Cooking isn’t just about making food — it’s about creating experiences. For Ross, a Los Angeles-based chef and recipe developer, that experience started as an unexpected passion during the 2020 lockdown. What began as a simple curiosity turned into a deep dive into culinary innovation, leading him to explore the art of infusion as a way to layer flavors and enhance functionality in his dishes.
Now, Ross uses LĒVO to bring precision and creativity into his kitchen, crafting bold, aromatic infusions that transform everyday recipes into something truly special. His latest creation? Adaptogen Brownies — rich, ultra-fudgy brownies featuring infused butter with LEVO's chaga and reishi specialty herb bundles for a functional twist that enhances relaxation and focus.
In this spotlight, Ross shares his infusion journey, expert tips, and the recipe behind his elevated take on a classic treat.
Tell us a little about yourself!
I’m Ross, a chef and recipe developer based in Los Angeles, California. Cooking wasn’t always part of my life — I didn’t know how to scramble eggs until after college. It wasn’t until the 2020 lockdown that I discovered my passion for the kitchen. For 14 months, I cooked every meal I ate, diving deep into different cuisines and experimenting with ingredients and techniques. That journey turned into a quest for culinary excellence, and today I focus on creating elevated recipes that inspire home cooks to innovate. I’m motivated by the dream of passing everything I’ve learned on to my future kids.
How did you get into infusion?
I’ve always been fascinated by how small details can transform a dish, and homemade infusions felt like an exciting way to add depth to my recipes. My first foray into infusion came while experimenting with olive oil to elevate a simple pasta dish. From there, I was hooked — realizing the endless possibilities for infusing oils, butters, and honeys with bold flavors.
What do you love most about using your LĒVO infusion machine?
The precision and ease. The LĒVO machine makes it effortless to extract vibrant flavors, and its customization options let me experiment with different temperatures and times. Plus, the cleanup is so simple, which means I can focus more on the creative side of cooking.
What’s your favorite infusion to make with LĒVO, and how do you use it?
One of my favorites is chaga and reishi-infused butter (recipe below). It brings deep, earthy complexity while enhancing focus and relaxation. I recently used it in a batch of LĒVO Adaptogen Brownies, and the results were incredible — ultra-fudgy, intensely chocolatey, and packed with functional benefits without any bitterness.
Do you have any tips, tricks, or advice for others using their LĒVO machine?
Don’t be afraid to experiment! Start with single-ingredient infusions like garlic or rosemary, then branch out into combinations. Also, always taste your infusions — they’ll give you clues about balance and intensity. Lastly, keep a journal of your experiments so you can refine and replicate your favorites.
If you could describe your “infusion style” in three words, what would they be?
Innovative, Aromatic, Elevated.
What inspires you to create recipes or infused products?
I draw inspiration from seasonal ingredients, global cuisines, and the vibrant food culture in Los Angeles. My goal is to create recipes that feel both approachable and refined, always aiming to surprise with a depth of flavor.
What’s one thing you’d like others to know about you or your journey?
I’ve come to realize that cooking is about more than just making food — it’s a way to connect, tell stories, and bring joy. I hope my journey inspires others to step into the kitchen, even if they feel like they don’t know where to start. If I could learn, anyone can.
Can you tell us about the recipe you developed for this feature?
I developed a recipe for Adaptogen Brownies — rich, ultra-fudgy brownies infused with chaga and reishi butter for a functional twist. The infusion deepens the chocolate flavor while adding an extra layer of relaxation and focus. LĒVO makes the process effortless, so you get an elevated treat that tastes indulgent while offering functional benefits.
Anything else you’d like to share with the LĒVO community?
I’m so grateful to be part of this creative community. Infusion is such a powerful tool to elevate any dish, and the possibilities are endless. You can follow my culinary adventures on Instagram at @thisguycooks, where I share recipes, tips, and inspiration.
Ross’s journey proves that infusion isn’t just for the experts — it’s for anyone looking to elevate their cooking with deeper flavors and functional benefits. Whether you're infusing for flavor, wellness, or creativity, LĒVO makes it effortless to experiment, customize, and perfect your recipes.
Inspired by Ross’s story? Give his Adaptogen Brownies a try and see for yourself how easy it is to create infused treats with LĒVO.
Get the full recipe below and start infusing 👇
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