Hey there! I’m Ethan, and this is my kitchen corner of the internet, An Amateur Cook. Before you get cooking with me, I want to be totally up front about a few important things. Please give this a quick read.
1. For Fun & Inspiration, Not Professional Advice
Let’s be clear: I am not a chef. I am not a certified nutritionist, dietitian, or food safety expert. I’m an enthusiastic home cook who loves sharing my messy, hilarious, and sometimes successful journey.
The recipes, tips, and stories on this blog are for entertainment and inspiration only. They are based on my personal experience, taste preferences, and what (usually) works in my own Austin apartment kitchen. I’m learning right alongside you.
2. Your Health & Safety First
- Allergies & Dietary Needs: I am not an expert on allergens, cross-contamination, or specific medical diets (like gluten-free, dairy-free, keto, etc.). It is your responsibility to check all ingredients and modify recipes to fit your own dietary restrictions and health needs. When in doubt, consult with a healthcare professional.
- Food Safety: I am not a food safety inspector. I provide general cooking times and techniques, but ingredients, appliances, and kitchen environments vary. You are responsible for ensuring food is cooked to proper safe internal temperatures, stored correctly, and handled hygienically. When it comes to food safety, please follow official guidelines from sources like the USDA.
3. Recipe Outcomes May Vary
Cooking is part art, part science, and a big part of “what’s happening in your kitchen right now.”
- Ingredients: Brand, freshness, and measurement style (I’m a “close enough” measurer, unless baking) can affect results.
- Equipment: My oven might run hot, your stove might be different, and our pans aren’t the same. Times given are estimates. Your best tool is your own senses… look, smell, and taste as you go.
- “Success” is Subjective: My idea of perfect might be different from yours. The goal here is a fun experience and something edible, not necessarily a Michelin-starred plate.
4. Nutrition Information
Any approximate nutrition information (like calories) provided with a recipe is an estimate generated by a third-party calculator. I do not calculate this by hand, and it should be considered a rough guide, not a certified fact. Values can change dramatically based on the specific brands and amounts of ingredients you use.
5. External Links & Content
Sometimes I’ll link to products I genuinely love or other websites I find useful. Please know:
- I am not responsible for the content, privacy policies, or practices of any third-party websites I link to.
- Any product recommendation is my personal opinion because I like it, not a formal endorsement. Do your own research before buying anything.
6. Limitation of Liability
By using this blog and attempting any recipe or advice, you agree that you are doing so at your own risk. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I (Ethan Reid and An Amateur Cook) am not liable for any adverse outcomes, including but not limited to:
- Any illness or injury resulting from food preparation or consumption.
- Kitchen mishaps or accidents.
- Disappointment over a recipe that didn’t turn out as expected.
In short: I’m your encouraging friend in the kitchen, not your guarantee.
7. Affiliate & Advertising Disclosure
As of the last update of this page, this blog does not contain affiliate links or display advertisements. If this changes in the future to help support the costs of running the site (more avocados to ruin!), I will update this disclaimer and be fully transparent about any such relationships.
The Bottom Line:
This blog is a celebration of the imperfect, joyful process of cooking. My goal is to make the kitchen feel less intimidating and more fun. Please use common sense, prioritize your safety, and remember… mistakes are just extra seasoning!
Happy (and safe) cooking,
Ethan Reid
Founder, An Amateur Cook
This disclaimer is subject to change without notice and was last updated on December 22, 2025.