About me

Hello! My name is Cheryl Taylor, and I’m a freelance writer and recipe developer based in the vibrant, coffee-fueled city of Seattle, Washington. My journey is one that combines a lifelong passion for storytelling with an insatiable love for food—both creating it and savoring it. From childhood afternoons spent scribbling stories in the margins of my notebooks to experimenting with my grandmother’s handwritten recipes, my path has always been defined by a deep curiosity for both words and flavors.

Writing That Connects and Recipes That Inspire

At the heart of what I do is connection. Whether I’m crafting a food-related article, a blog post, or a new recipe, my goal is to create content that resonates with people. As a writer, I specialize in lifestyle, food, and wellness topics. My pieces have been featured in online publications and print magazines, and I thrive on translating complex ideas into relatable, engaging narratives.

When it comes to recipe development, I approach the kitchen like an artist approaches a blank canvas. I love exploring bold flavors, unexpected pairings, and inventive twists on classic dishes. My recipes are designed to inspire home cooks of all levels, from busy professionals looking for quick weeknight dinners to foodies ready to dive into a gourmet project.

How It All Began

Growing up in a small town, I was raised on simple, hearty meals prepared with love and care. My mom’s lasagna and my dad’s weekend breakfasts were staples in our home, and those dishes taught me that food is much more than sustenance—it’s a way to bring people together. I started experimenting in the kitchen when I was a teenager, often trying to replicate dishes from my favorite cooking shows. My first solo triumph? A lemon meringue pie that left my family speechless.

Writing came naturally to me, too. As a kid, I was that bookworm who always carried a journal. By the time I reached college, I knew I wanted to pursue a career that combined my knack for storytelling with my burgeoning love of food. I studied English literature and took as many creative writing courses as I could. It wasn’t until I wrote my first published essay about my grandmother’s famous apple pie that I realized food writing could become my niche.

My Seattle Kitchen

Living in Seattle has profoundly shaped my approach to food and writing. Surrounded by the Pacific Northwest’s lush landscapes and thriving food scene, I’ve found endless inspiration here. I frequent local farmers' markets to discover the freshest seasonal ingredients, and I’m constantly experimenting with ways to incorporate them into my dishes. Whether it’s a wild blackberry galette or a savory salmon chowder, I strive to reflect the region’s rich culinary heritage in my creations.

When I’m not in the kitchen or writing at my favorite corner café, you’ll find me exploring the city’s diverse restaurants and coffee shops. From a hidden ramen bar in Capitol Hill to a cozy bakery in Fremont, every bite tells a story that I eagerly weave into my work.

Collaborating With Me

Over the years, I’ve worked with a variety of clients, from food brands and publications to individual bloggers and small businesses. I take pride in delivering high-quality, tailored content that meets the unique needs of every project. Whether I’m penning an article about sustainable eating, ghostwriting a cookbook, or developing a recipe series for a brand, I approach every task with creativity, professionalism, and a dash of enthusiasm.

One of my favorite collaborations was with a local coffee roaster who wanted to highlight the art of pairing coffee with food. I spent weeks sampling blends and developing recipes that ranged from espresso-braised short ribs to mocha brownies. The result? A wildly successful campaign that delighted their audience and gave me an excuse to drink (even more) coffee.

Beyond the Kitchen

Outside of work, I’m a nature lover and a bit of a daydreamer. Hiking in the Cascade Mountains is my reset button, and I often return from the trails brimming with ideas for new projects. I’m also an avid reader, devouring everything from memoirs and cookbooks to novels that transport me to another time and place. On rainy Seattle evenings, you’ll often find me curled up with a good book, a steaming cup of tea, and perhaps a fresh batch of cookies I’m testing for a client—or for myself.

Let’s Create Something Delicious

If you’re looking for a writer who can blend storytelling with culinary expertise, or if you need a recipe developer who sees cooking as both a science and an art, I’d love to work with you. I bring a unique perspective to every project, drawing on years of experience and a genuine passion for what I do. Let’s craft content that not only tells your story but also leaves a lasting impression—whether it’s on a plate or a page.

You can find me at my website smartcartpicks.com, where I share my latest recipes, writing samples, and musings about life in the kitchen. Feel free to reach out—I’d love to hear about your project and how I can help bring your vision to life.

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