MEET THE CHEF
Hi, I’m Tobias Mercer
Home cook, recipe developer, and your guide to making delicious food without the stress
My Story
My love affair with food started in my grandmother’s kitchen in Chicago. I was eight years old, standing on a wooden stool, watching her transform simple ingredients into meals that brought our entire family together. She never used recipes—just instinct, love, and decades of experience. That’s where I learned that cooking isn’t just about following instructions; it’s about understanding flavors and making food that brings people joy.
Fast forward through college, a brief career in marketing, and countless dinner parties—I realized my true passion was in the kitchen. I spent years experimenting, failing spectacularly (ask me about the Great Soufflé Disaster of 2016), and eventually developing recipes that were both delicious and approachable. In 2019, I launched Yum Recipes Co. to share that knowledge with home cooks who want to create restaurant-quality meals without the intimidation factor.
Today, I develop recipes in my Brooklyn kitchen, testing each one multiple times until it’s perfect. My philosophy is simple: good food shouldn’t be complicated. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, I’m here to help you create meals that make you proud and keep your family asking for seconds.
What I Believe In
Simplicity First
Great food doesn’t require fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. I focus on recipes that work with what you already have.
Family Connection
Food is the heart of every gathering. My recipes are designed to bring people together around the table.
Tested Perfection
Every recipe is tested multiple times in a real home kitchen. If it’s on my site, I guarantee it works.
Quick Facts About Me
🍕 Favorite Cuisine: Italian, hands down. Give me fresh pasta and a good marinara any day.
☕ Morning Ritual: Coffee first, recipe development second. I’m not human before 8 AM.
🎸 Hidden Talent: I play guitar and write terrible food-themed songs (yes, I have one about sourdough).
🐕 Sous Chef: My golden retriever, Basil, who believes all food dropped on the floor belongs to him.
📚 Cookbook Collection: Over 200 cookbooks, but I still Google recipes on my phone.
🌶️ Spice Level: Medium heat. I respect those who can handle ghost peppers, but that’s not me.
🏃 Fitness Balance: I run 5 miles so I can eat an entire pizza guilt-free. It’s called balance.
🎓 Education: Self-taught home cook with a marketing degree I barely use anymore.
Behind the Recipes
My kitchen in Brooklyn is where the magic happens. It’s not fancy—just a modest galley kitchen with worn cutting boards, a collection of cast iron pans, and that one drawer that sticks every time you open it.
Every recipe on this site is developed, tested, and photographed right here. I cook the same way you do—with real grocery store ingredients, on days when I’m tired, and with a dog trying to steal ingredients off the counter.
If a recipe doesn’t work in my kitchen, it doesn’t make it to yours. That’s my promise.
Ready to Start Cooking?
Browse through hundreds of tried-and-tested recipes designed for home cooks just like you. From quick weeknight dinners to impressive weekend projects, there’s something delicious waiting for you.
Explore All Recipes →