Welcome to Abra’s Kitchen!

Hi there! I’m so glad you’re here.

Abra’s Kitchen is a healthy food and lifestyle blog dedicated to real, nourishing food rooted in seasonal ingredients, culinary nutrition, and inspired by global travels. Whether you’re here to find your next favorite recipe, learn how everyday meals can become a foundation for better health (deliciously!),  or finally build a better relationship with your kitchen—I’ve got you.

Abra Nutritionist in the Kitchen

I’m Abra Pappa—nutritionist, former personal chef, enthusiastic home cook, and unapologetic veggie lover.

After spending over two decades in New York City—rocking it out in a very tiny kitchen and exploring the city’s best restaurants—I traded subway noise for birdsong and moved to a 110-year-old farmhouse in the Catskills. These days, you’ll find me growing my own food, testing recipes with herbs from my garden, and sharing the simple tools that make healthy cooking easier.

But don’t let the countryside vibes fool you—this blog is backed by serious credentials.

abra holding a large bunch of rhubarb

My Credentials

I’m a Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist (LDN), Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS), and I hold a Master of Science in Functional Medicine and Human Nutrition. I’ve worked in the field of nutrition for 20+ years, helping thousands of people transform their health starting in the kitchen.

I run a virtual nutrition practice, supervise nutrition interns, guest lecture at universities, speak at wellness conferences and corporate wellness events—and most recently, I’ve been bringing even more of my teachings into online programs and membership communities, like Stir It Up Society, my signature cooking club.

Before that, I spent years as a personal chef—honing my culinary skills, developing flavor-forward healthy meals, and discovering how to make food that’s both deeply nourishing and deeply satisfying.

My Food Philosophy

Food is our most powerful tool for health—but rigid rules and diet dogma don’t belong here. I believe in nourishment over restriction, pleasure over perfection, and consistency over intensity.

I teach what I like to call culinary nutrition—the art and science of using real food and real cooking to support real-life wellness.

Here’s how that plays out in my kitchen (and hopefully yours, too):

  • Eat food that’s as close to its natural state as possible
  • Let the seasons inspire your plate
  • Plants are the stars, animal proteins are the (high-quality) supporting cast
  • Share meals with people you love
  • Make cooking part of your rhythm—like coffee in the morning
  • Don’t skip dessert. Especially if it’s chocolate.
A large grey plate with sugar snap peas and asparagus and a small bowl of crushed red pepper
a tray full of greek chicken meatballs and cucumbers, dill, and yogurt sauce

My Work has Been Featured In…

I don’t take shortcuts when it comes to quality. Every recipe on this site is developed and tested by me—and some (like my gluten-free pound cake) I test for months before publishing. I’m committed to sharing recipes that work—created in the hands of a skilled culinary professional, and always adjusted with a nutritionist’s eye to support your health goals.

The result? Seasonal, flavor-packed, nutrient-dense recipes that are actually doable for real life.

What You’ll Find on Abra’s Kitchen

You’ll also get a peek into my personal life—because the way we eat is deeply personal. I now split my time between upstate New York and a small village in Tuscany, where I slow down, reconnect with the land, and draw inspiration from regional food traditions that shape how I cook and teach.

Want to Cook with Me?

Then you’ll love Stir It Up Society, my signature program and cooking club for women who want to feel more confident in the kitchen and cook healthier food at home—without feeling overwhelmed.

Inside Stir It Up Society, you get:

  • 52 weeks of done-for-you healthy meal plans
  • Grocery lists, prep tips, and smart kitchen systems
  • 50+ Ingredient Aisle deep-dives to help you actually use what you buy
  • The Prep Kitchen video library—tutorials on foundational cooking skills
  • 12+ long-form cooking class videos to sharpen your skills and expand your flavor game
  • Access to monthly live Kitchen Labs and advanced Supper Clubs (optional add-on)

Whether you’re just starting your cooking journey or looking to elevate your weekly meals, Stir It Up Society is designed to meet you where you are—and take you where you want to go.

👉 Learn more about Stir It Up Society here

person stirring cookie batter

Let’s Stay Connected

The best way to stay in the loop is through my newsletter — it’s where I share new recipes, cooking tips, and you’ll be the first to know when a new program, cooking class, or event drops!

If you’re new here, start with a few reader favorites:

READER FAVORITES:

Some of MY favorites:

Read my best meat subscription and delivery boxes review to find organic, sustainable (and grass-fed) meat and seafood.

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And don’t forget to follow along on Instagram — it’s where I share quick cooking videos, behind-the-scenes of life in Tuscany and New York, and all the delicious moments in between.

Thanks for being here. Whether you’re making your very first recipe from the blog or you’ve been with me since the beginning, I’m honored to be part of your kitchen journey.

Now… go grab a spatula. Let’s cook something good.

With love and chocolate,
Abra (and my trusty side kick Penelope Pancake)

penelope pancake