Beyond the Blog
Hey there! I’m Caitlyn, the brains behind The Traveler’s Ingredients. I’m an amateur chef, baker, and avid food lover who is also passionate about visiting every corner of the world that I can! I am adamant about recreating dishes that I fell in love with in my travels, mastering comfort meals, and building packing lists to ease pre-trip jitters.
What will you find here?
About the Traveler’s Ingredients
Do you want to explore the world without leaving your kitchen? Do you struggle to find a meal that is a new take on a holiday classic? Do you question what to pack for a trip you are about to embark on?
You’ve come to the right place! At The Traveler’s Ingredients, you will find recipes from places I have visited and from my home state of Utah; each one is curated with ease and taste in mind. Discover recipes of familiar favorites and holiday meals that your family will request year after year. And don’t forget the essential “ingredients” needed for travel with a personalized packing list!
My story…
How did I get Here?
From a young age, I have always been involved in cooking, whether in my Uncle Stan’s deli or in my childhood home kitchen. Holiday meals at Uncle Stan’s house were magazine-worthy, and his oven was always on. At home, the Food Network channel was a family favorite. As it played in the background, I played host chef of my own pretend TV show, whipping up dinners and desserts for my parents. Fast forward to high school, where I really started to explore this desire to build exquisite dishes by blending ingredients to craft a memorable meal. I enrolled in a professional cooking course and started to really dive into the deep end of recipe exploration. Understanding how flavors blend is a science that I have come to master on this journey.
My curiosity really began to peak in my late 20s and early 30s, after touring several of my bucket list countries. Letting food be the guide, I am able to sample some new flavors while trotting around unfamiliar territories. Once I return home, I am determined to recreate some of the meals I experience in my travels. Spices fill the air as I experiment with making some traditional Greek dolmades, Italian focaccia pizza, and Italian amaretti cookies, among other favorites. Family and friends are the lucky few who get a sneak peek of these tasty foods once I finalize the recipe. This journey led me to realize that my heart still lies in the kitchen, so I got to work on compiling a list of tried-and-true recipes that are authentic to the dish I fell in love with while on vacation, as well as some comfort meals.
Food is not only a necessity, it is a form of connection and expression. It is a universal language that gives us the opportunity to bond with others. Whether it be with strangers in a foreign country or with family for Sunday dinner, food is an experience we all share. This is why I thoroughly believe in creating a meal that is meant to be shared.
My travels not only helped me expand my palette, but they also helped me discover my love of organization. I recognize the importance of having necessary and comfort items while away from home. Vacations are meant for making new memories, unforgettable experiences, and excitement, not for chaos. My packing lists are meant to help reduce the pre-vacation jitters and minimize the chaos. Whether you are looking for a list based on the type of vacation, location, or just need to remember the essentials, I have you covered. I also offer a personalized packing list service. Just fill out the form found at the bottom of the page!
When I am not in the kitchen, you might find me snuggling on the couch with my fur baby, Charlie, watching a Disney movie, climbing mountains with my boyfriend, doom-scrolling Pinterest for recipe inspiration and home decor ideas, or planning my next trip!
I am also a true-crime nerd and love to watch or read anything related to the topic. My top book recommendation is the Asylum Confessions series, go check them out!
But, you still may be wondering why I made a whole webpage about my passions. Blogging has always been a curiosity of mine that I finally dared to explore. After my boyfriend started his journey in blogging, I figured it was time to scratch that itch and start my own. Travel and cooking have been hobbies of mine as long as I can remember, and with that time comes some expertise. And that is precisely how I got here. Recognizing my talents and the desire to share them!
What You Will Discover
What Can I Do for You?
Let’s work together on crafting the perfect “recipe” for your next vacation with a personalized packing list!
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