Hi, I’m Lisa
Instant Pot Expert and Accidental Food Blogger
I’ve loved cooking since I was a kid. I remember watching the Food Network on weekend mornings and admiring Emeril Lagasse from my nook of the world in Bountiful, Utah, where I grew up. What started as making box cakes as an 8 year old, turned into my passion for all things food.
Food is my love language. I believe life should be filled with good people and good food.
My goal is to always educate.
I believe that by empowering home cooks with the knowledge and skills I can give them, they can have a more meaningful and joyful experience in the kitchen and their lives.
I love teaching my readers something new. I share tips, the BEST recipes, and the everyday ways I use my Instant Pot to make it less intimidating for beginners and veterans alike.
I graduated from the University of Utah with my Communications degree in 2014. I started my career working as a technical writer for an edtech software company, where I met so many cherished friends.
It was at that company that my friend introduced me to the Instant Pot. I ordered one, and life has never been the same. I started sharing the things I was concocting in my Instant Pot, and on a whim, started Instant Pot Cooking on Instagram.
At the time (December 2016), there was only one other Instant Pot Instagram account. It had about 500 followers and I knew I’d never be able to compete with that, but I decided to just start it anyways.
What started as poorly lit photos of my dinner (taken on an iPhone 4) and flipagram videos, quickly grew into the premier source of Instant Pot recipes and education. I improved my photography a little, and started sharing recipes in the captions of my Instagram photos.
As IPC continued to grow and grow, I started posting my recipes on a blog I tacked on to my personal portfolio website (a free site that I had to showcase my real life job skills as I was entering the workforce).
As things kept moving forward, I knew I had to start my own website to keep up. I started this website in February of 2019 and it is now my full time job. I’m SO grateful that I get to do what I love for a living! I also now employ a team of amazing employees that help bring you amazing content every day!
I never intended to become a “food blogger.” Even typing that makes me feel like a total poser. But this is my little corner of the internet now, and I can’t wait to show you my tried, tested, and true recipes for a more joyful life.
I’ve now been running Tried, Tested, and True dot com since February 2019. I’ve learned a lot and I’m still learning and working every day. It’s been so amazing to learn, give back, and thrive!
Read about how to start your own blog and the resources I use. Or check out this food blog income report.
Thanks for stopping by!
Read more about how TTT came to be!
Why Tried, Tested, and True?
Whenever I want to make something new, I find myself always Googling, “The best ______ recipe.”
I looooove food and researching recipes. I compare them, I try and figure out the chemistry behind them, and test them to see what works and what doesn’t. I obsess about the technique and the different options/ways of doing things.
What I come up with is tried, tested, and true! I wanted my new brand to answer my own question for everyone else by providing theeee best recipe and tips (have you tried my famous chicken noodle soup yet?)
What Instant Pots and Air Fryer Do you Have?
I have 4 Instant Pot Duo 6 quarts, a 6 quart Instant Pot Duo Plus, two Instant Pot Duo 8 quart and the Instant Pot Duo 3 quart. I use my 6 and 3 quart most.
Read my post on WHICH INSTANT POT TO BUY!
I have the Instant Pot Vortex Plus Air Fryer. The Air Fryer is the perfect accompaniment to the Instant Pot because it easily crisps things up so quickly. Remember, nothing you make in the Instant Pot will ever come out crispy because the Instant Pot cooks with steam.
Are you on Youtube?
As of December 2019, I am now on Youtube! Please follow/subscribe to my channel HERE! It’s been such an amazing journey on Youtube. In February 2020, I was chosen as Youtube’s Creator on the Rise. It was such an honor and I absolutely love bringing new recipes and tips to you on Youtube each and every week!
We reach millions of people on Youtube and it has been such an amazing aspect of my business.
You can also watch all my existing videos on Instagram, or you can watch all my TV Segments HERE!
If you’re a producer interested in working with me, I’d love to chat about educating on your show! Please see my Collaborations Page.
What’s your Favorite _________?
I share so many of my favorite products on my Amazon Storefront, where you can find curated lists of personal favorites (in and out of the kitchen!) I have lists for Baby and Toddler products, a Men’s Gift Guide, and just fun stuff I love!
You also know my love for Erin Condren planners and products runs so deep. You can read more about why I love them HERE and get a $10 gift card emailed to you!
Thank you for supporting me on my new adventure!
Outside the Kitchen
Cooking is actually what I’m doing when I’m NOT busy with these other people.
I married Brett in 2012 after we met on my first day of college in the campus bookstore finding books for the semester. He is the kindest, most genuine person I know and I am blessed each day for it.
He’s currently attending Duke University in their global executive MBA program. I sure love this guy.
We still live in beautiful Utah and enjoy being outside, eating out, and exploring fun places for our two kids. I’ve become a homebody in my adult years, and honestly prefer a night in with my people more than anything. We’re always so busy, that being able to just enjoy uninterrupted quality time is such a luxury that I cherish.
I’m so passionate about intentional parenting. I never thought or knew I’d love being a mother as much as I do, but it truly was such a natural transition for me. Once I held that sweet baby in my arms for the first time, all my fears and insecurities melted away.
Do you do anything besides mom and cook?
I actually love watercolor painting, calligraphy, and drawing. I wish I made more time for it, though. I do NOT like crafts because I’m an 85%-er!
What ethnicity are you?
I’m Japanese and my children are half Japanese. My husband lived in Japan for two years serving a religious service mission for our church, so he also knows how to speak Japanese.
We’ve been back together a couple times, and we love it sooo much. Japan has THE best food in the world and is a food-centric culture, so it’s where I get my love for food.
How do I contact you?
If you have any general questions, shoot me an email or fill out this form on my contact page! You can also find me most actively on Instagram, where we’ve built an incredible community of kind, friendly people.
I truly think they are THE best tribe on the internet. Take a look at my feed, and feel free to ask any questions or send me a DM.
If you’re a brand and are interested in collaborating, please visit my collaborations page! Thanks for stopping by!
