Co-Founder, Avid Baker & Recipe Creator at Don’t Sweat The Recipe
About Leigh Harris
I’m Leigh Harris, the baker, cook, and co-founder behind Don’t Sweat The Recipe. Born and raised in Alabama, I’ve been baking since I was nine years old and have loved cooking for as long as I can remember. These days, you’ll find me in central Alabama, baking something sweet while our college-aged daughter checks in and our Pomeranian supervises from her pillow.
My love for food started young, helping my mother in the kitchen and watching Justin Wilson and Emeril Lagasse light up the TV. Those early experiences shaped how I cook today—simple, satisfying, and always from the heart.
Together, Brad and I built Don’t Sweat The Recipe (DSTR) as a place for home cooks to find recipes that actually work. Curious how DSTR began? Learn more about it here.
Want to learn more about my husband and pitmaster partner? Read About Brad Harris.
Experience in the Kitchen
I’ve spent a lifetime baking—from cookies and cakes to breads and pies—and I believe that good food doesn’t need to be complicated. I started cooking for my family when I was young, then for myself, and now for others who want to make honest food that tastes amazing.
My approach is straightforward: short, clear recipes that focus on results, not long stories. Whether it’s homemade breads, desserts, or weeknight dinners, I want to show that great cooking is within reach for everyone.
And while Brad handles most of the grilling and smoking, I love balancing the savory with something sweet coming out of the oven. Around here, that’s what keeps life delicious.
Philosophy & Cooking Style
Cooking should bring joy, not stress. I believe in using what you have, keeping things simple, and letting great ingredients speak for themselves.
My recipes don’t require a culinary degree or expensive ingredients—just a willingness to get in the kitchen. I keep things short and to the point because I want readers to spend their time cooking, not scrolling.
Home-cooked food has a warmth that can’t be replaced, and that’s what I hope every recipe here delivers.
Favorite Recipes
Here are a few of my favorites that represent the kind of comfort food and baked goods I love sharing:
Connect with Leigh
You’ll often find me in the kitchen testing new baked goods or chatting with our cooking community on Twitch and Discord—both places where Brad and I share what we’re working on and swap ideas with fellow food lovers.
If you try one of my recipes, tag us or share it. I love seeing your results and hearing how you make them your own. Food tastes better when it’s shared.
Leigh Harris is the co-founder of Don’t Sweat The Recipe (DSTR) and an avid baker who creates approachable, no-nonsense recipes for home cooks who love real food and clear directions.