Welcome to my kitchen! My name is Ethan, and this page is my promise to you about how I create the content you find here on An Amateur Cook. Transparency and trust matter to me, so I want to be upfront about my process.
My Core Mission
This blog exists to make cooking fun, approachable, and less intimidating. I document my real, often messy, journey from kitchen disasters to small victories. My goal is to build a community where we can laugh, learn, and cook together.
How I Create Content
- Original Recipes & Stories: Every recipe and narrative post you read comes from my own kitchen in Austin, Texas. They are born from my experiments, my cravings, and the lessons I learn (often the hard way). I do not copy recipes from other sources and present them as my own.
- The “Amateur” Standard: I test every recipe I publish, but I am not a professionally trained chef. My recipes are developed for the home cook, using standard home kitchen equipment and accessible ingredients. I aim for approachable, flavorful, and fun food, not perfection.
- Photography: All food and process photos are taken by me in my kitchen with a smartphone. I edit them lightly for brightness and color to show the food as honestly as I can. What you see is what I (actually, messily) made.
Product Recommendations & Ingredients
- Unsponsored & Unbiased: As of now, I do not accept payment or free products in exchange for reviews or featured placements in my recipes. If I mention a brand, tool, or ingredient (like my favorite local coffee or a specific type of chili powder), it is because I genuinely use and like it in my own cooking.
- Transparency First: If this policy ever changes in the future…for example, if I partner with a brand for a sponsored post or use an affiliate link, I will clearly and prominently disclose that relationship to you within the content itself. My opinions will always be my own.
Fact-Checking & Accuracy
I take care to provide accurate measurements, cook times, and instructions. However, cooking is not an exact science. Oven temperatures vary, and ingredients behave differently. I strongly encourage you to use the recipes as a guide and trust your own instincts (and a meat thermometer when needed!). All information is provided in good faith, but I cannot guarantee specific results in your individual kitchen.
Corrections & Updates
I strive for accuracy, but I am human. If I make a significant error in a recipe or post, I will correct it promptly and note the update at the bottom of the page. If you ever spot an issue, please feel free to email me politely at anamateurcookcom@gmail.com.
Your Role in This Community
This blog thrives on your participation. Your comments, your own stories shared via email or social media, and your feedback are what make this a community, not just a website. I promise to engage with this community respectfully and with the same humor and honesty I bring to my cooking.
Final Word
This editorial policy reflects my commitment to authenticity. I’m not here to sell you anything but the idea that cooking should be joyful. Thank you for trusting me with a little space in your kitchen and your day.
Happy Cooking,
Ethan Reid
Founder, An Amateur Cook
This policy may be updated to reflect the growth of this blog. The latest version will always be posted on this page.
Last updated: December 22, 2025.