About
Welcome to The Rustic Whisk! I’m Ella Simmons, and I’m so glad you’ve found your way to my cozy corner of the internet.
My story begins in a farmhouse kitchen in rural Vermont, where I spent countless hours watching my grandmother transform humble ingredients into extraordinary meals. The rhythmic sound of her wooden spoon against the mixing bowl became the soundtrack of my childhood—a melody I’ve carried with me throughout my life.
Before becoming a full-time food writer and recipe developer, I spent fifteen years as an elementary school teacher. While I loved nurturing young minds, I found myself increasingly drawn to my kitchen during evenings and weekends, experimenting with recipes and photographing the results. What began as a creative outlet gradually evolved into a calling I couldn’t ignore.
In 2018, I took a leap of faith and launched The Rustic Whisk, transforming my passion for wholesome cooking into a platform where I could share not just recipes, but the stories and traditions behind them. Three cookbooks later, I’m still amazed that I get to do what I love every day.
My cooking philosophy is simple: honor the ingredients, respect traditional techniques, and always make room at the table for others. I believe food should nourish both body and soul, connecting us to the land, our heritage, and each other. You won’t find complicated techniques or hard-to-source ingredients here—just honest, hearty food made with love and intention.
When I’m not in the kitchen testing recipes or behind the camera capturing the perfect steam rising from a fresh-baked loaf, you might find me tending to my vegetable garden, foraging for wild berries with my husband James, or teaching cooking classes at our local community center. My two Irish setters, Maple and Barley, are always nearby, hopeful for a taste of whatever’s cooking.
The Rustic Whisk is more than just a collection of recipes—it’s an invitation to slow down, connect with your food, and create moments of joy around your table. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or just starting your culinary journey, I hope my recipes inspire you to roll up your sleeves and create something delicious.
Thank you for being here. Pull up a chair and stay awhile.
Warmly,
Ella