Hi! I’m Elise, the personal chef and recipe developer behind Coppedge Kitchen.

Raised on the Barefoot Contessa, I fell in love with cooking for others, and in 2020, followed my signature mantra (What would Ina do?). I left my job in finance, went to culinary school, and began cooking for private clients in my hometown of Dallas, which taught me the real key ingredients— understanding what’s worth cooking on repeat, and how to simplify without sacrificing flavor or health.

My philosophy is simple: do your best to cook with what’s in season, don’t overcomplicate it, and lean into flavor. People crave the kind of recipes that feel effortless but impressive. Like that one dress in your closet that’s guaranteed to make you feel amazing and get compliments on. That, but for dinner!

That’s the heart of Coppedge Kitchen: approachable, show-stopping dinners that build confidence in the kitchen, and bring ease to even your busiest nights. Whether I’m cooking for you or you’re cooking with me, you’ll walk away with something worth sharing, and even passing down.