Each month we profile a different Canadian Food Blogger who is part of the FBC community. This month, we meet Jeri, who shares easy family recipes for delicious meals perfect for every season and occasion.
Name: Jeri Walker
Blog name: Winding Creek Ranch
Where were you born? Taber, Alberta
Where are you living now? Yellowhead County, Alberta
Why did you start your blog?
I started my blog in early 2021 as a creative outlet and as a way to combine two of my favorite things: my love for cooking and photography. I hoped to bring families together around the dinner table and show that cooking at home could fit any lifestyle.
How did you decide on your blog name?
I chose Winding Creek Ranch as my blog name because it reflects where I live - on an old cattle ranch with a creek meandering through the property. When I initially started my blog, I envisioned more of a homesteading and gardening focus for the blog, and the name seemed to capture that rural essence perfectly. While the blog has evolved to be only a food blog, the name still represents the setting where I create my recipes.
What do you blog about?
I blog about easy and delicious family recipes that turn ordinary days into amazing ones, all centered around bringing loved ones together at the dinner table. My content includes quick weeknight dinners, air fryer and Instant Pot recipes, pellet grill and smoker dishes, homemade beverages, and desserts. I focus on simple, everyday ingredients while also embracing seasonal flavors and special occasions. From 15-minute meals that get families eating together on busy nights to backyard BBQ dishes perfect for weekend gatherings, I share easy recipes that anyone can make. My goal is to help create those memorable moments when family and friends connect over a good meal, whether it's a Tuesday night or a special holiday dinner.
Is your blog your business, your hobby or something in between?
My blog started as a hobby but has grown into my full-time business.
What post on your blog most encapsulates you and why?
The post that really captures what I'm all about is my pellet grill smoked salmon recipe. It shows off my love for seafood, especially salmon. I could eat it every day. I know that my readers, like me, want good food without spending the whole day cooking, and this recipe is ready in only one hour. Using the pellet grill also shows how I like to mix traditional flavors with newer cooking methods.
Which post do you wish received more love and why?
I wish my pellet grill brisket recipe got more attention. I collaborated with a friend who's a Red Seal chef to create it. I think it gets overlooked because people assume it's too difficult or time-consuming, but with a pellet grill, it's super easy. It really showcases how amazing the pellet grill is, and I know if more readers tried it, they’d fall in love with it, too.
Which post’s success surprised you and why?
The success of my Christmas fudge recipe really surprised me. It’s been a family favorite for years, but I had no idea it would take off like it did. I posted it thinking it might get some attention during the holiday season, but it became popular year-round. People were making it for all sorts of occasions, not just Christmas.
What’s your biggest challenge as a blogger?
My biggest challenge as a blogger is finding a healthy work-life balance. Running the blog involves so many jobs - cooking, writing, photography, editing videos, social media scheduling, and tech support. It's a lot to juggle! I feel like there’s always so much to do and working from home means the work is always there, which makes it hard to walk away from.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned as a blogger?
The biggest lesson I've learned as a blogger is to never give up - perseverance and consistency is everything. There were times I was dealing with the rollercoaster of blogging algorithms and traffic, but continuously working with my head down and pushing through those moments has made all the difference. If you keep publishing quality content, it will eventually pay off. I've learned to celebrate the highs but not let the lows knock me down. Sometimes, you won't see results right away, but if you believe in what you're doing and keep at it, good things will eventually happen.
What has been your biggest success as a blogger so far?
My biggest success as a blogger so far has been reaching a point where I could retire from my full-time job in December 2022 to focus on Winding Creek Ranch full-time. All of my hard work, late nights, weekends, and countless recipe testing paid off. When I started this blog, I never imagined it would grow into something that could support me financially. But here we are!
Share a couple of your favourite food blogs to read. Why do you like them?
I'm always inspired by other food blogs, and I love that so many are from Canada! Some of my favorites are The Recipe Rebel (I love her easy family recipes), Maple + Mango (I love how she uses fresh, seasonal ingredients), xoxo Bella (she has a great mix of recipes and lifestyle content I find inspiring), and I Hacked Diabetes (I love his low carb recipes).
What are you working on next for your blog?
I'm focusing on growing my YouTube channel, MSN, and adding a sourdough bread section to the blog. And with the holidays around the corner, I'm working on new recipes for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
What else should we know about you that may or not be in your “About Me” page?
Something you might not know about me is how much I love gardening and preserving food. I have a huge garden, a greenhouse, and a root cellar, which lets us grow and store food year-round. Come early fall, I'm in full harvest mode - canning, freezing, and storing vegetables from our garden. It's a labor of love that ensures we have enough homegrown produce to last through the winter.
What makes your blog unique?
What makes my blog unique is its focus on bringing families together around the dinner table. I share a mix of treasured family recipes and quick, practical meals that work for busy households. My goal is to create dishes that encourage people to sit down and connect over a home-cooked meal, whether it's a simple weeknight dinner or a special holiday dinner. It's heartwarming to hear from readers who've not only started new traditions with my recipes, but have also rediscovered long-lost family favorites.
How do you cultivate a sense of community around your blog?
I encourage my readers to reach out with any questions, comments, or concerns they might have. I make it a priority to respond as quickly as possible, because I want them to know I'm here to help, especially if they encounter any issues while cooking. The visitors to my blog mean the world to me, and I'm incredibly grateful for each one.
What part of the FBC site do you find most useful?
I LOVE the Blogging Resources, I find the information shared extremely helpful, and I also love the Featured Canadian Bloggers. It’s nice to see so many fellow Canadian food bloggers!
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