Welcome to HoneyB's Kitchen! I'm Shelby Law Ruttan-mom, grandmother, cookbook author, and the culinary voice behind this site. For nearly two decades, many of you knew this space as Grumpy's Honeybunch. While the name has evolved to HoneyB's Kitchen to better reflect my journey today, my mission remains the same: sharing cherished family recipes and new, approachable creations from my home in North Carolina.
Jump to:
- A Childhood Rooted in Home Cooking and Homesteading
- Almost everything we ate was homemade!
- How HoneyB's Kitchen Began
- My Experience as a Home Cook and Recipe Developer
- Beyond the Kitchen: My Love for Travel
- Cookbook Author and Brand Collaborations
- Tried and True Family Recipes
- Connect with Shelby and HoneyB's Kitchen
- Popular Recipes on HoneyB's Kitchen
A Childhood Rooted in Home Cooking and Homesteading
I grew up in the 1960s and 70s in a country home with my parents and two younger brothers. Our family lived a traditional homesteading lifestyle long before it became popular.
We raised our own cattle for beef, kept chickens for eggs and meat, and grew a large garden every year. During the warmer months, we gathered wild blackberries, raspberries, elderberries, and grapes from nearby woods.
Almost everything we ate was homemade!
My mother and grandmother, Mae Whitton, affectionately known as "Nanny" were exceptional home cooks. From them, I learned scratch cooking, baking, food preservation, and traditional canning techniques. These early lessons shaped my lifelong love for homemade food and seasonal cooking.
How HoneyB's Kitchen Began
My cooking journey truly began beside my mom and Nanny. They taught me that good food starts with simple ingredients, patience, and love.
In 2007, I started this food blog to preserve our family's favorite recipes and create a place where my children and grandchildren could always find them. What began as a small personal project, soon grew into HoneyB's Kitchen, a trusted resource for home cooks around the world.
My Experience as a Home Cook and Recipe Developer
Although I am not formally trained, my kitchen education comes from decades of hands-on experience, family traditions, and constant learning.
I love:
- Cooking from scratch
- Baking homemade desserts
- Developing orginal recipes
- Testing and improving family favorites
- Preserving food through canning and dehydrating
- Experimenting with flavors and techniques
Stocking my pantry with homemade jams, sauces, and preserved produce remains one of my favorite parts of home cooking.
Every recipe I share is carefully tested, approachable, and designed for real kitchens.
Beyond the Kitchen: My Love for Travel
When I'm not at the stove, you'll likely find me exploring the world. I have a deep passion for travel and have been fortunate enough to travel all over the USA as well as experience the cultures of Brazil, Canada, and the Caribbean. One of my most cherished memories was spending two full months in Spain while visiting my son. I completely immersed myself in the local culture, studied the language, wandering local markets, and falling in love with the Mediterranean way of life. It was there I discovered Pan con Tomate, a simple yet life changing Spanish Breakfast. I loved it so much that I brought the tradition home with me; you can find my own Pan con Tomate recipe here. Those global adventures, from the vibrant streets of Spain to the tropical flavors of the Caribbean, constantly inspire the new techniques and flavors I bring back to my North Carolina Kitchen.
Cookbook Author and Brand Collaborations
I am the author of three published cookbooks:
Through my work, I've partnered with respected organizations including the New York Beef Council and Veal.org. I've also served as brand ambassador for brands such as CK Mondavi and Certified Angus Beef.
These collaborations allow me to continue sharing reliable, high-quality recipes and cooking resources my readers.
Tried and True Family Recipes
At HoneyB's Kitchen, you'll find a variety of recipes, including:
- Classic comfort food & Traditional family meals
- Low-carb, keto recipes and Light & healthy dishes
- Seasonal favorites & Homemade desserts
- Specialty: Venison Recipes & Canning recipes
Whether you are cooking for a busy family, a small household, or just yourself, my goal is to help you make delicious meals without stress.
I believe good food should be practical, affordable, and made with care.
Connect with Shelby and HoneyB's Kitchen
I love connecting with fellow home cooks and food lovers.
You can follow HoneyB's Kitchen on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram. You can also find my author page on Amazon or contact me directly using my contact form.
Thank you for visiting HoneyB's Kitchen and being part of this community. I'm honored to share my recipes and kitchen traditions with you.