My Story
I wasn’t always gluten-free, and honestly, I didn’t want to be. But after years of mystery bloating, low energy, and constantly feeling “off,” I finally got tested—and the results changed everything. Learning I had a gluten intolerance forced me to reimagine how I cooked for myself and my family. At the time, my youngest was just starting solid foods, and my oldest had an emotional attachment to boxed mac and cheese. Let’s just say it was… a transition.
But instead of treating gluten-free like a punishment, I made it my playground. I began testing recipes late at night, scribbling notes on sticky pads and obsessively reading ingredient labels at our local Hudson Valley co-op. Slowly, I rebuilt our family favorites—chicken pot pie, banana pancakes, cheesy lasagna—without the gluten, but with all the soul. That’s when I started sharing my wins (and fails) on Instagram. And that’s how Tasty Savvy was born.
The Turning Point
There was one night in particular that still sticks with me. I had just botched a gluten-free pizza dough for the third time that week. My kitchen looked like a war zone—flour on the dog, tears on my cheeks. My daughter walked in, took one bite of my Franken-pizza, and said, “Mom, it’s not bad.” High praise from a 6-year-old.
Something about that moment flipped a switch. I realized I didn’t need perfection. I just needed progress. From then on, I started seeing each recipe as a story in the making. I documented everything—what worked, what flopped, what needed more salt. My failures weren’t failures anymore; they were research. The more I shared online, the more people reached out with their own stories of trying to feed picky kids, navigate gluten-free diets, and still have fun in the kitchen.
That one bite of “not bad” pizza? It led to dozens of cozy, family-approved meals that now live on tastysavvy.com.
What I Learned the Hard Way
Going gluten-free isn’t just about swapping flours. It’s emotional. It’s social. It’s expensive. I went through a phase where I tried to recreate everything exactly as it was—store-bought gluten-free breads, boxed mixes, overcomplicated bakes. But it never tasted the same, and it left me feeling discouraged.
I also learned how isolating it can be when no one else at the party understands why you’re “picky” or asks if “just a little” gluten is okay. Spoiler: it’s not. I had to grow thick skin, develop quick comebacks, and get really good at packing snacks just in case.
But the hardest part? Releasing the guilt around feeding my kids differently—and trusting that I was still giving them comfort, even without the “usual” foods.
My Approach Now
Now, I keep things simple, cozy, and family-forward. My recipes aren’t about perfection—they’re about connection. I create dishes that feel familiar but are safe for gluten-free eaters, especially families trying to cook one meal for everyone. I believe in pantry-friendly ingredients, forgiving measurements, and making space for messy moments.
I also test everything with my own family first. If it passes the “toddler tantrum” test and gets requested again by my husband, it makes it to the blog. Every recipe at tastysavvy.com comes with notes for substitutions, storage, and shortcuts—because real life doesn’t happen in a test kitchen.
What I Believe
- Gluten-free food should be cozy, not clinical
- You can cook one meal for the whole family
- Messy kitchens are signs of love
- Recipes should come with grace, not guilt
- Every food memory can be remade gluten-free
How I Can Help You
Whether you’re newly gluten-free or cooking for a family member who is, I’m here to make your kitchen feel like home again. At tastysavvy.com, you’ll find tested, delicious recipes that don’t require special orders or six kinds of flour. From Sunday dinners to lunchbox fillers, I’ve got you.
You’ll also find tips on kid-friendly meal prep, family-style batch cooking, and even how to handle holidays without gluten anxiety. I share step-by-step guides in pinterest @melisa.tastysavvy, along with behind-the-scenes fails, cozy kitchen chats, and real-life gluten-free wins. My goal? To help you bring joy back into cooking—without the gluten, and without the stress.
A Little More About Me
I live in the beautiful Hudson Valley with my husband, our two kids, and a very mischievous rescue dog named Biscuit. When I’m not cooking, you’ll find me browsing antique shops, hiking local trails, or curled up with a cup of oat milk chai and a well-worn cookbook.
I have a soft spot for 90s rom-coms, farmers markets, and vintage Pyrex. If I had a superpower, it would be turning leftovers into something magical.
Let’s Connect
I love hearing from fellow home cooks, gluten-free explorers, and tired parents just trying to make dinner happen. Whether you have a question, want to collaborate, or just need a little mealtime inspiration, I’m just a message away.
Follow along on Instagram, drop me an email, or check out the latest cozy creations at tastysavvy.com.
Get In Touch
📍 www.tastysavvy.com
📧 [email protected]
📱 Pinterest: @melisa.tastysavvy