About

Welcome to Natasha’s Kitchen! I’m Natasha Kravchuk, and together with my husband, Vadim, we’ve been passionately developing and sharing tried-and-true recipes since 2009. Over the years, we have created a trusted recipe resource beloved by millions.

In 2023, I published my debut cookbook – Natasha’s Kitchen Cookbook, which quickly became a New York Times Best-Seller for three consecutive weeks. The book is an extension of our blog with top-quality recipes you can trust.

I come from a family of fantastic cooks, and I’m here to share generations of recipes that are homey, fresh, healthy, family-friendly, authentic, and adventurous. Most importantly, our recipes are meticulously tested and guaranteed to be delicious and reliable.

Natasha holding a lasagna casserole

My Family and Heritage

My culinary journey is deeply rooted in my family’s story. My family came to the U.S. as refugees from Ukraine when I was 4 years old. They brought 5 tiny girls and had nothing but a stack of suitcases. They didn’t know the language, but they worked hard and achieved the American dream. Watch the TV News Segment about our incredible story. My parents’ resilience and passion for food inspire every recipe I create.

Natasha with family posing on steps next to a house
Natasha with her parents and 4 sisters (Natasha is the middle child)

Growing up, I was so shy that I thought no one would marry me until my husband came along and swept me off my feet (true story). Over 20 years ago, I married my wonderful husband, Vadim (who is also Ukrainian). We are blessed with two children. Every recipe that I develop is thoroughly tested and approved by each of us and is often critiqued by relatives and friends. We only post the recipes we love and make over and over.

We live in Idaho (famous for its potatoes), and we love the quieter pace of our beautiful state. We strive to walk in love and live our lives by the word of God and the life of Jesus.

Natasha and Vadim slicing vegetables in the kitchen

Professional Background

We’re so thankful to be full-time foodies and recipe developers. We’re living our dream because of you and I can’t thank you enough! My heritage and diverse professional background, including years in business and nursing, have uniquely equipped me to be the recipe developer, video creator, photographer, writer, and business owner that I am today. We set the bar high so you can expect great recipes and videos here.

The Resume

  • 2003-2007: I worked for 7 years as a business intern, which I consider my most valuable education. My boss and mentor taught me the importance of excellence in business and meticulous attention to detail, which has served me well.
  • 2007 Earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Business with a double major in human resource management
  • 2007-2012 – Worked as a Realtor for 4 years. Fun fact: it was during my realtor days that I learned about blogging (although blogging about real estate was undeniably more boring than food)
  • 2012 Earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing and worked as a Registered Nurse in Telemetry. The courses I took in nutrition, as well as being in a caring profession, made for a natural transition into serving my audience with recipes and connections that nurture body and soul.
  • Blogging since 2009 – What started as a way to share my family’s recipes and culinary journey, has turned into a vibrant community of millions of home cooks.

To summarize all of the many hats I wear – I am a wife, mom, food blogger, cookbook author, recipe developer, video creator, photographer, writer, influencer, social media boss, and entrepreneur, and I love to sing in my church choir. If I were a sandwich, I’d be a Chicken Bacon Avocado on Focaccia.

Natasha with family serving food

How I Got Started Cooking

To be completely honest, I wasn’t always excited about cooking. When I got married in 2003, it became a necessity – “must eat to live” and Mom wasn’t doing the cooking anymore. We had a lot of frozen meals and ate-out too much in the first year of our marriage. I had a free summer (and decided I would improve my cooking skills so we could live and eat healthier.

I dove into cookbook after cookbook and plundered my mom’s recipe books. I was at the library all the time bringing home piles of cookbooks; I was hooked! I even read my mother’s cooking textbook from her college days (Mom completed her culinary program when we moved to the US). I had discovered the joy of cooking. Within a few months, my husband and I each lost weight just from cooking more at home. Now I can’t stop cooking and thinking about cooking and dreaming about cooking… I was born for this!

My recipe collection continues to grow. I love to try new recipes and will share my favorites with you (like our internet-famous Meatloaf and beloved Banana Bread Recipe). I hope you enjoy this blog and find recipes that will become your family favorites as well.

Natasha with mom and daughter making pierogi

Natasha’s Kitchen Today

I started this food and family blog in 2009 as a way to share favorite recipes and events with family and friends. It has grown much larger than I could have imagined with about 1,300 recipes and about 19 million hungry visitors per month. In 2024, we passed 3,500,000 subscribers on YouTube and our channel is growing fast. We’ve been featured on:

  • Forbes
  • Good Morning America
  • ABC News
  • New York Times
  • Associated Press
  • USA Today
  • And hundreds more (see Press page for more)

My goal with Natasha’s Kitchen is for you to really discover and fall in love with cooking and find many new favorite recipes your family will love. The ingredients we use are simple and easily accessible, not overly hoity-toity. My motto: if you can read (a well-written, tested, and trusted recipe), you can cook.

Most of the recipes I share come from my mom and mother-in-law, family, friends, and my own experience in the kitchen. I am so thankful to have such amazing people in my life who generously share their rich knowledge of cooking.

It Takes a Village! I’m so blessed to partner with an incredible group of specialists who share their talents to support Natasha’s Kitchen. Whether it’s social media, email marketing, content editing, or video editing, their expertise helps everything run smoothly so I can focus on creating delicious recipes and fun videos for you. I’m so grateful for their contributions and for YOU, our amazing readers, who make it all possible.

Natasha's family prepping food in the kitchen

Natasha’s Kitchen Recipes

It’s very important to me to share trusted recipes that are reliable and work well in every kitchen and for every cooking skill level. This is why I develop and perfect all of my recipes through careful research and several rounds of testing in my own Kitchen in Idaho (elevation about 2,600 feet).

Every recipe is tested and approved by my family, and often friends, relatives, and even neighbors. All of the photography is done by myself, and I’m the one showing up in our videos. My husband edits the photos and videos (and he’s the videographer, single-handedly running 3 cameras at once).

Get Featured: If you would like your recipe featured on this site, email it to me by clicking here.

Community Guidelines: I love how this food blog has grown into a supportive cooking community – your comments, questions, tips, and success stories make every recipe better. Review my Comment Policy, then join the conversation.

Disclaimer: Per my Nutrition Disclaimer, this blog includes only my own opinions and is not professional advice. It is not intended to be dietary advice or a diet plan. Please talk to your Doctor or nutritionist for medical or dietary advice. I am not liable if you eat too many Hamburgers.

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Comments

  • Mel
    September 28, 2017

    Just wanted to say…I’ve used a bunch of your recipes over the past couple of years and everything has always turned out great! (I have to admit…I think they’ve all been desserts ;)) Anyway…when I’m looking for a new recipe to try, I know I can always trust yours!! (not to mention just reading all the other recipes I haven’t tried yet is great entertainment for me :)).
    Thank you! Great blog!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      September 28, 2017

      It’s my pleasure Mel! I’m happy to hear how much you have been enjoying my site! Thanks for following and sharing your encouraging comments!

      Reply

  • Sara
    September 28, 2017

    Hi Natasha,

    I found your website through a recipe on Facebook & so happy I did. I’m interested in trying the recipes more geared toward your culture. Some of my son’s best friends have been of Ukranian & Russian descent & I’m sure he’d love to try more of the food & even help me cook. Could you please help direct me so that I can find them a bit easier?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      September 29, 2017

      Hi Sara, Welcome to my blog! I’m so glad you’re here 🙂 I would suggest checking out our recipe index (click recipes at the top of the page) and then click on the Russian/Ukrainian category. There are quite a bit of recipes there though, but that may help to start out :).

      Reply

  • ina
    September 27, 2017

    i share your cooking website to all ladies at work bcoze i love all your cooking recipe, seems very simple to follow
    cant wait to make chicken madeira tonite for family

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      September 27, 2017

      Thank you for following and spreading the love Ina! 🙂

      Reply

  • Mikayla
    September 25, 2017

    Wow, your family is stunning. I stumbled across your blog while searching recipes online. Cannot wait to try the spaghetti with shrimp! Currently in nursing school now, so I am always looking to cook healthy food for my husband and I that I can also take for left-overs on school days 🙂 God bless ya’ll from Knoxville, TN!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      September 25, 2017

      Thank you Mikayla! I’m glad you found my blog! Thanks for following and please let me know what you think of the recipes!

      Reply

  • Carmen
    September 24, 2017

    So happy I fond your blog! You are awesome!!!!!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      September 25, 2017

      Why thank you! I’m glad you found my blog too, thanks for following! 🙂

      Reply

  • Emily
    September 24, 2017

    All your recipes are amazing. I look forward to seeing more. Thank you for inspiring me.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      September 25, 2017

      My pleasure Emily! Thank YOU for following and sharing your encouraging comments! 🙂

      Reply

  • Tim
    September 24, 2017

    I grew up on German food. Lately I’ve wanted to explore other northern European foods. I’ve enjoyed several of your recipes and look forward to more. Thanks a bunch.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      September 25, 2017

      I’m glad to hear you’re enjoying the recipe Tim! Thanks so much for following 🙂

      Reply

  • Maria Santana
    September 23, 2017

    Love the recipe I was wondering is there a substitute for the Mayo I’m not a big fan of mayo.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      September 23, 2017

      Hi Maria, I’m not sure which recipe you are referring to. Can you ask the question on the post where the recipe is located? Thank you so much! 🙂

      Reply

  • Lisa Grundy
    September 21, 2017

    I’m so happy I found your blog!! My grandmother was from Ukraine (conceived there, born here) and I always loved her traditional recipes she inherited from her mom and grandmother. Sadly, my dad, when my grandmother passed, inadvertently tossed out her recipe box and so bit by bit I’ve been recovering recipes.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      September 21, 2017

      I’m sorry for your loss Lisa! I’m glad you found my site and I hope the recipes bring you sentimental joy. Thanks for following 🙂

      Reply

  • Mara
    September 21, 2017

    My husband is from Ternopil, Ukraine. He came to the US at age 8. He’s been asking for me to make some Ukrainian food and your site is incredibly easy. As a blogger and foodie, I very much appreciate your story and background. Seems like you found your calling – praise God. Thank you for sharing your story and for helping us making great food!!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      September 21, 2017

      My pleasure Mara! I’m so glad you found my site and are enjoying the recipes so much! Thanks for following and sharing your encouraging words! God Bless 🙂

      Reply

  • Sylvia Zeigler
    September 19, 2017

    LOVE LOVE LOVE your recipes. Everything I’ve tried is amazing. I’m looking for a plum cake recipe. My German mom used to make an amazing one with a yeast base, sliced italian plums, then a layer of egg white+ingredients (with parts of the plums showing through). I can’t get the topping right and wondered if you know of anything similar.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      September 20, 2017

      Hi Sylvia, I don’t have anything quite like that but one of my very favorite cake is this prune cake which might possibly be similar. Sorry I can’t be more helpful!

      Reply

  • vikki fortuna
    September 19, 2017

    I’ve been following you on Instagram for awhile and have made a couple of your recipes. As soon as I get rid of my leftovers in my fridge, I’m going shopping and getting busy making some of your recipes. Everything looks amazing!!! Only problem…I don’t know what to make first. Lol

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      September 19, 2017

      I’m glad to hear you’re enjoying the recipes so much Vikki! Thanks for sharing 😀

      Reply

  • Lise Boyd
    September 16, 2017

    Can I doubled this recipe ineradicable recipe for 8 persons thanks

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      September 17, 2017

      Hi Lise, can you copy this question to the correct recipe? I’m not sure which one you are referring to. Thanks!

      Reply

  • Jody
    September 16, 2017

    Just discovered you while looking for an apple cake recipe for our church’s potluck lunch tomorrow. Think I’ll try yours. Anyway, my German-speaking Mennonite ancestors came to the States from Ukraine in the late 1800s, so I appreciate your being from there and the recipe names I recognize from growing up eating the great food my grandmother and her sisters used to make. I’m wondering if you’re familiar with the following books? Mennonite Foods and Folkways from South Russia by Norma Jost Voth, volumes I and II. Besides recipes, they include stories, explanations, sayings, photos and statements made by people who lived in Ukraine before coming to Canada and the USA. I’m happy to have stumbled (via Pinterest) onto you!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      September 17, 2017

      Hi Jody, I am not familiar with those books but I will have to check them out! thank you for sharing!! 🙂

      Reply

  • Allison
    September 14, 2017

    Just discovered your site and am excited to try some recipes! I am wondering if you have a recipe for nachinka (Ukrainian cornmeal dish)? My Baba used to make it and I would love to try!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      September 15, 2017

      Hi Allison, I don’t have anything like that but if I come up with something great, I will be sure to share it 🙂

      Reply

  • Cate Tuten
    September 14, 2017

    I thought you were a Christian from the very beginning!! So glad to read your “about me” on your blog. Can’t wait to try some of your recipes! Thank you, Natasha, for sharing your love for the Lord and your love for food. Blessings to you and your family! Cate

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      September 14, 2017

      It’s my pleasure Cate! Thanks for following and sharing your encouraging comments! God Bless 😀

      Reply

  • Susan
    September 12, 2017

    You are awesome Natasha and i am so greatful i found you on my FB page. I have been doing your recipes and you make them easy with your cute vids. You are making me look good! I made chicken madiera the other night ad hubby loved it!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      September 13, 2017

      I’m glad to hear how much you are enjoying my site and the recipes! Thanks for following Susan! 🙂

      Reply

  • Vera Likhonin
    September 12, 2017

    Hello Natasha,

    Thank you so much for the hard work that you put into presenting each recipe!

    I need your advice!

    My husband works odd hours and has a job in which he does not have time to warm up his lunch. He basically snacks throughout the day. It’s almost always a busy day at work. He normally will eat grapes, apples, bananas, string cheese, and anything he can just pop into his mouth and keep moving.

    I’ve asked him if I can make him a sandwich but he says he won’t have time to eat it. I’d really like for him to eat something with meat. The only thing I can think of are Chebureki, which he can bite into and keep moving. Except those are not healthy to eat on a regular basis and I’ve never made them myself.

    Please advise! What should I make for him? Your input is really appreciated!

    Thank you!
    You are the best!
    Vera

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      September 12, 2017

      Hi Vera, Have you tried anything like chicken fritters (which still taste good at room temp or even cold). Or maybe canapky with some kind of kielbasa or meat on them. I would also suggest my salami sandwiches which are easy to grab and go. I hope that helps somewhat!

      Reply

      • Vera
        October 3, 2017

        Thank you Natasha! These are great ideas! I’m excited to try the chicken fritters! He wont be the only one eating those ;).

        Thank you for responding!
        Vera

        Reply

  • Marcelle
    September 10, 2017

    Hi i just made the peach cake and was good. Flavor and moisture but it got a little dark for some reason and I was wondering why do you think it got that color, it was like brown sugar color.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      September 11, 2017

      Hi Marcelle, it is normal for the outside to be a richer golden brown color but not the inside of the cake – using brown sugar might do that but I’m not sure why else it would turn dark inside. It is supposed to be a very light yellow color as show in the pictures and video.

      Reply

  • Shawn McGill
    September 10, 2017

    Natasha,What a great job you do with this blog.I follow you on Pinterest as The CulinaryVegabond..
    Congratulations on you successes and cook on : )

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      September 10, 2017

      Thanks for following Shawn! I appreciate your encouraging comments! 🙂

      Reply

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