I'm Erin Gierhart, recipe creator, taste tester, photographer, and CEO here at State of Dinner.
With decades of food industry experience, from working in a bakery to developing recipes for prominent bloggers, I've made cooking comfort food my love language.
In 2020, I transitioned out of the restaurant industry and now spend my days cooking up tasty dishes to share with you.
At State of Dinner, you'll find flavorful comfort food recipes that fit your life, whether you're looking for a fast weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for entertaining.
Comfort food recipes that fit YOUR life
I know you want meals with maximum taste, even when time is limited.
I help you whip up dishes with big flavor fast on busy weeknights, plus drool-worthy recipes for special occasions - so you can have your cake and eat it too!
Recipe Testing
Every single recipe on State of Dinner goes through a rigorous development and testing process before it makes its way to you.
I don't just test each recipe once and call it done. I prepare it multiple times until it is perfect! This Apple Crumble Cheesecake was tested 7 times!
Each test includes tweaking and adjusting until the flavors are perfectly balanced and the methodology is foolproof. You can trust that my recipes will turn out delicious every time you make them.
I welcome feedback on the recipes! If you had a challenge making something, or just have a question, send me an email.
More About Erin
🐶 I live in Fort Worth, Texas with my husband, 2 kids, and our extraverted Goldendoodle.
🍽️ With over 15 years managing regional operations at Starbucks and a Canadian restaurant group, I know how to juggle crazy busy. But through all my work travel, family dinners stayed sacred. Curating easy, delicious recipes was key!
🍗 My years teaching food safety classes (as a certified food safety administrator with the NRFPS) means I've got your back on proper techniques. No worries about undercooked chicken here!
🥧I initially intended this site to primarily feature dinner recipes, but I just cannot resist desserts! Especially pies and cheesecakes. So you'll find plenty of dessert recipes to choose from too!
☕ When I'm not cooking, you can find me sipping bold coffee, cheering at football games, or working on art projects with my kids.
📏 My enneagram type 1 personality means I test each recipe extensively until perfect. I want you to trust these recipes completely!
🥘 Food is my love language. It makes me ridiculously happy when someone enjoys my recipes!
Favorite Features
Interviews:
Recipes Featured In The Media:
FoxNews featured No Bake Cherry Cheesecake Pie for National Cherry Cheesecake Day!
The Pioneer Woman included my Air Fryer Boneless Wings as a part of her collection of chicken wing recipes.
Money Inc shared famous Nebraska recipes and suggested my Runza recipe.
MSN has featured quite a few of my recipes including Hoosier Sugar Cream Pie.
Frequently Asked Questions
I initially launched this site as a place to record my family's experience making iconic recipes from each state across the US. I wanted a name that could expand to a broader niche, and liked the play on words.
I love hearing recipe ideas from readers! While I can't develop every submission, I take each one seriously. Email erin@stateofdinner.com with dish details, must-have ingredients, dietary needs, or anything important to you. I thoughtfully consider all ideas and add them to my ongoing recipe list. I'm honored you would entrust me with meaningful recipes.
To maintain the integrity of my content, I don't allow my full recipes or photos to be reproduced or used on other websites without written permission.
I accept a limited number of brand partnerships each year. If you feel that our brands are well-aligned, or you are interested in recipe development for your brand, please fill out this simple form and I will respond within 72 hours.
Let's Connect!
I love to connect with readers! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Pinterest. Send me a DM to say hi! And be sure to subscribe to my newsletter for recipes and cooking tips!
Favorite Recipes
Ready for your new favorite recipes? I love all of the recipes on this site. But here are the top reader favorites!
- No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars
- Classic Philadelphia Cheesecake Recipe
- Hoosier Sugar Cream Pie
- Colorado Pork Green Chili
- Cardamom Shortbread Cookies with Orange Glaze Recipe
- Homemade Whipped Cream Recipe for a Dispenser
- Sweet Potato Pie With Condensed Milk
- Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole
- Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Wings
- Creamy Knoephla Soup (Potato and Dumpling Soup)