Kelley Epstein is a Utah native who writes the blog Mountain Mama Cooks. Her recipes follow the seasons and tend to be wholesome, occasionally indulgent, family-friendly, and simple to prepare. In addition to running her blog, Kelley works part-time as a private chef in Park City, Utah, cooking for local families, seasonal visitors, Sundance Film Festival guests, and her husband and two young sons. When she isn’t in the kitchen, she’s likely on the slopes snowboarding. Her first cookbook, Après All Day (Chronicle, 2021), collects dishes that reflect après-ski culture and life in mountain towns.
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Kelley Epstein’s Ski Soup
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Cooking Tips at Altitude
1. Meat: Allow up to 25% more cooking time than stated in recipes. Use a food thermometer and check frequently to avoid overcooking.
2. Pasta: Because water boils at a lower temperature at altitude, pasta requires about 10–15% more cooking time than the recipe indicates.
3. Casseroles: Add a few extra minutes and keep the dish covered for most of the baking time. This helps food cook through evenly and prevents drying out.