welcome!
Hi! I'm Joanie
the cook, photographer, and creative behind The Dinner Bell. I live in Phoenix, Arizona with my husband, our two boys, and our Australian Shepherd, Bruce.
The Dinner Bell is my virtual kitchen, where I share wholesome, family-friendly recipes that balance blood sugar, flavor, and enjoyment. From nourishing weeknight dinners to indulgent sourdough bakes, every recipe here is about sustainable wellness. I believe food should fuel us and bring us joy.
The Story Behind the Name
The name comes from my Grandma Joanie (my namesake), whose house was the heart of every holiday. When she rang the bell outside the kitchen door, we all knew it was time to eat.
For me, The Dinner Bell symbolizes gathering, sharing, and making sure everyone has a seat at the table.
Food Philosophy: Balance without Restriction
I don’t believe in cutting out food groups unless health requires it. My family includes loved ones with type 2 diabetes, pre-diabetes, celiac disease, and soy allergies. I’ve learned how to create recipes that are inclusive, nourishing, and full of flavor.
That means:
- Blood sugar–friendly dinners packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats
- Sourdough breads and desserts that can be enjoyed in balance
- Allergy-aware recipes that still feel like comfort food
- Quick, everyday staples for busy family life
Whether it’s a cottage cheese bagel, a sourdough garlic knot, or a protein-packed casserole, you’ll find recipes here that fit real life and real people.
Our Blood Sugar Journey
In 2024, I hit a turning point in my health. I was struggling with brain fog, poor sleep, painful cycles, and weight I couldn’t shake. I started using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) through the Levels ap. Not because I was diabetic, but because I wanted to better understand how food impacted my body.
The data was eye-opening. By focusing on meals with protein, fat, and fiber, I stabilized my blood sugar, reduced inflammation, gained energy, and lost 20 pounds, without dieting or deprivation.
I still enjoy ice cream pie for birthdays and cinnamon rolls at Christmas. For me, this isn’t about restriction. It’s about nourishing my body most of the time and celebrating food all of the time.
Not long after, my husband Ryan decided to test one of my CGM devices just out of curiosity. He’s always been fit, active, and symptom-free. His job as a handyman keeps him moving all day, and he eats well. But over a month of tracking, the data consistently showed he was in the pre-diabetic range and beginning to show signs of insulin resistance. It was a shock to both of us, a reminder that even people who look healthy on the outside can have things going on beneath the surface.
Since then, we’ve continued to focus on blood-sugar-friendly meals at home while keeping his favorite treats in the mix through food pairing and timing. It’s been encouraging to watch his fasting glucose move in the right direction!
Where I Fell in Love with Cooking
I’ve been food-obsessed since childhood, thanks to 90s PBS cooking shows. At ten years old, I was attempting homemade pasta and tandoori chicken.
Over the years, my culinary education came from:
- Dining in NYC as a newlywed on a budget (stretching dollars, exploring flavors).
- Working in Phoenix restaurants, learning from chefs and purveyors.
- Competing on Guy’s Grocery Games on Food Network.
- Years as a professional food photographer, capturing recipes for cookbooks and brands.
All of this hands-on experience shapes the recipes I create for you.
What You Can Expect Here
Every recipe on The Dinner Bell is:
- Well-tested (so it works in your kitchen).
- Kid-approved (my boys are my toughest critics).
- Made with real ingredients (no wild goose chases for fancy items).
- Inclusive (options for gluten-free, soy-free, and diabetic menus).
Let’s Stay Connected
Thanks so much for stopping by!
If you’d like to collaborate, sponsor content, or need food photography for your business, email me at joanie@joaniesimonmedia.com.
And if you’re just here to cook, grab a recipe, gather your people, and let’s ring the dinner bell together.