Hi, I’m Jasmine Rae, the heart (and stomach) behind Taste The Spice. I’ve been cooking since I was eight years old, standing on a step stool in my grandmother’s kitchen in Oakland, California, learning to make her famous jambalaya. That’s where my love of bold flavors and experimenting in the kitchen really began.

My Culinary Journey

After studying Culinary Arts at Laney College in 2012, I spent five years working in restaurant kitchens across the Bay Area—from a Mediterranean bistro in Berkeley to a farm-to-table spot in San Francisco. While I loved the energy of professional kitchens, I realized my true passion was creating recipes that everyday home cooks could actually make without fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients.

In 2018, I started Taste The Spice as a way to share the recipes I was creating at home—dishes inspired by my Creole heritage, my travels through Southeast Asia and the Mediterranean, and the diverse food culture of the Bay Area. What began as a simple blog has grown into a community of over 150,000 monthly readers who share my belief that cooking should be joyful, not stressful.

What You’ll Find Here

Every recipe on Taste The Spice is one I’ve personally tested (usually multiple times) in my own home kitchen. I’m not a professional food stylist or photographer—I’m a home cook who believes that real food doesn’t need to be perfect to be delicious. You’ll find:

• Flavor-Packed Recipes – I’m all about layering spices and building depth of flavor, whether it’s a quick weeknight curry or a slow-braised weekend project


• Cultural Exploration – Recipes inspired by Creole, Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Southeast Asian cuisines, adapted for the American home kitchen


• Real-Life Cooking – No fancy equipment required, and I always suggest substitutions for hard-to-find ingredients


• Tested & Trusted – Every recipe is tested at least three times before it goes live, and I read and respond to every comment

Background & Experience

• Culinary Arts Certificate, Laney College, Oakland, CA (2012)


• 5+ years professional kitchen experience (2012-2017)


• Food Safety Certification (ServSafe)


• Contributing writer for Bay Area Food Magazine (2019-2020)


• Recipe developer and food blogger since 2018

Beyond the Kitchen

When I’m not recipe testing (which, let’s be honest, is most of the time), you’ll find me at local farmers markets hunting for seasonal produce, trying new restaurants around Oakland and San Francisco, or planning my next food-focused trip. I’ve eaten my way through Thailand, Vietnam, Morocco, Greece, and Mexico, and every trip inspires new recipes that eventually make their way onto this site.

I live in Oakland with my partner Marcus and our rescue dog Pepper, who has developed quite the sophisticated palate from all the “taste testing” she sneaks in. My kitchen is small, my equipment is basic, and I burn things more often than I’d like to admit, which is exactly why I know these recipes will work for you too.

My Cooking Philosophy

I believe cooking should bring people together, not stress them out. I’m not interested in perfection or Instagram worthy plating. I’m interested in food that tastes incredible and makes you want to share it with the people you love. Every recipe here is designed to be approachable, forgiving, and most importantly, delicious.

I’m also committed to being transparent about my process. If a recipe doesn’t work out, I want to know. If you make a substitution that works better, I want to hear about it. This site is a conversation, not a lecture, and I learn just as much from my readers as they hopefully learn from me.

Let’s Stay Connected

I love hearing from readers! Whether you have a question about a recipe, want to share how you adapted one of my dishes, or just want to chat about food, I’m here for it. You can reach me at:

• Email: [email protected]


• Instagram: @Tastethespice0 (where I share behind-the-scenes kitchen disasters and successes)


• Pinterest: pinterest.com/Tastethespice0 (for all my recipe inspiration boards)


• Facebook: facebook.com/Tastethespice0

I read and respond to every email and comment, though it might take me a few days during busy recipe testing periods. I also send out a weekly newsletter with new recipes, cooking tips, and the occasional restaurant recommendation—you can sign up at the bottom of any recipe page.

Work With Me

I’m available for recipe development, food writing, and brand partnerships that align with my values of accessible, flavorful home cooking. If you’re interested in collaborating, please reach out at [email protected] with details about your project.
Thank you for being here and for trusting me in your kitchen. I hope these recipes bring as much joy to your table as they’ve brought to mine.

Happy cooking,
Jasmine Rae
Founder & Recipe Developer, Taste The Spice