Professional Recipe developer · Cookbook author · Creator
Real-life recipes that bring families back to the table.
I’m Holly Nilsson, the creator of Spend with Pennies and the author of the bestselling cookbook Everyday Comfort.
14 years
Of expertise in developing recipes for home cooks
3,000+
Free recipes straight from the test kitchen.
Millions
Of readers every month and 7+ million followers on social media
Bestseller
Everyday Comfort cookbook was a featured bestseller
Meet Holly
Holly Nilsson started cooking for her family at a young age on a tight budget, some of that time spent as a single parent of three. She began sharing her recipes online in 2012.
Those simple, dependable meals grew into Spend with Pennies, now one of the most trusted food sites with over 3,000 recipes.
Holly’s approach to food stems from her early years as a mom. This is where she learned you don’t need fancy ingredients to make great meals, and sometimes the simplest of ingredients create the most comforting dishes.
She specializes in recipes that use everyday ingredients and approachable techniques. Her recipes are tested to perfection, ensuring they work in any kitchen with any tools. You’ll find nostalgic comfort food, fresh weeknight dinners, and new twists on old favorites.
Holly lives just outside Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, with her husband Ken, and loves time with her four children, sons-in-law, and her three grandkids.
Find Holly’s work
Holly’s Substack
Exclusive recipes and notes from Holly’s kitchen, delivered to your inbox.
Premium Meal Plans
Weekly dinner plans that take the guesswork out of what’s for supper.
Accolades & press
The Globe and Mail
Everyday Comfort landed on The Globe and Mail bestseller list.
Toronto Star
Everyday Comfort was a Toronto Star bestseller.
Food Network
Food Network named Everyday Comfort one of its best cookbooks of 2024.
Food Network Magazine
Holly’s recipes have been featured in the print pages of Food Network Magazine.
Woman’s World
Holly’s easy, family-friendly recipes have appeared in Woman’s World magazine.
Elle Gourmet
Holly’s recipes have been featured in Elle Gourmet magazine in print.
KING 5 New Day Northwest
Holly cooked live on Seattle’s New Day Northwest, making her grilled chicken wraps.
KATU Portland
Holly has shared recipes and cooking tips on Portland television.
Work with Holly
Holly partners with brands her readers already trust in their kitchens. Reach millions of home cooks through:
- Sponsored recipes and recipe development
- Recipe videos and social content
- Newsletter and Substack features
- TV segments, media and speaking