Welcome to PudgeFactor! I'm Chula, a professor by day and a foodie by night, and I'm Susan, a professionally trained pastry chef and award-winning writer. We are the bloggers, videographers, and award-winning photographers behind PudgeFactor!

We both love to cook and try new things, and we share a deep passion for helping others become more confident in their own kitchens. At PudgeFactor, we don’t just post recipes—we explain the how and the why, empowering you with step-by-step photos, clear instructions, and practical tips we've learned through years of experience. By teaching you, we continue learning ourselves.

What You'll Find In PudgeFactor

As you explore the blog, you’ll find a wide range of well-tested recipes—from comforting classics to creative seasonal dishes. Whether simple or sophisticated, every recipe is created with care and includes the details you need to be successful. Our photography is our own, our videos are produced by us, and all of our recipes are developed and tested in our own kitchens.

We also approach food blogging as a form of teaching. Our goal is not just to share what we made—but to show you exactly how to make it, too.

How It All Began With Chula

PudgeFactor began over 30 years ago as a homemade Christmas gift: a print cookbook I (Chula) created for our family. At the time, I cooked mostly from memory, so learning to write down ingredients and instructions precisely was its own challenge! That experience led to a desire for better access to our favorite recipes—and eventually, to building a digital version of the cookbook.

In 2012, I launched PudgeFactor.com to blend my love of cooking with photography, Photoshop, and an interest in online tools and technology.

With the Addition of Susan

While I’ve been part of PudgeFactor since the beginning, I started out more as a behind-the-scenes sous chef—helping in the kitchen, giving staging feedback, and occasionally contributing a recipe. Over time, I (Susan) realized that PudgeFactor was the perfect place to bring together my background in pastry, food writing, and photography.

In 2023, I officially joined PudgeFactor full-time. Now, Chula and I collaborate on everything from recipe testing to photography and writing. I still have the first cookbook my mom gave me when I was 11—and now, we’re writing new chapters together.

How We Use AI (Artificial Intelligence)

🔍 How We Use AI Responsibly

At PudgeFactor, every recipe is created, tested, and photographed by us. Behind the scenes, we also use modern tools—like AI—to thoughtfully enhance our workflow and improve clarity, always with our readers in mind.

We believe in embracing innovation without compromising quality. AI supports—but never replaces—our creativity, experience, and hands-on testing. Here’s how we use it:

Idea Exploration: We occasionally use AI tools like ChatGPT to help brainstorm recipe variations or explore seasonal trends.
Writing Clarity: AI helps us refine phrasing and improve clarity in blog posts and recipe instructions—but all final writing is reviewed, edited, and rewritten in our own voice.
Photo Staging Inspiration: We sometimes use AI to generate staging concepts—but every photo is styled, shot, and edited by us using real food we’ve made in our kitchen.
Video Planning: While AI might help generate ideas for camera angles or pacing, all videos are filmed, edited, and produced by us—and show the actual recipe, step-by-step.

What we don’t do: We never publish AI-generated recipes, photos, or videos. Every image and video you see on PudgeFactor is based on real cooking, tested in our kitchen and designed to teach, not just entertain.

In short, AI helps us work smarter—but the heart, flavor, and final say always come from us.

Why the Name PudgeFactor?

We know—it’s a little unusual! Around our house, “pudge” has always been our lighthearted way of saying someone is happily full after a delicious meal. The name “PudgeFactor” started as a play on Fudge Factor, and it's grown into a blog that’s stuffed with flavor, knowledge, and a little fun.

Where We've Been Featured

In addition to sharing our vast experience in PudgeFactor, we've also been a guest columnist for the TLC Life section of the Tallahassee Democrat. In addition, PudgeFactor recipes have been featured in a number of publications throughout the US and internationally.

We’re so glad you’re here, and we can’t wait to cook with you!