Privacy Policy

Hey there, and welcome! I’m Ethan, the amateur cook behind this site. I value your trust, so I want to be completely clear about how I handle any information while you’re here.

This Privacy Policy explains what data is collected on An Amateur Cook and how it’s used.

Last Updated: 22 December, 2025

1. Who I Am

This website… An Amateur Cook… is a personal food blog created and run by me, Ethan Reid. You’re visiting it right now at https://anamateurcook.com. It’s built on the joy of cooking and learning, not on collecting your personal details.

2. Information I Collect

I don’t ask for much, and I never sell your personal information. Here’s what happens as you browse:

  • Information You Voluntarily Provide: This is only if you choose to email me at anamateurcookcom@gmail.com, leave a comment on a blog post, or interact on my social media. You might share your name, email address, and whatever you write. I keep that correspondence private.
  • Automatically Collected Information: Like most websites, this one uses tools that automatically log basic, non-personal data when you visit. This can include:
    • Your IP address (which is general, like your city, not your home address).
    • The type of browser and device you’re using (e.g., Chrome on an iPhone).
    • Which pages you visited and how long you stayed.
    • How you found my site (e.g., from Google or a social media link).
      This info helps me understand what content you all enjoy most (like, do people really love my guacamole redemption saga?) and troubleshoot any technical issues.

3. How This Information Is Used

Any info collected is used in the following simple ways:

  • To operate, maintain, and improve the blog.
  • To respond to your comments or emails (if you reach out).
  • To track basic metrics like page views and popular recipes.
  • To personalize your experience, such as remembering your preferences if the site allows it.

4. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

Yes, this site uses cookies… small data files stored on your browser. They help the site run properly and remember things (like if you’ve visited before).

  • My Cookies: These are for basic site functionality.
  • Third-Party Cookies: These come from services I use, primarily for analytics.
    • Google Analytics: Helps me see which posts are popular (so I know if I should make more “Date Night Disaster” stories). This tool collects anonymous data about site usage.

You can choose to disable cookies through your own browser settings. It’s a bit technical, but a quick web search for “how to disable cookies in [your browser name]” will guide you.

Sometimes my posts will link to other websites (like a local Austin spice shop I love) or embed a fun cooking video from YouTube. Clicking these links will take you off my site. Those other sites have their own privacy policies, which I don’t control. Please check their policies if you have concerns.

6. Advertising

This website is currently ad free. I don’t run any advertising networks, sponsored content, or affiliate links at this time. If that changes in the future, I will update this section and be transparent about any partnerships.

7. Data Security & Children’s Privacy

  • Security: I use standard, commercially reasonable security measures to protect any information I have. But remember, no method of online transmission is 100% secure.
  • Children’s Privacy: This blog is intended for a general audience. I do not knowingly collect any personal information from children under 13. If you are a parent and believe your child has provided information, please contact me, and I will delete it.

8. Your Rights

You have the right to:

  • Opt-out: Of future email communications by not replying.
  • Access/Delete: Request to see or delete any personal data I might have (like a comment). Just email me.
  • Disable Cookies: As mentioned above.

9. Updates to This Policy

I may update this privacy policy from time to time. When I do, I’ll change the “Last Updated” date at the top of this page. Any changes will be effective immediately upon posting.

10. Contact Me

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Ethan Reid
An Amateur Cook
Website: https://anamateurcook.com/
Email: anamateurcookcom@gmail.com

Thanks for reading, and happy cooking! Remember, mistakes are just extra seasoning… and that applies to websites, too. I’m learning as I go.

Ethan