Welcome, I'm Lauren!
My love of cooking started young. I grew up surrounded by incredible women in my family who knew their way around a kitchen, and I soaked up every bit of it. Add in countless hours watching the Food Network as a kid, and I was completely hooked. There was something about watching real people make real food that felt so exciting and doable. That spark never went away.
Over the last 15 years, I've been honing my skills, testing recipes, and finding ways to bring good food to the people I love. For me, it has always been about more than just the recipe, it's about the cozy morning drink that starts your day right, the refreshing beverage you reach for on a warm afternoon, and the dessert that feels just sweet enough without going overboard. It's about making life a little simpler and giving people something truly delicious to look forward to.
In 2023, that passion got a pretty exciting stamp of approval when I was awarded the Blue Ribbon prize at the Texas State Fair for my Instant Pot Short Rib Kale Carbonara. It was such a proud moment and honestly just pushed me to keep creating and sharing!
I've been making homemade cakes and desserts for years too, and my friends and family always say the same thing, the sweetness is just right. Not too much, not too little. That balance is something I bring to every single recipe I share here, from a simple chai latte to a weekend baking project.
Almost two years ago, I gave up my daily coffee habit and it changed everything. I started exploring lower caffeine options like matcha and chai, and I fell in love all over again with my morning ritual. That shift inspired a lot of what you'll find here at Delights by Lauren.
My Ingredient Philosophy
I care deeply about what goes into my food. You won't find any ultra-processed ingredients, artificial dyes, or anything fake in my recipes. All of my food coloring is plant-based, and for sweeteners I reach for maple syrup, honey, organic lower sugar simple syrups, or natural fruit. My desserts are lighter by design, they should feel satisfying, not heavy.
Here's what that looks like in practice:
- No artificial dyes - all color comes from food-based sources
- No ultra-processed ingredients - just real, recognizable stuff
- Natural sweeteners - maple syrup, honey, fruit, and organic lower sugar syrups
- Lower caffeine options - matcha, chai, and herbal drinks are a big part of what I make
Let's Be Friends
I'm so glad you're here! Pull up a chair, grab your favorite mug, and let's make something delicious together.
Browse the recipes, save your favorites, and don't be shy, I love hearing what you're making!