The Boots Have Changed, but the Heart Remains
Twenty years. If you’ve been here since the beginning in 2006, you’ve seen me through seasons of muddy boots, tractor rides, and the beautiful, chaotic reality of life on a farm.
But life, like the seasons, shifts.
Today, I no longer wake up to the sound of a rooster crowing. My kitchen has moved, my view has changed, and my daily “harvest” is more likely to come from a local farmers market than my own backyard. Although, I still grow some fruit and veggies.
So, am I still a Farmgirl?
Absolutely. Because “farmgirl” was never just about the acreage for me. It was an education in what food is supposed to taste like.
Living life after the farm taught me how to respect ingredients. It taught me the grit required to make something from scratch and the soul-level satisfaction of a meal timed perfectly to the seasons. You can take the girl off the farm, but you can’t take the farm-to-table integrity out of the girl.
The Food Blog Hiatus
At the beginning of 2013, I received a cold email from a local chef. The message read something like “I have a spice company and I’m looking for a partner to help me disrupt the stale spice industry”. I was intrigued and Pete and I started our talks on how I could be of help.
Things started slow at first, but it was clear that if we really wanted to take this concept and blow it up that we had to be 100% in the weeds all day everyday. So I agreed to be all in by March of 2013, and we got to work. We launched the company (again) with a new look and a Kickstarter for the Spiceologist Block which was met with great success. We changed the name of the company 3 times from SavorX Spice & Flavor Co to Spiceologist and finally landing on Spiceology (because everyone called us that anyway).
The brand has gone on to become a staple in commercial and home kitchens alike. You can see our spices on many culinary shows like Next Level Chef and Netflix BBQ Showdown, to name a couple. Spiceology continues to disrupt the industry and has been on the INC 5000 Fastest Growing Companies for several years running.
I am one proud Mama Spice (my cherished nickname) of the team that not only helped us build this iconic brand from the start, but of the team who drives the rocketship today. It’s been one wild ride. Check out Spiceology.
What Farmgirl Gourmet is Today
This space has evolved. It’s no longer a diary of farm antics; it’s a destination for refined rustic cooking.
I’m taking those years of “dirt-under-your-fingernails” knowledge and applying it to a modern, gourmet lifestyle. Think of me as your bridge: I know how the food is grown, and I know how to make it taste incredible in a contemporary kitchen.
On these pages, you’ll find:
- Ingredient-First Recipes: High-quality, seasonal dishes that don’t require a farm, just a curious palate.
- The “Gourmet” Edge: Practical techniques to elevate simple, earthy ingredients into something special.
- Modern Resourcefulness: Tips on sourcing, preserving, and cooking with the same “waste-nothing” spirit I learned on the land.
I’m so glad you’re here for this next chapter. Whether you’ve been following along since 2006 or you just found your way here today, welcome to the table. The view might be different, but the food has never been better.
I’ve worked with a lot of brands over the years
Since launching this site in 2006, I have worked with many brands. I love sharing about companies and products that align with my own mission and vision at Farmgirl Gourmet. Here are a few. I’d love to add to the list! To work with me: email me.
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Disclosure to Farmgirl Gourmet Readers
I am sometimes compensated to work with brands and companies and am often involved in various other food related projects. All opinions shared on Farmgirl Gourmet are my own unless otherwise stated.
All images © Heather Scholten and cannot be used without permission. If you would like to feature my photos or text on your blog or website, please contact me first to ask for permission and inquire about licensing rates.