Hello, and thank you for stopping by to learn the story behind the name Cuts and Crumbles. Choosing a name for a food blog might seem simple at first, but for me it needed to mean something. I wanted the title to reflect the kind of recipes I hoped to share, the way I was learning as I went, and the balance I try to keep in my own kitchen.
When I started this food blog in 2016, I began by writing down a long list of possible names. Some were practical, some were playful, and some never made it past the first draft. My goal was to find a name that felt personal while also giving readers a clear idea of what they could expect here: approachable food, real-life cooking, and recipes that make everyday meals feel enjoyable without being overly complicated.
The first part of the name, Cuts, came from my original mission to create and share simple, healthy, low-calorie recipes that still had plenty of flavor. I wanted to focus on meals that helped “cut” calories without cutting out the joy of eating. To me, healthy recipes should not feel bland, boring, or restrictive. They should be satisfying, easy enough for home cooks to make, and flexible enough to fit into real life. That idea became the foundation of the blog and continues to guide many of the recipes you will find here.
The second part of the name, Crumbles, came from the reality that I was starting this journey as a complete beginner in more than one way. I was new to cooking, new to blogging, and new to food photography. I knew there would be mistakes, messy moments, failed attempts, and plenty of learning curves along the way. Those little “crumbles” felt like an honest part of the process. Instead of pretending everything would be perfect, I wanted the name to leave room for growth, humor, and the occasional kitchen disaster.
While my main focus has always been on lighter, health-conscious dishes, I have never claimed to be perfect. My diet is not perfect either, and I do not believe food needs to be all-or-nothing. Sometimes I want a fresh, low-calorie dinner, and sometimes I want something rich, comforting, and completely indulgent. That is why I also wanted space on the blog for recipes that are not exactly healthy but are absolutely worth sharing. For example, stuffing and mashed potatoes packed into bacon cups may not be a light meal, but yes, that is a real recipe I posted here.
To keep things organized and make the blog easier to use, the recipes are divided into two main sections. If you are looking for healthier options, lighter meals, and low-calorie recipes, you can find them under THE CUTS. If you are in the mood for comfort food, indulgent dishes, or recipes that are simply meant to be enjoyed without overthinking them, you can browse THE CRUMBLES. This separation helps readers quickly find the kind of recipe they want, whether they are planning a balanced weeknight dinner or a special treat.
The Cuts recipes include complete nutritional information to make meal planning and health-focused cooking easier. The Crumbles recipes do not include nutritional information because, honestly, sometimes you probably do not want to know.
In addition to The Cuts and The Crumbles, you may also notice a third category on the blog called The BBQ Brothers. This section is still part of Cuts and Crumbles, but the recipes are created and written by my husband and brother-in-law, who are serious grill enthusiasts and absolute masters at barbecue. Their recipes focus on grilling, smoking, and all the delicious meals that come from cooking over fire. You can learn more about them here. If you are new to grilling or still building confidence at the grill, they also have a helpful beginner’s guide to grilling here.
That is the story behind Cuts and Crumbles: a name built around healthier cooking, occasional indulgence, real-life mistakes, and the fun of learning as you go. Whether you are here for low-calorie recipes, comfort food, barbecue ideas, or a little bit of everything, I am so glad you are here. Thanks for reading, and if you would like to learn more about the person behind the blog, visit the About Caitlin page.