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About Gitta's Kitchen

Welcome to Gitta’s Kitchen!

Hello! I’m Gitta Grether-Sweeney, a Registered Dietitian with a passion for simple, wholesome, and delicious meals. Here at Gitta’s Kitchen, I share easy-to-follow recipes that make healthy eating enjoyable—without sacrificing flavor! Whether you're a busy parent, a home cook looking for inspiration, or just someone who loves good food, I’m so happy you’re here.

Why I Love to Cook

Blog author-Gitta in the kitchen holding a head of cabbage.

The kitchen has been my happy place since childhood. My mother, a wonderful cook, encouraged me to experiment in the kitchen from an early age, never chasing me out. She inspired my love for food, and at 90 years old, she still enjoys cooking and trying new recipes! Cooking has always been more than just preparing meals—it’s a way to connect with family, unwind after a busy day, and bring joy to the table

My Journey into Food and Nutrition

During my first year of college, I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. This experience gave me firsthand insight into how food impacts health and chronic disease. I quickly realized the importance of making thoughtful food choices, which inspired me to become a Registered Dietitian.

Early in my career, I discovered that hospital settings weren’t for me. Instead, I found my passion in school food service, where I had the opportunity to improve the quality of meals for millions of children. As a food service director, I focused on eliminating unwanted ingredients like antibiotics in chicken and implementing farm-to-school programs to bring fresher, healthier meals to students.

The Importance of Family Meals

Even while working full-time outside the home, cooking dinner every evening was my way to unwind. I loved trying new recipes and making mealtime a special time to connect with my husband and two sons.

Family meals weren’t just about eating; they were about bonding, sharing our days, and teaching my boys valuable cooking skills. Today, they are both excellent cooks who prepare their own meals from scratch—a skill I’m proud they’ve carried into adulthood!

My German-Austrian Roots

My heritage deeply influences my love for food. Both of my parents are from Germany and Austria, and I grew up enjoying the delicious traditional dishes they prepared. From hearty stews to delicate pastries, these flavors hold a special place in my heart. I’ve dedicated a section on my blog to sharing some of my favorite German and Austrian recipes so you can enjoy them, too!

Explore My German & Austrian Recipes

What You'll Find on Gitta's Kitchen

Through this blog, I continue my passion for cooking healthy, delicious, and approachable meals. My goal is to help you create:

  • Simple, nutritious recipes perfect for busy weeknights
  • Healthier versions of classic dishes (with less fat, salt, and sugar!)
  • A mix of wholesome and indulgent meals—because balance is key!

I believe that preparing meals from scratch is one of the best ways to nourish yourself and your loved ones, and I’m here to make that easier for you.

Fun Facts About Me

  • My favorite meal to cook is a hearty German or Austrian dish that reminds me of my childhood.
  • I can’t live without my chef’s knife—it makes prep work so much easier!
  • If I could travel anywhere for food, I’d go to Austria or Germany to enjoy the authentic flavors of my heritage.

My Kitchen Helpers and Walking Buddies

My three Golden Retrievers—Kepler, Lili, and Maisey—are my ever-present kitchen companions (and expert crumb cleaners!). When we’re not in the kitchen, we stay active with daily walks to keep us all healthy and happy.

Three golden retrievers waiting for a treat
Three Golden retrievers looking at cookies on the counter

Hobbies

Beyond the Kitchen

When I’m not cooking, you’ll find me:

  • Gardening
  • Reading
  • Hiking
  • Snowshoeing
  • Kayaking
  • Traveling
Family photo in Vienna
Family fun in Vienna
Blog author and husband kayaking
Kayaking on the lake
Blog author, husband and two golden retrievers with the ocean behind them
Hiking on the Oregon Coast

Where to Start?

Not sure where to begin? Check out some of my most popular recipes:

  • Fast and Easy Pasta Sauce with Ground Meat
  • Easy Caesar Salad without Raw Eggs or Anchovies
  • Yogurt Panna Cotta with Raspberry Sauce

Let's Connect

I love hearing from readers! If you have any questions, or comments, or just want to say hello, feel free to reach out at [email protected].

You can also follow me on social media for more cooking inspiration:

  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest

Thank you for coming to Gitta's Kitchen! I hope the recipes I share become some of your family's favorites!

Happy Cooking!

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Picture of Gitta Grether-Sweeney

Welcome to Gitta's Kitchen! I will inspire you to prepare delicious meals for your family by sharing simple and healthier recipes. Step-by-step instructions ensure your success. Join me in my kitchen, and let's start cooking! 

More about me

Best Breakfast Recipes for Easter or Mother's Day!

  • Almond Croissants on a wire cooling rack
    Easy Almond Croissant Recipe
    Cook Time20 minutes
  • Three open-face breakfast tacos
    Quick and Easy Breakfast Tacos with Potatoes, Eggs, and Cheese
    Cook Time20 minutes
  • Breakfast Croissant Sandwich with Scrambled eggs, cheese and bacon
    Breakfast Croissant Sandwiches with Eggs, Cheese, and Bacon
    Cook Time30 minutes
  • Roasted Breakfast Potatoes in a serving bowl
    Roasted Potatoes with Onions and Red Peppers
    Cook Time40 minutes
  • Scrambled Egg, Bacon & Cheese wrapped in puff pastry bundle
    Simple Scrambled Eggs and Puff Pastry Bundles Recipe
    Cook Time40 minutes
  • Egg casserole on a plate and in a red casserole
    Easy Egg and Cheese Casserole for Brunch
    Cook Time50 minutes

Popular Appetizer Recipes

  • little smokies pigs in a blanket on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper
    Pigs in a Blanket with Little Smokies
    Cook Time30 minutes
  • Cooked shrimp with lemon wedges on a white square plate with cocktail sauce in a round bowl next to the shimp
    Easy Roasted Shrimp Cocktail
    Cook Time15 minutes
  • bacon wrapped dates with toothpicks through them on a blue plate
    Easy Bacon Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Hot Honey Glaze
    Cook Time35 minutes
  • Pimento cheese in a white bowl, surrounded by crackers, pimento topped crackers, pimento stuffed celery and baby carrots
    Easy Spicy Pimento Cheese without Cream Cheese Recipe
    Cook Time10 minutes
  • Layered cream cheese and pesto spread with cherry tomato and basil leaf on top surrounded by slices of French bread
    The Best Pesto, sun-dried tomato, and cream cheese spread appetizer
    Cook Time15 minutes
  • Spiced pecans in a white bowl
    How to make Easy Spiced Pecans
    Cook Time50 minutes

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