About

Welcome to Life With Risa!

Hi, I’m Risa Goldberg – the voice, heart, and hands behind Life With Risa. Welcome to my little corner of the internet where every recipe comes with a story, a sprinkle of real-life mess, and plenty of love. Cooking and sharing recipes isn’t just something I do – it’s a core part of who I am. I believe food is more than just nourishment; it’s the glue that brings us together, the spark for celebrations, and the gentle comfort after a tough day.

I started Life With Risa to help home cooks (and even the most kitchen-shy among us!) discover the simple joy and connection that comes from making and sharing food. My recipes, tips, and stories have been featured in Family Table Magazine, The Tasty Times, and on the Morning Brew food segment. I’ve collaborated with top kitchen brands, hosted live demo events, and even placed 2nd in the “Sweet Start Breakfast Challenge.”

What I’ve learned over the years is that recipes are about more than perfect measurements or flawless photos – it’s about memories, confidence, and laughter around the table. I hope you find a little bit of that here, every time you visit.

How It All Started

The spark for Life With Risa goes way back to childhood, when I’d perch on a stool in my grandma’s kitchen, watching her turn simple ingredients into unforgettable meals. The smells, the laughter, and the magic of a family meal stayed with me long after. My love for recipes grew through years of scribbling notes, trying new flavors, and collecting kitchen stories from friends and family.

It wasn’t just the food itself, but the feeling of belonging that I cherished. I realized early on that sharing a new recipe could light up a day, start a conversation, or help someone try something new. That’s why I launched this blog – to capture those small joys, and to help others feel brave and inspired in their own kitchens.

Documenting my journey began as a way to remember family favorites, but it soon became a bigger mission: to build a community where anyone, no matter their skill level, could find delicious ideas and support.

Why You Can Trust Me

With over 12 years in the kitchen, I bring a mix of real-world know-how, professional development, and a dash of culinary training to every recipe I share. I’ve worked in catering, run recipe workshops, and taken courses in both nutrition and food styling. Whether I’m perfecting a gooey cinnamon roll or exploring a new dinner idea, you can count on thorough research and plenty of hands-on testing.

Every recipe you see here is cooked, tasted, and photographed by me (and occasionally by my enthusiastic family!). I believe in honest, straightforward instructions and in showing you the real process, not just the highlights. My kitchen might be messy, but my standards for sharing recipes are high. Quality, clarity, and flavor always come first.

I’m especially proud of the visual side of Life With Risa – from step-by-step photos to swoon-worthy dessert shots. Great food deserves to look as inviting as it tastes, and I love giving you a window into my kitchen with every post.

Outside of recipe testing, you’ll find me scouring farmers’ markets, reading up on food history, and traveling for inspiration. I’m constantly learning and bringing back new ideas to share here. My biggest joy? Hearing from readers who’ve made a recipe their own, or who’ve found a little more confidence in the kitchen.

Let’s Connect!

I love hearing from fellow food lovers, home cooks, and curious kitchen explorers. Whether you have a question, want to share a story, or just need some encouragement for your next meal, I’m here! You can reach me at:

Drop me a note anytime – I read every message and love connecting with this amazing community. Don’t forget to follow along on Pinterest for daily ideas and behind-the-scenes peeks. Thanks for making Life With Risa part of your day!

Meet the Team

1. Risa Goldberg – Founder & Recipe Creator
I’m the creator, chief taste tester, and storyteller at Life With Risa. I combine my lifelong love of home cooking with professional recipe development and photography to bring you trustworthy, crave-worthy dishes. Whether it’s brunch for a crowd or a quiet dinner, I’m here to help you savor every bite. When I’m not cooking, you’ll find me hiking local trails or curled up with a food memoir.

2. Emily Tran – Editorial Assistant
Emily keeps everything running smoothly behind the scenes. With a background in food journalism and a sharp eye for detail, she edits, schedules, and polishes our posts. Emily’s love for Asian fusion cuisine inspires some of our best flavor twists. She’s also a big believer in mindful eating and sharing meals with friends.

3. Marcus Riley – Culinary Contributor
Marcus is our go-to for creative dinner ideas and bold flavors. With over a decade in restaurant kitchens and a passion for teaching, he crafts and tests recipes that anyone can master. He’s all about big, comforting dishes and never says no to trying a new spice blend. Marcus brings warmth and humor to our recipe development process.

4. Priya Desai – Dessert Specialist
Priya’s sweet tooth is legendary, and her pastry skills are second to none. With a degree in pastry arts and years of bakery experience, she brings the magic to our dessert section. Priya loves experimenting with global flavors and making classic treats accessible to home bakers. Outside the kitchen, she’s usually painting or planning her next travel adventure.