About

Welcome!

Hey, I'm Rachel!

I'm the recipe developer and food photographer behind Modern Farmhouse Eats - where I share approachable, flavor-packed venison recipes that make wild game less intimidating, along with a side of sourdough and comfort food made with real ingredients! I'm a Minnesota native, wife, and mom to two (three if you count our Dalmatian - my firefighter husband's dream dog). I can't get enough of all things food, the outdoors, and spending time with family.

My love for cooking started on my family's dairy farm, where I spent countless hours in the kitchen with my mom, whipping up hearty homemade meals. That farm-to-table mindset still shapes my cooking today, and it's what inspired me to focus on venison - a staple in our home. Both my husband and I enjoy deer hunting, and bringing that harvest into our kitchen has become a meaningful part of our family's lifestyle.

My Homemade Era

In recent years, I've really honed in on my true passion: making homemade meals for my family, with venison taking center stage. Venison is a sustainable, nutrient-rich protein, and I love turning it into meals that my family - and yours - can enjoy any night of the week.

I'm all about cooking with wholesome ingredients, which means every recipe I share is made from scratch, as much as possible. Healthy eating isn't just about adding more fruits and vegetables to your plate - it's about cooking with real food and clean ingredients (which includes homemade brownies), and steering away from heavily processed options, whenever it makes sense. Life gets busy, though, so sometimes convenience wins (store-bought pizza still shows up in our freezer) - and that's okay!

While venison recipes are the star of Modern Farmhouse Eats, I also share my love for sourdough baking and classic comfort food recipes. From a rustic loaf to a seasonal hotdish, these recipes complement my venison creations and give busy home cooks plenty of inspiration for wholesome, homemade meals. Whether you're hunting for easy, flavor-packed venison dinners, learning to bake your first sourdough loaf, or seeking hearty comfort food, Modern Farmhouse Eats is designed to help you cook with confidence and enjoy every meal.

I'm a strong believer that food brings people together, especially a home-cooked meal, so I hope my recipes inspire you to create long-lasting memories in the kitchen with your family and friends.

More About Rachel and Modern Farmhouse Eats

What is a modern farmhouse?

Modern farmhouse living is about creating a grounded, genuine life - where homes are made for gathering, meals are cooked from scratch, and simplicity is intentional.

I truly believe the kitchen is the heart of the home, and cooking is more than a task - it's an act of care. It's blending rustic roots with modern life, growing herbs on the windowsill while using smart convenience that makes life easier. It's a desire for cleaner, non-toxic living.

Modern farmhouse living celebrates slower, cozy moments: quiet cup of coffee in the morning light, family meals, good books, weekends with loved ones, and creating a warm space where people feel loved.

What recipe do you recommend for someone that's new to venison?

I'm so happy you're here - you've come to the right place! I love finding ways to tame that gamey venison flavor without overpowering the venison. My Crockpot Venison Roast, Venison Chili or Ground Venison Tacos are all recipes with 5-star reviews and a great place to start!

What is your favorite venison recipe?

Ohh man - that's a hard one! I love my marinated venison backstrap recipe! The marinade adds amazing flavor while simultaneously tenderizing it. The whole family loves it, including my toddler!

How did you get into deer hunting?

Growing up in a small town on an organic dairy farm, hunting was a natural part of life. While my dad and brothers did most of the hunting growing up, I didn't take up deer hunting until later in life. With my dad by my side, I harvested my first deer in my early 20s, and a few years later, I proudly brought home my first shoulder-mount-worthy buck.

These days, we're in a new season of life: parenthood. My husband and I have two beautiful children, which means less time in the deer stand and more time in the kitchen. While my husband is now the primary hunter, I turn our harvest into comforting venison meals for our family. I may miss the quiet of the woods, but I've found a different kind of peace - and joy - cooking with venison at home.