About the Author

About the Authors

Joanne Blais

Joanne Blais, affectionately known as The Scrappy Chef, is a passionate culinary storyteller whose cooking philosophy centers around heart, history, and a spark of creativity. A true culinary adventurer, Joanne has an intuitive understanding that great food isn’t just about following recipes but about embracing the ingredients, the culture, and the stories that shape every dish.

With a deep-rooted love for tradition, she finds joy in reviving forgotten family recipes while daring to experiment with bold, new flavors that excite the palate and push culinary boundaries.

Born and raised in a family where the kitchen was the heart of the home, Joanne grew up surrounded by generations of skilled and passionate cooks. From an early age, she was drawn into the comforting and exciting world of food. Her grandmother’s kitchen, where she first learned the secrets of classic comfort foods, and her mother’s ability to transform everyday ingredients into extraordinary meals left an indelible mark on her.

It was in these moments that Joanne learned the true essence of cooking—not just as a means of nourishment but as a way to express love, care, and creativity. The combination of heritage, resourcefulness, and the occasional improvisation laid the foundation for her culinary journey, inspiring the birth of The Scrappy Chef.

What sets Joanne apart from other home cooks is her ability to make the most out of the simplest ingredients. She is a champion of resourceful cooking—teaching others that you don’t need expensive cuts of meat or exotic spices to create something truly remarkable. Her recipes often showcase how transforming everyday pantry staples into vibrant, flavorful dishes is possible with a little creativity.

Whether it’s reinventing leftover meals or using seasonal produce in unexpected ways, Joanne’s approach to cooking is all about making the best of what you have. It’s this scrappy yet brilliant mindset that has earned her a loyal following, as she inspires people to embrace the joy of cooking without feeling overwhelmed by complicated techniques or fancy ingredients.

Joanne’s infectious humor and warm, inviting personality shine through every page of her cookbook. She’s a natural storyteller who weaves anecdotes from her life and the experiences of her family into the heart of her recipes. It’s about the memories and connections that each dish evokes.

From tales of her childhood in the kitchen to humorous mishaps that led to delightful discoveries, Joanne’s stories bring an element of fun and relatability to her cooking. Each recipe is not only a step-by-step guide but also an invitation into Joanne’s kitchen, where the emphasis is always on laughter, learning, and savoring the moment.

In addition to her deep connection to the past, Joanne’s culinary voice is forward-thinking, welcoming new ideas and encouraging others to take culinary risks. Her cookbook is filled with innovative twists on old family favorites and creative new dishes that reflect the evolving nature of food.

Whether it’s revamping classic casseroles or trying out new international flavors, Joanne challenges her readers to step outside their comfort zones while honoring the history and culture behind each dish.

With her unique blend of humor, warmth, creativity, and wisdom, Joanne Blais, The Scrappy Chef, is a culinary guide who empowers others to embrace their kitchens with confidence, joy, and a scrappy spirit. Through her recipes, she invites everyone to join her on a flavorful journey that’s as much about tradition as it is about daring to try something new.