Hi! I’m Amanda, the recipe developer, food photographer, and videographer behind Midwest Nice Blog. I believe in making good food for good people and I’ve got a feeling you’re pretty good people.

I’m a born and raised Wisconsinite who has been working in the kitchen since I was an itty-bitty thing. Most of my childhood photos show me in the kitchen with my grandma or holding a spoon full of something delicious. All I have ever wanted to do is make food for my friends and family and write about it. And now, with this blog, my dreams have come true!
Read more about the ethos of this website here.
Before I started this website, I spent over a decade working in restaurants. I have held every job you can think of – from dishwasher to head pastry chef and everything in between.
This experience, combined with the wealth of knowledge bestowed upon me from my grandmother (who was the best cook I’ve ever encountered), have me poised to be your go-to-gal for real good, real food recipes.
A journalism degree from Northwestern University means I’m perfectly positioned to communicate all the knowledge I’ve gained back to you, my wonderful readers!
I am so deeply proud to be from the Midwest and grateful to be able to share the meaningful stories and rich histories of our region through its beloved cuisine!

Education & Experience
- Northwestern University: Medill School of Journalism, BSJ ‘14
- Restaurant Front of House: 10+ years as a hostess, server, bar manager, shift lead
- Restaurant Back of House: 4+ years as a dishwasher, baker, head pastry chef

A little about me
- I am married to the absolute best guy around. Seth is my light and my love and my biggest cheerleader. He’s also the head recipe taste-tester and isn’t afraid to tell me what he really thinks.
- The other man in my life has four legs and a tail. His name is Edgar and I’m a better woman for taking care of him.
- I love winter more than most people. After living in the South for years, I made a promise to myself that upon my return to Wisconsin I wouldn’t complain about the cold. I have (mostly) stuck to that promise.
- Pen and paper will always be my preferred choice of writing. I have a monthly planner and notepad I carry around with me wherever I go.
- Yes, that’s a butter tattoo! I have been working on a collection of tattoos dedicated to food since college and even have my grandmother’s lamb cake recipe on my arm.

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