Emily Nguyen

Classic Recipes Reimagined for Modern Kitchens & First-Time Home Cooks

Hi there! I'm Emily. As a recent college grad who barely knew how to boil water, I'm proof that anyone can learn to cook. I'm here to make grandma-style recipes less intimidating for beginners like me. Let's figure this out together!

About Me:

Meet Emily Nguyen

I'm going to be honest with you: two years ago, I survived on instant ramen, frozen pizza, and whatever my roommate was willing to share. I graduated from UCLA with a communications degree and zero kitchen skills. My Vietnamese grandmother, Bà Ngoại, was horrified. "How will you take care of yourself?" she asked every time we video-called.

So I made her a promise: I would learn to cook. Really cook—not just microwave things. I started with her recipes, then branched into American classics that reminded me of potlucks and holidays at friends' houses. Every mistake became a lesson, every success a tiny victory. Now I'm the person my friends call when they need cooking advice, which still feels surreal.

My Cooking Philosophy

Beginner-Friendly Always: I remember what it's like to not know anything. I explain every term, every technique, and every potential mistake because I've probably made it myself.
Modern Shortcuts Welcome: Bà Ngoại might not approve, but I'll tell you when a store-bought ingredient works just fine. We're all busy.
Small Kitchen Solutions: I cook in a tiny apartment kitchen with minimal equipment. If I can do it, you definitely can.

Background & Experience

I'm the youngest member of the My Grandma Recipes team, and I bring a different perspective—I'm learning alongside many of our readers. I document my cooking journey on our social media channels, including the fails (there are many) and the wins (getting more frequent!). I also manage our Pinterest and help make our content accessible to younger audiences.

When I'm not in the kitchen, I'm video-chatting with Bà Ngoại (who critiques my technique lovingly), thrifting for vintage kitchen gadgets I don't need, or convincing my cat Mr. Whiskers that he doesn't actually like human food.

Connect with Emily:
Email:

My Latest recipes:

Greek Tortellini Salad: Zesty Pasta Side

Classics

Whip up this vibrant greek tortellini salad in minutes. Featuring crisp vegetables and tangy Mediterranean flavors, it's a crowd-pleasing side dish.

Strawberry Daiquiri Cocktail Mix: Velvety Tart

Classics

Create the best strawberry daiquiri cocktail mix at home! This easy strawberry daiquiri cocktail mix recipe yields a velvety and intensely tart mixer.

Edible Cookie Dough Recipe for One: Ready in 6 Minutes

5.00 (1 Ratings)

Baking

Get the ultimate edible cookie dough recipe for one! This single serving snack is velvety, buttery, and ready in 6 minutes. Perfect no bake cookie dough for…