Welcome to Gourli!
Hey there, fellow food lover! I’m Hannah Brooks, the creator and recipe enthusiast behind Gourli. Welcome to my little corner of the internet, where I get to share my greatest joy: bringing delicious, approachable recipes to your kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, my mission is to make sure you feel inspired, supported, and a little bit adventurous every time you visit.
Food has always been my love language, and I truly believe that recipes are about more than just ingredients and instructions—they’re about connection, creativity, and joy. Over the years, I’ve had the honor of having my work featured in food magazines, collaborating with top brands, and even winning a couple of local cooking competitions (including the Midwestern Recipe Showdown and the Home Chef Challenge!). From those first cooking classes I took as a teen, to the community potlucks and pop-up dinners I now host, every step has taught me something new about flavor, family, and fun in the kitchen.
Looking back, I realize that the most important thing I’ve learned is this: there’s no “perfect” recipe. Every dish is a chance to experiment, make mistakes, and discover something new. At Gourli, I want you to feel free to play with your food and make every recipe your own.
How It All Started
Gourli was born out of a genuine, unstoppable passion for home cooking. I still remember standing on a stool next to my grandmother, flour dusting the air as she showed me how to knead bread. Those simple, messy moments are what first sparked my curiosity. Soon I was helping plan family dinners, scouring cookbooks, and watching every cooking show I could find.
What I love most about recipes is their power to bring people together. Whether it’s the laughter echoing around a breakfast table, or the warm hush of friends savoring dessert, food is at the heart of every good memory. I wanted to capture that magic and share it with others, which is what led me to start documenting my kitchen adventures.
Gourli began as a simple food diary, but quickly turned into something much bigger: a community. Here, I get to teach, learn, and grow alongside fellow food enthusiasts from all walks of life.
Why You Can Trust Me
With over 12 years of hands-on cooking experience, I’ve worked in home kitchens, restaurant test kitchens, and even completed a certificate program in recipe development. My background blends both personal and professional culinary journeys, giving me a unique perspective that I pour into every recipe I share on Gourli.
I’m committed to quality, and every recipe goes through multiple rounds of research, testing, and tasting before it ever reaches your screen. My process is equal parts curiosity and discipline: I experiment with new techniques, source the best ingredients, and always aim for that “wow” moment on the plate. Presentation matters, too—I take all my own food photography, using natural light and minimal props to keep things fresh, honest, and mouthwatering.
Beyond the kitchen, I’m a devoted reader (cookbooks and mysteries!), a keen traveler in search of local eats, and a passionate gardener growing my own herbs and veggies. These experiences shape my recipes, introducing new flavors and ideas to keep things interesting and authentic.
I also believe in lifelong learning—so I’m always attending workshops, taking online classes, and connecting with other food creators. This constant exploration keeps Gourli vibrant and up-to-date, and ensures you’re getting recipes you can truly rely on.
Above all, I want you to trust that every recipe here is crafted with care, tested with love, and shared with genuine excitement for your success.
Connect with Me
I’d absolutely love to hear from you! Your stories, questions, and kitchen wins are what make this community so special. Whether you want to share your favorite breakfast creation or just say hi, please reach out:
- Email: [email protected]
- Pinterest: Gourli
Thank you for being here. I can’t wait to cook, learn, and laugh together. Let’s make every meal memorable!
Meet the Team
Hannah Brooks – Founder & Recipe Developer
I’m the voice, cook, and photographer behind Gourli. My passion is helping home cooks find confidence and creativity in the kitchen. With a background in culinary arts and a love for seasonal ingredients, I test every recipe to make sure it’s reliable and fun. Outside of Gourli, you’ll find me hiking, gardening, or curled up with a new novel.
Sophie Lin – Content Editor
Sophie keeps the site running smoothly, editing recipes and ensuring every post is clear and easy to follow. With years of experience in food media and a degree in English, she brings a sharp eye and warm touch to every story. She’s also a huge fan of all things chocolate!
Marcus Rivera – Food Photographer
Marcus brings our recipes to life with beautiful, natural-light photography. He’s worked for several top food blogs and has a knack for capturing the mouthwatering details that make a dish irresistible. In his spare time, Marcus experiments with film photography and street food reviews.
Ella Thompson – Community Manager
Ella connects with our readers, manages comments, and makes sure your questions get answered. She’s passionate about building food communities and loves seeing how people put their own spin on our recipes. Ella is an avid baker and weekend brunch enthusiast.