Alt text: "Ellie Harper, self-taught cook and Instant Pot dessert blogger, standing in her Moroccan kitchen with an Instant Pot on the counter."

Hi there! I’m Ellie Harper, and I’m so glad you’ve found your way here. I’m a 46-year-old self-taught cook from Charleston, South Carolina, currently living in the colorful chaos and charm of Marrakech, Morocco. Life’s taken me on a winding journey—from southern biscuits and sweet tea to the heady aromas of orange blossom and saffron—and somewhere along the way, I discovered that the Instant Pot could do just about anything… even save my sanity.

To be totally honest with you, I didn’t grow up in a kitchen full of heirloom recipes or master chefs. I learned to cook out of necessity and curiosity—burned a few things, undercooked more than I care to admit, and once exploded a can of condensed milk (don’t ask). But I fell in love with the rhythm of cooking, especially once I realized it didn’t have to be overwhelming.

Alt text: "Ellie Harper, self-taught cook and Instant Pot dessert blogger, standing in her Moroccan kitchen with an Instant Pot on the counter."
“Hi, I’m Ellie — I make Instant Pot recipes simple, sweet, and beginner-friendly, right from my kitchen in Marrakech.”

When I moved to Morocco five years ago with my partner—who works in sustainable agriculture—I found myself surrounded by spice markets, date stalls, and neighbors who never measured a single thing and still turned out magic. It was humbling, inspiring, and a little intimidating. But I didn’t want to just admire Moroccan flavors—I wanted to blend them into the kind of food I already loved making.

That’s where the Instant Pot came in. It became my secret weapon. I mean, let’s be real: not all of us have time to steep, stir, and steam for hours on end. The Instant Pot gave me confidence. It let me play, try, fail, and try again—without feeling like I’d ruined my whole day (or kitchen). My favorite experiments? Oh, definitely desserts. There’s something deeply satisfying about turning a few pantry staples into a luscious date pudding or a gooey chocolate cake in under an hour. And don’t get me started on spiced lattes, mint teas, and fruity syrups—I’ve made it a personal mission to turn the Instant Pot into a full-service dessert bar.

I’m here for the beginners. The “I-don’t-know-what-I’m-doing-but-I-love-sweets” crowd. The people who burn rice but want to try making their own caramel. I’ve been there, and I still mess things up. But I also know how joyful it is when something turns out just right—and you realize, “Hey, I did that.”

If I can help you feel a little more confident in the kitchen—even if it’s just one cake, one chai, one late-night chocolate craving—you’ve already made my day. So come hang out with me. Bring your curiosity, your sweet tooth, and your Instant Pot—I promise, we’ll figure it out together.