Every community has its hidden gems, and sometimes they shine brightest in the kitchen. For Michele Bragg, also known as The Zesty Italian on social media, cooking is not just about creating meals; it’s about creating connections.
With each recipe she shares, Michele brings a story to the table, hoping to connect with others who may soon learn to love cooking as much as she does. Though she is still working to get noticed, she is driven by a simple dream: to create delicious meals from simple ingredients while helping others feel confident in their ability to cook.
Cooking Up a Dream
Michele’s dream came to life during the pandemic in 2020. While spending extra time at home, she realized that her favorite way to fill those long days was by cooking and baking for her family. That spark soon became something more — she wanted to share her recipes with others. And with that, The Zesty Italian was born.
What started as a catering business has since evolved into a vibrant social media presence where Michele shares recipes of all kinds. Through her TikTok and Facebook pages, she’s been able to reach people across the Ohio Valley — inspiring many to find joy and confidence in their own kitchens.
Each week, she posts new, easy-to-follow recipes, and the feedback she receives keeps her motivated. “I love when people reach out and let me know they tried (and loved) one of my recipes,” she shared. That connection with her followers was ultimately what convinced her to focus on recipe sharing instead of catering.
A Taste of Heritage
Some of Michele’s favorite ingredients to work with are extra virgin olive oil, garlic, and hot pepper — staples in many Italian-inspired dishes. Her Italian heritage plays a big part in her love for cooking, and her earliest memories are tied to the kitchen.
“It was the first recipe I learned,” she said, remembering how she made zucchini frittata with her Zia on the family farm in Castel Frentano, Italy. “I was not quite five years old, and I still remember it! We gathered the eggs from her chickens, picked the zucchini, onions, and herbs from her garden, and she let me break the eggs and beat them! I was thrilled! I will never forget that. I still think about it every time I make a frittata.”
Those cherished memories have stayed with her all these years, finding their way into every dish she creates.
Food as Family
When asked what influenced her love of cooking, Michele didn’t hesitate. “My mom, my aunts, and my Italian heritage,” she said. “Food seems to be the glue that keeps the family together. From inviting family and friends to gather for dinner, enjoying a meal together with plenty of discussion, and creating memories so that our children and grandchildren will want to do the same — I just fell in love with the fact that food was bringing us all together.”
Sharing the Zest
Michele created The Zesty Italian to share her love of cooking with others, and she hopes that as her audience grows, more people will feel inspired to get into the kitchen. For her, food is about far more than flavor — it’s about family, joy, and togetherness.
After all, cooking is an easy way for families and friends to come together and create memories that last a lifetime.
