About Lauren Allen

Founder of Tastes Better from Scratch

Food Blogger | Recipe Developer | Cookbook Author | Digital Entrepreneur

A photo of Lauren Allen

Hi, I’m Lauren Allen and I’m so happy you’re here.

I’m the founder of Tastes Better from Scratch (TBFS), where I’ve been sharing my love of cooking for over 15 years. This site started with one simple belief: homemade food tastes better, is better for you, and it’s something anyone can do with a little guidance.

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Communications – Print Journalism and New Media Design
Brigham Young University

Expertise

I began cooking at a very young age, guided by my Mother, Grandmother, neighbors and friends who were excellent cooks and bakers. With decades of experience I specialize in homemade cooking, recipe development, family meals, global cuisine, meal planning, cookbook publishing, and digital content creation.

Where It All Began

I grew up in Park City, Utah, in a home where everything was made from scratch—from egg noodles and jam to chicken stock and homemade bread. Cooking was part of our everyday life, and by the time I was six I was helping my mom prepare meals for our family of 7.

We shared recipes with neighbors, family, and friends from France, Germany, and Portugal. It was in that warm, hands-on environment that I fell in love with food and the connection it brings.

There's nothing I love more than cooking for my own family; my husband Jeff, and our four kids. I'm passionate about teaching my kids to cook –it's a necessary life skill I'm so grateful my mom gave me.

From Blog to Business

While studying journalism and new media design in college I spent my free time documenting recipes online, often alongside my twin sister, Liz Haslem, as a way to preserve our family recipes and help others cook from scratch. Let’s just say, after a few rounds of college cafeteria food and store-bought meals, I gained a whole new appreciation for homemade food.

That inspired the launch of Tastes Better from Scratch during my junior year. I started by sharing our family staples like banana bread, chocolate cake, and cookies then slowly began documenting new creations.

What began as a recipe archive became a creative outlet. It was a place to share tested recipes, preserve family traditions, and show others that cooking from scratch is cheaper, healthier, and far more delicious.

Cookbook Author

In 2022, a lifelong dream came true when I published my first cookbook, “Tastes Better From Scratch: Easy Recipes for Everyday Life.” I wanted it to be like a “cooking bible” resource for people to go for every meal, with approachable recipes they can really trust.

The cookbook includes 116 tested recipes including a mix of family favorites and fun new ideas.

Growing a Community

Over the years, TBFS has grown into a full-time business reaching over 10 million readers each month. Today, it’s a go-to destination for:

  • Reliable and approachable recipes
  • Free meal plans
  • Step-by-step cooking tips, photos and videos

“It started with the food that I love… but as the business has grown, I’ve learned to balance what inspires me, with what people are searching for — and never publish a recipe I’m not proud of.”

As Tastes Better from Scratch has grown I've built a small but passionate team who care about this mission as much as I do:

Meet the Team

Lauren Allen:
Founder and Owner of Tastes Better from Scratch
Liz Haslem:
Chief Operating Officer
Andrea Lake:
Content Manager

Dereth Atkins:
Email Manager and Brand Outreach Coordinator
Stacy Popham:
Social Media Manager

Influenced by Travel and Culture

Food has always been about connection. My time living in Spain (Barcelona and Madrid) and Mexico (Puebla) deeply shaped my cooking style. Experiences traveling to different countries around the world has also greatly influenced my love for every type of cuisine. You'll find my take on many international-inspired recipes, and even a “Taste of Europe” e-cookbook I created while living abroad.

Recipes like Paella, Tortilla de Patata, Tamales, and Mole reflect the cultures I was lucky to experience firsthand.

Food has an amazing way of helping us share and discover different cultures, even if we are unable to visit in person.

Life Outside the Kitchen

I've worked in news writing, as an executive assistant, in sales, and marketing roles, which helped shape the business side of TBFS.

When I'm not developing recipes I love spending time with my family hiking, boating, traveling, trying new restaurants, and exploring global flavors to bring fresh inspiration into the kitchen.

Five Random facts about me:

  • I love to adventure! Camping, skiing, hiking; anything outdoors. I’ve even bungee jumped off a 175ft bridge.
  • My dream as a kid was to be Katie Couric (I watched The Today Show, every morning). In college I majored in Journalism. Katie started following me on Instagram…I can die now.
  • There is no food I will not try, and I like just about everything (even Beef with Red Ants, in Cambodia!). Trying new foods could be my favorite thing to do.
  • Two popular Desserts I don’t like: root beer floats and snickers.
    My first job (besides babysitting) was as a “sample girl” at our local grocery store. I distinctly remember offering “uncrustables” pbj sandwiches as a sample, when they first came out. I’ve always loved food!
  • My favorite way to unwind is a hot bubble bath (Epson salts are a must) with a good book. 

Thank You for Being Here!

Thank you so much for being here! Every recipe you try, every comment you leave, and every rating you give helps support my small business and allows me to continue sharing these recipes with you.

Your feedback is incredibly valuable. If you’ve made something you enjoyed, I’d love to hear about it in the comments (and don’t forget to leave a star rating)!

Follow Along

Join millions of home cooks to see recipes, behind-the-scene cooking, and helpful kitchen tips:

Instagram
Pinterest
Facebook
YouTube
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Get the cookbook

Features

Lauren’s approachable style and trusted recipes have been featured by major media outlets, reaching millions of home cooks across the globe.

USA Today – Sharing pantry-friendly and freezer staple recipes perfect for families on a budget.
HuffPost – Spotlighting her take on nostalgic treats like penuche fudge.
Healthline – Offering insight into healthy, homemade options for babies and young children.
Business Insider – Highlighting her slow cooker meals as some of the best easy recipes found on Pinterest.
The Guardian – Featured in a guide to fun and festive alcohol-free holiday gatherings.
Phoenix New Times – Celebrating the release of her debut cookbook and her journey from food blog to full-time brand.
ABC News – Good Morning America – Highlighting true family recipes perfect for an Easter table, including Lauren’s classic dishes made from scratch.
LA Times – Highlighting multicultural holiday traditions, including Latin American food inspiration.
TIME – Showcasing essential kitchen tools, with Lauren’s trusted picks featured in a guide to the best wooden cutting boards.

AZ Family's Channel 5 – Demonstrating how to make my Thanksgiving Turkey recipe.

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