sauce in a white bowl with a small serving spoon.

Teriyaki Sauce

Turkey teriyaki meatballs with green onions and sesame seeds.

Turkey Teriyaki Meatballs

Chicken Meatballs that have been air fried in an air fryer basket.

Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs

Cottage Cheese Egg Salad sandwich on a cutting board.

Cottage Cheese Egg Salad Recipe