I’m LENA your typical home cook in her 30s—juggling a freelance writing career, a cat that thinks it’s a sous‑chef, and a secret love for hot sauce. I grew up near New Orleans, in a family where “Fish Friday” meant laughter, mess, and bold flavors. That’s where my obsession with smoky seafood and meat was born. My first tries? Let’s just say the fire alarm got more action than the dinner table. But I learned—sometimes the hard way—how to blacken perfectly. Not burn, but deeply crisp and spiced to the soul.
Blackened food can feel intimidating—like you need fancy pans and obscure spice blends—but I promise you don’t. Here, you’ll find simple spice mixes you can whip up in two minutes, tricks to adjust the heat to your liking, and real-talk tips (like “yes, your oven smoke alarm goes off sometimes—and it’s okay”)
You’ll find everything from blackened salmon and spicy shrimp to veggie bites that satisfy that smoky-crisp craving. I write like I speak—with little expletives, a few typos (sorry!), and zero fluff. If you’re here, maybe you had a dish go sideways, or you just want to bring dinner back to life. This is your happy place for spice-forward flavor without the fuss.
So stick around. Try a recipe. Tag me on FB if you mess up—that’s part of the fun. We’re friends here—laughing at the fails, celebrating the wins, and learning by trial and fire, one blackened bite at a time.
Welcome to Blackened Bites—a cozy spot for bold, smoky Southern-style recipes made easy for home cooks.