From Struggle to Sizzle: My Journey to Healthy Comfort Food

Hi there! I’m Cassidy Rae, a 36-year-old self-taught chef living in Boise, Idaho. I grew up in a small Midwestern town where casseroles reigned supreme and butter was its own food group. But after my first real brush with adulting (read: health scare at 29), I dove headfirst into the world of nutrition and never looked back.
Back then, I could barely boil an egg without overcooking it. But I made a promise to myself: if I was going to take control of my health, I’d do it in a way that felt empowering—not punishing. That’s when I bought my first air fryer. I remember that first batch of zucchini chips like it was yesterday—crispy, flavorful, and gone in 90 seconds flat. That little appliance changed everything.

Over the years, I became obsessed with recreating comfort food in ways that were good for both the body and the soul. Think buffalo cauliflower bites, air-fried chicken tenders with almond flour breading, or even keto bagels that don’t taste like cardboard (I swear it’s possible!). I started sharing my creations on social media, and before I knew it, folks were asking for DIY versions of their favorite HelloFresh meals, gluten-free pasta bakes, and low-carb desserts that wouldn’t sabotage their weight loss goals.

I don’t have any Michelin stars or culinary degrees, but what I do have is a relentless curiosity and a belief that food should make you feel better, not worse. I’ve flubbed many a recipe—like that time I mistook coconut flour for almond flour and ended up with what can only be described as a sandcastle of sadness—but every misstep has made me a better cook and a more honest guide for others on a similar path.

These days, I spend my mornings testing recipes and my afternoons talking to fellow home cooks who are tired of the same old grilled chicken salad. My kitchen is where science meets comfort and where gluten-free doesn’t mean joy-free. If you’re looking to shed a few pounds, manage your macros, or just make weeknight meals more exciting without the bloat, I’ve got your back.

Pull up a chair, grab your spatula, and let’s make something amazing together.lla.