About

A woman with medium-length dark brown hair and fair skin smiling with trees behind her.

Welcome!

I'm Erin Gierhart: Recipe creator, taste tester, photographer, and CEO here at State of Dinner.

With decades of food industry and home cooking experience I have an unwavering commitment to quality.

As a busy working mom, I have also mastered creative ways to elevate comfort food and simplify weeknight cooking without compromising on taste.

My recipes use high-quality ingredients that capture the essence of traditional and nostalgic comfort food.

You can always come here for easy but impressive recipes that are nostalgic and certain to make new memories!

Here the State of Dinner is always comforting and cozy with an elevated and modern twist - even when the State of Life may be chaotic!

Can You Relate?

I love to gather loved ones around the table, savoring homemade meals made with quality ingredients and a dash of love. Desserts are at the heart of this, bringing smiles immediately to friends and family.

But life can’t be all cake! We need to have lunches and dinners, too!

Too often, we get caught in the whirlwind of work deadlines, school pickups, and extracurricular activities. Despite our best efforts, we struggle to find the time and energy to put together satisfying dinners for our families.

I have been there, but I have figured out the solution with easy recipes and by learning the skills, tips, and strategies to do it on my own!

My Promise to You

I have mastered creative ways to elevate comfort food and simplify weeknight cooking without compromising on taste.

I promise that here at the State of Dinner, you can always find recipes that you will be proud to serve to your family for dinner, to friends on the weekends, or to crowds at a party!

What You Will Find Here

Elevated comfort food, so you can take pride in what you serve.
Recipes that use quality ingredients but are easy to make.
Traditional with a modern and refined twist - Recipes that combine familiar flavors and ingredients with innovative techniques and presentation.

Recipe Testing

Every recipe on State of Dinner undergoes rigorous development and testing before publication.

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 have 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 it is 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.

Logos of the various publications where State of Dinner has been featured.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is your site called State of Dinner?

I initially launched this site to record my family's experience making iconic recipes from each state across the US. But it has grown to be much more! So, the phrase ‘State of Dinner’ holds two meanings:
- First, State of Dinner starts with our history, bringing you traditional and iconic recipes from our states across America.
- Second, the ‘State of Dinner’ is about YOU and the personalization that you bring to food that you serve, creating new traditions and memories.

If I have a recipe idea, will you develop it for me?

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.

Can I use your recipes or photos on my site?

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.

Are you available for freelance work or brand partnerships?

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!

Start with the Favorites

Ready for your new favorite recipes? I love all of the recipes on this site. But here are the top reader favorites!