Laura Ashley Johnson

Title: Owner and Author

Location: Tri-Cities, Washington

Expertise: Easy Recipes for Cooks of All Levels (specializing in Comfort Foods, Casseroles, Southern Food, Crockpot Meals and Nostalgic Recipes)

I have been cooking in the kitchen for over 30 years. Currently, I am a Washingtonian, but I was born and raised in Eastern Kentucky. I have also lived in Virginia and, most recently, in Texas. I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, with additional training in obesity management for both pediatrics and adults.

WHERE TO FOLLOW:

Experience

Food and cooking have played a central role in many aspects of my life. From my childhood days in a family setting to my dedicated experiences today, my passion for food has always driven me. Here are some highlights where I have brought my love of food to life:

  • I served on the Central Baptist Cookbook Committee and was the recipe testing coordinator for the acclaimed cookbook Beyond the Fence: A Culinary View of Historic Lexington, which has raised over a million dollars for the hospital’s oncology department.
  • My family and I owned a restaurant that offered a variety of sandwiches, soups, salads, desserts, and specialty coffees. Managing the restaurant from afar proved too challenging.
  • From the ground up, I developed and managed a successful food service system at a hospital, serving as their Food Service Director.

Education

I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Dietetics from Eastern Kentucky University and completed my Dietetics Internship Program at the University of Kentucky and Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Go CATS!

More About Me

  • Favorite Foods- Homemade popcorn, pizza, chocolate truffles, and fried chicken.
  • Favorite Places to Travel- My old Kentucky home, wherever the Airstream takes our family, and New York City!
  • Hobbies- Cooking…of course! I love trying new restaurants, watching Kentucky Wildcat basketball and any college football, and traveling.
  • Family- My husband Mark, kids Megan and Gage, Butter the dog, and Newman the cat.

A few of Laura’s Favorites