I’m Harper Sterling, a recipe developer, food enthusiast, and busy parent based in Denver, CO. I created Yumnights because I believe that delicious, healthy dinners shouldn’t require hours in the kitchen or a culinary degree to master.

After years of struggling to put nutritious meals on the table during hectic weeknights, I discovered the art of creating quick, family-friendly recipes that deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort. Yumnights is your go-to destination for easy dinner solutions that bring families together around the table.

My Journey

My love affair with cooking began in my grandmother’s kitchen at age 8, but it wasn’t until I became a working parent that I truly understood the dinner time struggle. Between soccer practice, homework help, and the daily chaos of family life, I found myself relying too heavily on takeout and processed foods.

That’s when I made a commitment to master the art of quick, healthy cooking. Over the past 6 years, I’ve developed a systematic approach to creating meals that are ready in 30 minutes or less, use simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store, and actually taste amazing.

Harper Sterling

Food has the incredible power to nourish our bodies and create lasting memories with the people we love. It’s what drives me to test every recipe multiple times, ensuring each one meets my standards for taste, nutrition, and simplicity. When you try a Yumnights recipe, you’re not just making dinner – you’re creating moments that matter.

More About Harper

  • Professional background: After earning my degree in Nutrition Science and working in meal planning for busy families, I transitioned to full-time recipe development in 2019.
  • Cooking philosophy: Real ingredients, minimal prep time, maximum flavor. I believe healthy eating should be accessible to everyone, regardless of cooking skill or available time.
  • Personal life: Based in Denver, Colorado with my husband Jake, two energetic kids (ages 7 and 10), and our rescue dog Benny. We love hiking, game nights, and yes – cooking together as a family.
  • Esperanza Valdez

    Meet Esperanza Valdez – Content & SEO Specialist

    I’m Esperanza Valdez, Harper’s trusted friend and content strategist at Yumnights. While Harper brings the culinary expertise and family cooking experience, I help bring these amazing recipes to life through compelling content and SEO optimization.

    My Role at Yumnights

    As a content writing specialist and SEO expert, I work closely with Harper to ensure every recipe article not only tastes great but also reaches the families who need it most. My background in digital content strategy and search engine optimization helps Yumnights connect with busy parents searching for quick, healthy dinner solutions.

    What I Do At Yumnights?

    With years of experience in content writing and SEO for food blogs, I focus on:

  • Crafting engaging, easy-to-follow recipe articles that resonate with busy families
  • Optimizing content to help you discover our recipes when you need them most
  • Ensuring every article is structured for maximum readability and usefulness
  • Researching trending recipe topics and search queries to guide our content strategy
  • Writing compelling introductions and helpful tips that enhance your cooking experience
  • Frequently Asked Questions

    What kind of recipes do you focus on?

    I specialize in quick, healthy dinner recipes that can be made in 30 minutes or less. My focus areas include easy chicken dinners, ground beef meals, high-protein options, and family-friendly recipes that even picky eaters will enjoy.

    Do you follow a specific diet?

    While I don’t follow one specific diet, I create recipes for various dietary needs including keto, high-protein, and healthy family meals. Every recipe includes nutritional information and modification suggestions.

    Did you take cooking classes or culinary training?

    I’m largely self-taught through years of experimentation, though I’ve completed workshops in nutrition science and meal planning. My real education came from cooking for my family every single night and learning what actually works in a busy household.

    Did you study nutrition?

    Yes! I have a degree in Nutrition Science, which helps me create recipes that are not only delicious but also nutritionally balanced for growing families and busy adults.

    What’s your experience with busy family cooking?

    As a working parent, I live the reality of weeknight dinner challenges every day. This personal experience drives every recipe I create – if it doesn’t work in my chaotic kitchen, it doesn’t make it to the blog.

    What are your favorite things to cook?

    I love creating one-pot meals, sheet pan dinners, and anything that can be prepped ahead. My specialties include easy chicken recipes, creative ground beef dishes, and protein-packed meals that fuel active families.

    My Culinary Journey

  • Family Meal Planning Expert – Developed meal planning systems for over 500 busy families, specializing in quick prep methods and batch cooking techniques that save time and reduce stress.
  • Nutrition-Focused Recipe Developer – Created over 200 family-tested recipes that balance nutrition with convenience, ensuring every meal provides essential nutrients without sacrificing flavor.
  • Completed Advanced Food Safety Certification through the National Restaurant Association.
  • Studied Meal Prep Strategies with leading nutrition experts to optimize family meal planning.
  • Specialized in Quick Cooking Techniques – mastered methods for creating 15-30 minute meals without compromising on taste or nutrition.
  • Certified in in Family Nutrition Planning with focus on accommodating different dietary needs within one household
  • Proud Moments & Credentials

  • Helped thousands of families simplify dinnertime and reduce mealtime stress through quick dinner solutions, healthy family recipes, and practical meal planning guides.
  • Launched the Quick Dinner Club – a community resource providing weekly meal plans, grocery lists, and time-saving cooking tips for busy parents.
  • Authored “The 30-Minute Family Kitchen” – a practical guide to healthy weeknight cooking that became a #1 resource for busy parents.
  • Featured in major publications: Parents Magazine | Family Circle, Good Housekeeping | Real Simple, Women’s Health | Cooking Light, Family Fun | Better Homes & Gardens, Working Mother | Healthy Family Living.
  • Proud Moments & Credentials

    I’d love to hear from you! If you have any comments, questions about recipes, or suggestions for new dinner ideas, please email me at harper@yumnights.com. You can also find us on X, Pinterest, TikTok, and Facebook!

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