Hello there and welcome to The Little Epicurean! I’m Maryanne, the heart and hands of this baking and desserts food blog.
This recipe site focuses on baking, desserts, and drinks. In a nutshell, I like to create treats that make life enjoyable and sweet!
What does The Little Epicurean mean?
Let’s break down my moniker. “Little” because I’m just barely 5 feet tall. An “epicurean” is one devoted to the pursuit and enjoyment of good food and comfort. Put them together and that’s my name!
My Culinary Background
I studied at the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone in Napa Valley and the French Pastry School in Chicago. Since then, I’ve worked in a variety of restaurants, bakeries, and wedding cake shops.
Even before my professional training, I spent a great deal of time in the kitchen. My parents ran and owned a restaurant during my early childhood. Growing up, I was in charge of cooking rice every night at home. During college, I probably spent more time baking cookies than studying for final exams.
I have a second website dedicated to Filipino food. It’s called Love, Filipino Food.
My Story
I started The Little Epicurean in 2011 to satisfy my curious sweet tooth. I was working pastry at a popular Santa Monica restaurant at the time. Every morning, I was responsible for making the same breads and desserts. The stale routine had me craving an outlet for creativity.
The blog started as a means to share new recipes and explore new flavor combinations. Eventually, I quit my day job and focused on growing the website.
I live in the suburbs outside of Los Angeles with my husband, our son, and our two crazy pups. Born and raise in Southern California, I can’t imagine calling anywhere else home!
5 Fun Facts About Me
- I will never say no to donuts, sour gummies, or chocolate.
- Although I was born in the United States, English was not my first language!
- I made my wedding cake. Each tier was a different flavor!
- When I’m not in the kitchen, I love reading, playing sudoku, and gardening.
- I am left-handed for writing, but I’m right-side dominant for most other activities, like using a knife, frosting a cake, golfing, or bowling.
About the Recipes
As a classically trained pastry chef, I share from-scratch recipes using real ingredients. Recipe blog posts provide insights to the science of baking, ingredient intel, and cooking techniques.
I hope to share with you the joys of baking and home cooking through approachable, reliable recipes. Each recipe shared on this blog has been tested at least three times for accuracy and success.
With the growing popularity of global flavors and the accessibility of once exotic ingredients, I will share with you my knowledge of Asian cuisine. Drawing from my Filipino heritage, I periodically create recipes that highlight tropical flavors.
Where I have been feature
Here are a few places you have may seen me:
- Bake from Scratch Magazine
- Bake from Scratch (Vol 2): Artisan Recipes for the Home Baker
- Yahoo! Life
- For the Love of Food
- Feed Feed
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m honored and yes, you may! You may use ONE photo from the post as long as you link back to the original source. Please provide clear attribution to my site
I work hard to create and develop the recipes on my site. I ask that you please rephrase the recipe directions in your own words if you plan to use it on your blog.
I appreciate respectful and friendly comments. Constructive criticism is also welcome. However, because I want The Little Epicurean to be a positive and uplifting environment, I reserve the right to remove rude, offensive, or inappropriate comments.
Maybe. I only review products and events that are relevant to The Little Epicurean. Please email me to discuss the details.
Yes! I have experience teaching baking classes and hosting events. I love sharing my passion for baking while helping others build their confidence in the kitchen. Please email me to discuss the details.
Contact
Interested in working together? I’m available for sponsored posts, food styling and photography, recipe development, content creation, social media campaigns, product reviews and giveaways.
I love hearing from readers. Feel free to email or leave a comment on a post if you have any questions. I post on Instagram frequently and I update my Facebook page often. You can also follow me on Pinterest or Bloglovin‘.
For rates, media kit, or to discuss any potential projects, please email me at maryanne@thelittleepicurean.com. Please note, I do not accept unsolicited guest posts or link exchanges.
