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Who is The Food Kooky?

Hello, I am Lili and I am The Food Kooky.

Hi! I’m Lili — the recipe developer, nutritionist, photographer, and creator behind The Food Kooky.

Cooking has always been a place of peace for me. It’s where I feel most grounded, most free, and most myself. It’s what I return to, no matter what life looks like outside the kitchen.

I started this blog during a season of exploring food trends, but over time I returned to what truly matters: nourishing, flavorful, everyday meals inspired by Mediterranean and Eastern European traditions. These are the recipes I grew up with, the ones I make for the people I care about, and the food that reconnects me to who I am.

My story

I was born and raised in Bulgaria, and moved to the U.S. in 2010 — for love. Yes, real love. I crossed oceans to be with the man who’s now my husband, and I have no regrets. He’s still the one I love cooking for every day.

Coming to America was a fresh start. I already had over three years of professional photography experience and a culinary diploma from a specialized cooking high school in Bulgaria. Once here, I decided to go even further and pursue a degree in nutrition. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Dietetics from LSU with a strong GPA — but chose not to become a Registered Dietitian. Why? Because I don’t fully agree with the USDA’s current nutrition guidelines. I believe food should nourish and delight, not be reduced to numbers and rules. Also, I much rather feed people than put them on a diet.

Why I Named my Site Like That?

The name is a love story in itself. My husband came up with it. Ever since we started dating, he’s called me “Kooky.” It started as a playful nickname — inspired by how I used to call my mom and dad “Kooky One” and “Kooky Two.” He happily joined the fun and said, “Well, then you must be the third Kooky!” And it stuck. So when I started this blog, naming it was easy — it had to be The Food Kooky.

My Food Philosophy

In my family, food was always homemade — from scratch, with love, and often from the local farmers market. My mom did most of the everyday cooking and left me handwritten notes on how to start dinner before she got home. That’s how I learned to follow recipes.

My dad was the baker. He was always whistling while kneading dough, joking around, and turning dessert-making into pure joy. He rarely followed recipes. Instead, he taught me that creativity in the kitchen is just as important as technique. My parents gave me more than cooking skills — they gave me connection, confidence, and creativity through food. That’s what I hope to pass on to you.

What kind of recipes can you find on my blog?

Me sitting at the bed

This blog is filled with recipes I actually cook for my family and friends — nothing trendy just for clicks, and no ingredient lists I wouldn’t eat myself. I believe in using whole foods, avoiding ultra-processed ingredients, and cooking meals that bring comfort and flavor. I cured my own chronic heartburn simply by returning to real food, and I believe food can heal both body and soul.

Here you’ll find:

  • Recipes inspired by Mediterranean and Eastern European flavors.
  • Seasonal dishes made with real ingredients.
  • Shopping tips and simple nutrition advice.
  • Stories from my kitchen and family table.

If I wouldn’t proudly serve it at home, I won’t post it here.

Thanks for stopping by. I can’t wait to cook with you.