Renae Wilson

Originally from South Carolina with family roots in East Texas, Renae has been based in Brooklyn for 13 years. A U.S. Navy vet, Renae used her Montgomery GI Bill to fund her culinary & pastry education at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York. Graduating in 2015, she has since worked as a private chef, freelanced in test kitchens developing in recipes, testing cookbooks for prominent authors, and catering. More recently, she made her debut in the pop-up world serving Southern comfort food under the name “Dear Henry”. A color and glitter enthusiast, her hobbies include budget traveling the world so that she can eat more, dancing, crocheting, engaging in various tomfoolery, baking, and frying the hell out of some chicken cutlets.
Classic Navy Bean Soup Is Pure Comfort in a Bowl
Happy soup season, everyone!
Dec 5, 2023
Southern Thanksgiving Punch Is So Good, Your Friends Will Demand It Every Year
It's the perfect boozy drink.
Nov 19, 2023
Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp Will Be Gone Before You Know It
These will be gone before you know it.
Nov 15, 2023
My Great-Granny's Carrot Bread Is One of My Most Cherished Family Recipes
"Great-granny Jestine always cooked the house down for our holidays in her tiny country kitchen."
Mar 10, 2023
Thick and Hearty Gumbo Z’Herbes Represents Community and Love
The time and effort is worthwhile when someone digs into a bowl of my gumbo and says that eating it makes them feel cared for.
Feb 26, 2023
Who Is Edna Lewis? Here Are 5 Things to Know About the Grande Dame of Southern Cooking.
Here's what you need to know about the renowned chef.
Feb 11, 2023
Beef on Weck Will Ruin You for All Other Roast Beef Sandwiches
We dare you not to swoon over this tender, slow-roasted beef stacked on a toasted roll.
Feb 8, 2023
Butter Pecan Pound Cake Gives Major Ice Cream Vibes
This buttery pecan cake delivers that classic Southern flavor.
Feb 5, 2023
I Tried the French Toast Breakfast Uncrustables Recipe and I Only Wish I’d Made More
"It was perfectly savory and the buttery cinnamon and sugary bread was absolute heaven."
Sep 23, 2022
I Tried No-Bake Mango Pie and It’s So Good, I’ll Be Making It Way Beyond Summer
The best part? It doesn't require an oven!
Sep 4, 2022
I Tried This Single-Serve Version of Berry Crostata and It’s the One Recipe I Wish I’d Known About Sooner
It's a micro-bake fit for a queen and I can see myself making this often enough that it becomes second nature.
Aug 14, 2022
I Tried the Trending Korean-Style Watermelon Punch Recipe and I Was Surprised at How Refreshing It Is
"I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel as this recipe seemed as if it would be super sweet. Thankfully, however, that was not the case at all."
Jul 20, 2022
How to Make Extra-Crunchy Nashville Hot Chicken at Home
You'll fall in love with the brine alone.
Jun 24, 2022
No-Churn Hibiscus Sherbet Is Pretty, Easy, and Perfect for a Party
No ice cream machine? No problem!
Jun 19, 2022
I Found Out Pink Grits Exist — So, of Course, I Had to Try Them
Groceries
Here's my honest review.
May 31, 2022
I Tried Samin Nosrat’s Breakfast Congee, and I Wanted to Climb into the Bowl
It's the coziest, most comforting thing you can feed yourself for breakfast.
May 26, 2022
I Tried Hetty McKinnon’s Condensed Milk French Toast, and It’s a Creamy, Dreamy Delight
You can skip the maple syrup, because this is pure perfection on its own.
May 20, 2022
I Tried Maggie Zhu’s Mala Chicken Recipe and It Engaged All My Senses
"If you’re an adventurous eater that likes to have all your senses engaged when you eat, I highly recommend adding this to your recipe lineup."
May 8, 2022
I Tried This Popular Strawberry Delight Recipe and It’s a Dessert Worthy of Your Time
"I did enjoy the flavor of it as it produced a much more tart than sweet taste — which I found to be delightful."
Apr 13, 2022
This New Startup Aims to Help You Find Cheaper Groceries
It's noted to be "the Kayak of groceries."
Mar 8, 2022
I Tried the Viral Method for Keeping Avocados from Turning Brown
The hack involves storing whole avocados in water.
Mar 3, 2022
These Are 10 of the Best Black Chefs and Bakers Currently Heating Up Social Media
From sweet treats to cuisine filled with culture, these chefs and bakers are worth tapping the follow button for.
Feb 28, 2022
Whoopie Pies
Soft, sweet, and packed with creamy vanilla filling.
Feb 20, 2022
Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers
Hot, spicy, gooey goodness.
Feb 19, 2022
Baked Chicken Wings
Just as crispy and way less messy.
Feb 9, 2022
Hot Water Cornbread
It only requires a few ingredients and comes together quickly.
Jan 26, 2022
Chicken Bog
Get to know the popular South Carolina rice dish.
Jan 20, 2022
Cherry Pistachio Dump Cake
You don't need any mixers, mixing bowls, or even spoons.
Jan 17, 2022
Pulled Pork & Chicken Brunswick Stew
The best way to use up leftover chicken and/or pulled pork.
Dec 26, 2021
Homemade Cajun Seasoning
It's a weeknight dinner hero.
Dec 20, 2021
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Is there anything an air fryer can't do?
Dec 14, 2021
Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts
The sweet and smoky apps are irresistible.
Nov 30, 2021
Creamy Goat Cheese Spread
Beware: It'll disappear quickly!
Nov 20, 2021
This Cheesy Pizza Casserole Is the Easier Way to Satisfy Your Pizza Craving
Pasta + cheese + pepperoni = you can't go wrong.
Oct 31, 2021
Cheesy Beef Burrito Casserole Is the Perfect Make-Ahead Dinner
Leftovers are amazing.
Oct 29, 2021