What is a cookie?
A cookie is a small text file your browser keeps for a website. The site can write to it and read it back later. Local storage works the same way for the pages on chefmelissa.shop that have a tool you can use without logging in.
This page lists the categories I currently use. If something changes, I'll update the table and the date at the top.
What I use, by category
Strictly necessary (always on)
None at the moment. The site is plain HTML and CSS. I do not place a session cookie just to read a recipe.
Functional (only set when you use the tool)
- Pantry checklist — uses local storage in your browser to remember which boxes you ticked. Set only when you visit /tools/pantry-checklist.html. Lives until you clear it.
- Recipe scaler — uses local storage to remember the last serving size you typed. Set only when you visit /tools/recipe-scaler.html. Lives until you clear it.
Analytics
None at the moment. If I add an analytics tool later, I'll list the cookies it sets here before turning it on.
Advertising (Google AdSense)
When AdSense is showing ads, Google and its certified partners may set cookies on your browser to limit how often you see the same ad, prevent fraud, measure ad performance, and (where you've consented) personalise the ads you see. Google publishes the full list and its purposes in its cookie types page and the advertising cookies page.
I don't have a separate list because the exact cookies depend on which ad partner Google uses for a given page view.
How to turn cookies off
The cleanest way is in your browser settings: every browser lets you block all cookies, block third-party cookies only, or clear what's already there. Specifically for advertising cookies, you also have these tools:
- Google Ads Settings — turn off ad personalisation across Google.
- aboutads.info/choices — opt out of many ad networks at once (US).
- youronlinechoices.eu — the European equivalent.
If you're in the EEA, UK, or Switzerland, you'll see a consent banner before any personalised ad is shown. You can come back to those choices any time from the privacy settings page.
What happens if you block everything
The recipes, guides, and policy pages all read fine. The pantry checklist and recipe scaler will still work, but they won't remember anything between visits. Ads may still appear but won't be personalised.
Questions
Email hello@chefmelissa.shop. Mention which cookie or which page if you can.