John and kim vargo in blue.

Hey there!

We’re Kim and John, the husband-and-wife team behind Berly’s Kitchen. Thanks for stopping by—whether you’re here for a quick dinner idea, a fun dessert, or something festive for the holidays, we’re so glad you found us.

How It All Started

Back in 2001, John and I met while working in a restaurant. We’d talk for hours about starting a food business someday. A blog wasn’t even on our radar back then, but in 2015, that changed. I launched Berly’s Kitchen while working full-time and looking for a creative outlet. At the same time, John’s health was starting to take a turn, and we needed a long-term plan that allowed us both to work from home.

Berly’s Kitchen officially came to life in November 2015, built on the idea of approachable, home-cooked recipes without shortcuts like canned doughs or pre-packaged mixes. That foundation has grown into what you see today simple, flavorful meals, fun desserts, appetizers, holiday favorites, and cocktails.

Our Mission

Our goal is simple: to help home cooks feel confident in the kitchen with reliable recipes that don’t require a culinary degree or hours of prep time. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just need something quick after work, we’ve got you covered with approachable recipes that taste great.

What We Believe

Respect for food and our readers. Whether it’s a Southern-inspired classic or a twist on a holiday dish, our goal is to help you get it right.

Simplicity matters. We keep things practical, using ingredients you already have or can find at any grocery store.

Semi-homemade is ok. We believe great food doesn’t have to be complicated. Most of our recipes use everyday ingredients and smart shortcuts, like cake mixes, jarred sauces, and prepped items, to keep things easy without sacrificing flavor.

No AI-generated visuals. All of our photos and videos are created using either an iPhone or a DSLR. We believe in the integrity of showing you what the food actually looks like when we make it.

Hand-held pumpkin pies with a golden-brown crust and flaky layers.

Kimberly Vargo

Co-Founder | Recipe Developer | Writer | Photographer

I wear a lot of hats around here. I manage our content, take all the photos, write the posts, handle the social media accounts, and test every recipe. Before blogging, I worked in the restaurant industry and later spent over a decade with state agencies before turning Berly’s Kitchen into my full-time job.

Learn more

Johnathan Vargo

Co-Founder | Business Manager | Recipe Developer

John is the other half of Berly’s Kitchen. He brings decades of home cook and restaurant experience (including time as a sous chef and being a trained bartender), plus a background in business management and customer service. These days, he’s more behind the scenes focusing on his health, but he still pops in to help with recipes, answering comments, and emails.

Learn more

  • Buzzfeed
  • Woman’s World Magazine (Print Version)
  • Shari’s Berries
  • The Chew
  • Parade (Community Table)
  • Dishing with Delishes (Podcast)
  • Foodgawker
  • Elle France
  • MSN
  • MSNBC Make It
  • Popsugar
  • Keto Gatherings Cookbook (Photography Only)
  • Right This Minute

Brands We’ve Partnered With

What’s Next?

We’re currently focused on easy meals and main dishes, fun desserts and appetizers, holiday recipes, and cocktails. Basically, the kinds of recipes you’ll actually want to make and share.

Want to stay in the loop?

Sign up for our email newsletter to get recipes delivered straight to your inbox. You can also follow us on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook for daily updates and behind-the-scenes content.

Thanks so much for being here. We’re truly grateful you’re part of this community!

—Kim & John

📬 Contact Us
kimberly@berlyskitchen.com
john@berlyskitchen.com