Hi there, I’m Amanda, and I’m so glad you’re here. I’m 42 years old, living in a cozy suburb just outside of Asheville, North Carolina, where the mountains peek through my kitchen window and the scent of something delicious is almost always in the air. Cooking, for me, has never been about being fancy—it’s about being real, present, and connected to the people I love most. I didn’t grow up in a culinary school kitchen. In fact, my earliest memories of cooking involve a wobbly step stool, my grandmother’s patient voice guiding me through a biscuit recipe, and a dusting of flour on everything—including the dog. Over the years, I’ve burned more than a few meals, improvised when I didn’t have the right ingredient, and discovered that some of the best dishes come from happy accidents.
These days, my kitchen is where I unwind after a long day, experiment with what’s in season, and turn everyday ingredients into something worth gathering around. I’ve got a soft spot for hearty casseroles, simple one-pan meals, and weekend pancakes that turn into family traditions. I also love giving classic dishes a modern spin—like turning my mom’s meatloaf into something a bit lighter, or sneaking more veggies into mac and cheese without anyone noticing (don’t tell my kids!).
I started sharing my recipes not because I think I’ve mastered the art of cooking, but because I believe anyone can make great food with a little guidance and encouragement. Whether you’re boiling water for the first time or trying to perfect your pie crust, I’m here to cheer you on. You don’t need a million gadgets or fancy ingredients—just a bit of curiosity and a willingness to try.
So pull up a chair, grab your apron, and let’s make something wonderful together. This isn’t about perfection—it’s about finding joy in the kitchen, one simple, satisfying recipe at a time. With warmth and a big scoop of love, Amanda
