About Hayley

Hi, I’m Hayley!

I’m Hayley Ryczek, the cook and cookbook author behind Health Starts in the Kitchen. This is where I share my love of good food, wild ingredients, and a life with plenty of time outdoors.

My goal is simple: to make your next meal a little more delicious and give you something new to try. You’ll find recipes for everyday cooking alongside mushroom dishes, food preservation ideas, and inspiration for adventures beyond the kitchen.

Start exploring

Recipes — Find inspiration for dinner, homemade staples, gluten-free favorites, and more.

Foraging — Explore wild foods, mushrooms, and ideas for bringing seasonal finds into the kitchen.

E-Biking — Come along for rides, outdoor adventures, and practical e-bike tips.

Lifestyle — Browse ideas for home, garden, and everyday living.

Beyond the kitchen

Gardening, foraging, and time on Lake Erie are part of the story here, too. I love the connection between what we grow, what we discover outdoors, and what we bring to the table.

My cookbooks

I’m the author of Without Grain and Fermented Foods at Every Meal. They’re another way to bring a little of my kitchen into yours.

Let’s connect

Have a recipe question, want to share what you’ve made, or interested in working together? Get in touch here. I’m glad you’re here!